Our first look at Marvel’s Midnight Suns gameplay has revealed card-based strategy combat from developer Firaxis Games and publisher 2K. The gameplay trailer and gameplay breakdown were shared by IGN today, offering a first look at the tactical comic book game from the developer behind the XCOM series. However, the studio explains that Marvel’s Midnight Suns isn’t just Marvel meets XCOM.
One of the biggest differentiators shown off involves a customizable card battle system that rewards creative thinking. The studio describes gameplay in Marvel’s Midnight Suns as a “cinematic tactical affair” where players can control a squad of three characters by utilizing a hand of randomly selected card abilities. Each superhero has attacks that range from quick and small to large finishing moves, with all options offering unique practical and cinematic advantages. You’ll be able to customize your heroes with different costumes as well.
Additionally, Marvel’s Midnight Suns takes place in a universe separate from other storylines such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In other words, characters such as Wolverine, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange will act in ways familiar to many while still having a few differences from what you may be used to. Marvel’s Midnight Suns will offer a roster of 12 characters in total in addition to the fully customizable player character, the Hunter, with some yet-to-be-revealed heroes being saved for closer to launch.
When players are done with missions they’ll regroup back at the Abbey, a hub world where heroes gather to cool down after the fighting finishes. Here, Firaxis promises that players will have the opportunity to forge and maintain relationships with some of Marvel’s mightiest characters. Some examples of how to deepen friendships include taking a walk outside with Tony Stark and practicing magical yoga. Though it sounds like the connections built will impact the game at large, Firaxis explained that you won’t be able to romance any of the characters.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns launches for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X | S sometime in March 2022. You can watch the full gameplay presentation from Firaxis and 2K below.
