The third and, currently, finalGuardians of the Galaxyfilm directed by James Gunn just hit theaters, and so far it has impressed fans and critics alike. While not expected to break any records, it is on track for a solid opening weekend and should satisfy fans who have kept up with the Guardians since 2014. That initial film remains one of the biggest surprise hits of theMCU, propelling the obscure Marvel mercenary group into fame and playing some role in the lead-up to the 2021 gameMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. While not the firstGuardiansgame adaptation,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxystands out as a flashy and intriguing look at the gang’s adventures.
This game was a surprise all on its own, delighting fans despite failing to hit financial goals.Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyfelt like a breath of fresh air after the widespread disappointment caused byMarvel’s Avengersthe year before, which is even more startling considering their similarities. Both are linear superhero action RPGs, but whereasMarvel’s Avengersemphasized its live-service and multiplayer elements,Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxyis single-player and compact. This approach had some considerable advantages in tuning combat and keeping a focus on the narrative, but if anotherGuardians of the Galaxygame is ever made, it could benefit from broadening its horizons likeMarvel’s Avengersdid.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Is Begging For a Co-Op Game
Even though the player only controls Star-Lord,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxymakes a point of involving the other Guardians in its gameplay and story. The player has limited control over what the other Guardians are doing, and team-up attacks are common. Meanwhile, during some cutscenes, the player can choose what Star-Lord says to the other characters, often resulting in them remembering his responses likethe TelltaleGuardians of the Galaxytitlefrom several years prior. The near-constant presence of a team is a signature part ofGuardians of the Galaxy, but only one perspective is available here.
Players often feel a deeper connection with characters they are allowed to control, and while no story requires multiple points of view,Guardians of the Galaxycan easily support more than one. Close relationships between teammates define the Guardians, and media featuring them uses their collective name for a reason.A futureGuardians of the Galaxyvideo gamewould benefit greatly from giving the whole core Guardians team playable roles, and it can take advantage of this by folding in the co-op featured prominently inMarvel’s Avengers.
Marvel’s Avengers’ Co-Op Is A Good Starting Point For Guardians of the Galaxy
WhileMarvel’s Avengershas a number of controversial live service elements, its cooperative elements stick out as a strong point thatMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxycould have shared. Like the Guardians,the Avengers are defined by being a teamand are thus best experienced as part of one. Going through the story solo isn’t as much fun as jumping into cooperative sessions with other players, assumingMarvel’s Avengers’ technical issues don’t hamper the experience.
AGuardians of the Galaxygame with co-op would have the one thing missing from Marvel’s Guardians formula. Players could choose their favorite Guardian and play through linear levels alongside other people, who would ideally control their own customized characters. It would make for a unique experience if the story also worked in multiplayer, with players controlling their own character’s decisions akin toThe Dark Pictures Anthology, or voting on branching decisions as a group. If this is implemented well,a futureGuardians of the Galaxytitlecan take full advantage of its ensemble cast in ways not evenMarvel’s Avengerscould.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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