MARVEL’S GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
The general consensus around one of the worst-kept secrets of the summer was that a new Marvel licensed game would be a waste of the studio behind Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Doubtless the underwhelming launch of Marvel’s Avengers contributed to that cynical stance before so much as a second of footage had been seen. Well, we got more than a second. Much more. By common consent, this was a needlessly protracted overview, taking up almost half of
Square Enix’s Summer Showcase – although once you saw the rest, you could understand why the publisher chose to spend so long on it.
As the first major opportunity to show off a game due out in a few short months, it surely made sense on paper. In practice, it sapped plenty of audience goodwill – and some of the zip out of a game that, granted, looks a lot like several other triple-A games blended into a colourful, easily digestible smoothie. Marvel’s Mass Effect? Uncharted In Space? Heck, it even had a ‘Rocket will remember that’ moment to remind us this isn’t the first Guardians videogame.
Yet there is plenty to admire here, too. The vibrant palette sets this apart from most blockbusters, as does its sense of humour: the wisecracks here have an edge to them, with the Guardians frequently bickering among themselves, delivering the sort of withering putdowns you’d only ever aim at your closest friends. Granted, the constant shouts during combat could well grow grating over a 15-hour adventure. Yet they’re useful, too. As Star-Lord you fight directly, combining your twin blasters with melee attacks. At the same time, you also command your fellow Guardians, choosing between four moves for each and working out which ones combine to most devastating effect. Launch an enemy with an uppercut, and Drax’s drop-kick will soon knock the wind out of them. Invite Rocket to leap into Groot’s harness, and he’ll become a mobile turret of sorts.
Successful combos accelerate a special meter that means you no longer need to concern yourself with cooldowns, as Star-Lord lifts his Walkman as if holding the Master Sword aloft before pumping out an ’80s hit to score the ensuing pile-on. Tunes from Kiss, Joan Jett, Iron Maiden, Wham!, Blondie and Pat Benatar are all promised: if the lack of likenesses means we’re saddled with an off-brand Star-Lord, at least it will sound the part. And we’re quietly pleased to learn that the story branches prompted by key decisions you make will all converge – because, as narrative director Mary Demarle puts it, “We’re building a strong climactic ending that’s going to be exciting.” That’d make a pleasant change for Marvel, at least.
The vibrant palette sets Guardians apart from most blockbusters, as does its sense of humour