Marvel’s Midnight Suns Review (Playstation 5, Microsoft Windows, & Xbox Series X/S)

A superhero game isn't complete without bringing out the true essence of vindictive supernatural powers. Marvel's newest addition to the videogame lineup soars pretty close to this with its intense showcase of supernatural abilities from our all-loving heroes. At first, I was skeptical whether a tactical role-playing game would be able to achieve this, but given the franchise's track record, the game is absolutely amazeballs.  The collaboration between Marvel Games and developer Firaxis Games brings an intriguing “bad guy vs. good guy” RPG. The game bears many traits from Marvel Comics, featuring heroes from the X-Men, Avengers, Runaways, and Midnight Sons. So if you're wondering if this is worth adding to your collection, here is an explicit Marvel's Midnight Suns review that delves into the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Story

The story is based on Midnight Sons, a Marvel Comics series. Inspired by his despicable traits, HYDRA'S nefarious Doctor Faustus uses science infused with magic to revive Lilith, mother of demons, from her damnation slumber. Doctor Faustus believes Lilith will help HYDRA take over the world using her powers. However, Lilith has other plans in mind. After her revival, Lilith continues to pursue the lifelong prophecy of heralding her master, the elder god, Chthon. Six months later, her aspirations are brought to life with the appearance of the “Midnight Sun,” which is a sign of Chthon's forthcoming. 

Lilith then teams up with the HYDRA squad and takes on the Sanctum Sanctorum. Her first battle with the Avengers ensues here, and soon enough, her dark forces overpower the supernatural team. 

After being pushed to the brink, Dr. Strange seeks the help of the Caretaker, Lilith's sister, to revive The Hunter. The Hunter is Lilith's son and the only one who has defeated the mother of demons in battle. In the intense family reunion, the avengers also seek the help of the Midnight Suns; Robbie Reyes, Nico Minoru, and Magik Blade.

The Hunt Begins

Players take on the role of the Hunter and strategically use cards to overpower their foes. As a TRPG, Marvel's Midnight Suns has 13 heroes, including the customizable Hunter. Moreover, it features other playable characters, including Captain America, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Venom, Morbius, and many more. Also, you get to select Hunter's skillset from a roster of 30 varying abilities. Hunter is a character with a disturbing past. However, his role is critical in the story's development. 

Despite the story's linear approach, your choices in the game, including Hunter's customization, heavily emphasize the outcome. Your reactions to other characters' actions will also influence the game's major events, which provides an alluring and grounding exclusive experience. 

There are plenty of familial references in the game that shape the storyline. A few hours into the game, it becomes evident that Lilith and the Caretaker have an extensive history. Despite the fact that the Caretaker appears to be on the good guys' side as a mentor to the Midnight's Suns. 

The Hunter is distinct from other playable characters. For starters, you can customize his appearance and sex. Also, you can alter his mission approach by having him play offence or defence. The offence side of the Hunter focuses on elements of utility and healing. On the other hand, the defence of Hunter is all about dealing massive damage. The game's choice system may force you to choose between a softcore and a hardcore playout. Regardless of your choice, it highlights The Hunter's critical role as the game's heart. 

Avengers…and the Other Guys, Assemble!

An exciting feature of the game is how it seamlessly manages to balance the lineup of characters. Each character has a distinct role that contributes to the story's development. Even characters who've had shadowy relationships in the Marvel Universe now hold relations that correspond to the plot. 

Remarkably, The Hunter also has ties with each character owing to similarities in their backdrops. For instance, Hunter's bizarre long-life and demon-slaying ways led to his first bond with Blade. Similarly, Nico bonds with the Hunter owing to their estranged relationship with their mothers. 

A vital element that is quite subtle in the game is the effect of building friendships with each character. Aside from enhancing the relations between characters, it also improves their battle effectiveness and consequently unlocks their ultimate Midnight Suns ability. 

In terms of battle, there's plenty to do in the game before facing it off with Lilith. There are bombs to disarm, HYDRA scouts to fight, and danger zones you need to avoid. 

Dealing the Cards

The linear storyline features plenty of cut scenes with dialogue. All these scenes are skippable, but you'll miss out on the intricate details that shape the characters' relationships. Amid combat missions, players can retreat to the Abbey, a customizable base that offers an explorative view. Players can also interact with other characters and strengthen their bond. Moreover, Marvel's Midnight Suns turn-based combat style is interestingly and refreshingly different from its XCOM games. 

As a tactical RPG, you can choose a set of three heroes at the inception. Every round of battle involves a three-person team and a distinct deck of eight customizable cards. The cards hold different supernatural abilities, as witnessed in the Marvel universe. From Spidey's spider-sense to Tony Stark's superhuman strength, flight, and arsenal. The choice of card you make is key to steering you to victory. Hence, you need to know which ability card to deal with and when. 

The game features card upgrades where you can increase the number of redraws you make. If you're worried about having a few cards to deal with, you can leverage a redraw to amp up your combat. Moreover, the unpredictability that comes with every card is unmatched. It rids the game of repetitiveness for intriguing and addictive gameplay. 

Getting the hang of each card may take a while, but from the start, the head-to-head action is mesmerizing and gets you hooked in no time. The game provides a tutorial that is quite limited and doesn't focus on table setting. However, you'll play like a pro after a few missions. Each crafted ability gets its own dynamic and vivid camera angle for a powerful effect. I still can't get over swinging enemies across the game area and having them collide with each other. The right set of moves creates an ultimate chain of reactions that is ever-so-gratifying.

The Cinematic Marvel Experience

It is only fitting to applaud the developers for their outstanding work in animating the game. Each combat experience feels vibrant. The characters also have a unique sense of style in their fights. Whether it's levitation, taking to the skies, or teleporting, the combo attacks launched by the tag team deliver a satisfying show as the heroes endeavor to knock the snot out of the enemies. Moreover, you can combine heroes for an ethereal ability. For instance, combining Ghost Rider and Magik lets you open up a portal into hell. You can then vanquish your enemies off the face of the map by kicking them into the hole—an instant knockout!

Although the game's map is relatively small and doesn't offer much exploration, the game's backdrop complements the characters' for a truly cinematic experience that marvels (pun intended). However, there's an apparent disconnect between the character's emotions and dialogue. Characterized by a stiff, lifeless quality, it is challenging to discern the dramatic scenes since they lack vitality.

The Verdict

With high risks and rewards being the core of the tactical RPG game, it suffices to say that Marvel's Midnight Suns lives up to this legacy. Moreover, the game manages to strike a perfect balance between rigidity and chaos for seamless gameplay. 

Right off the bat, the game delivers a powerful experience that shows off each character's supernatural abilities. The expression of a hero's power set and abilities through the cards feels carefully crafted and thought out for the ultimate showdown. However, the game may not be a delight for some. The 60-hour campaign, which features tons of dialogue, can be outright dull, even for the biggest enthusiasts of the franchise. Also, the stylistic combat doesn't match the likes of Elden Ring.

Notwithstanding, Marvel's Midnight Suns goes a notch higher to highlight what gives the franchise's universe its characteristic outlook: preternatural abilities. Aside from featuring a compelling storyline, it is interesting to learn the foundations of friendships, which play a crucial role in the game's development.