Marvel’s Midnight Suns Review: The Best Marvel Game Yet?

In a saturated market of superhero games, finding a title that truly innovates and provides a fresh experience can be a challenge. Enter Marvel’s Midnight Suns, a tactical RPG from Firaxis Games, the acclaimed developers behind the legendary XCOM series. This game was a surprise for many, veering away from the typical action-adventure genre and instead, offering a deep, turn-based card-battling experience combined with rich social simulation elements. The result is a game that is not only a fantastic Marvel experience but, for many critics and players, a contender for the title of “best Marvel game yet.”

A Revolutionary Card-Based Combat System

The core of Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ appeal lies in its unique and engaging combat system. Unlike the grid-based, percentage-to-hit mechanics of XCOM, this game introduces a dynamic, card-based system. Players assemble a team of three heroes, each with a customizable deck of ability cards. At the beginning of each turn, you are dealt a hand of cards, and you have a limited number of “Card Plays” and “Redraws” to execute your strategy.

• Strategic Depth: The absence of a traditional grid system is a bold move. Instead, combat revolves around positioning, environmental interactions, and clever use of knockbacks. You can launch enemies into each other, into explosive barrels, or off ledges for devastating effects.
• Heroism and Quick Cards: The combat flow is driven by the “Heroism” resource, generated by using Attack and Skill cards. This Heroism is then spent on powerful, cinematic “Heroic” attacks. Additionally, “Quick” cards, which refund a Card Play if they defeat an enemy, allow for satisfying, long-chained combos that can clear a battlefield in a single turn.
• The Hunter’s Role: As the player-created protagonist, “The Hunter,” you can align with Light or Dark abilities, offering a personalized playstyle that can either support the team or unleash massive damage. This adds a layer of role-playing depth to the tactical decisions.

This innovative blend of turn-based tactics and deck-building provides a high degree of strategic flexibility and replayability. Every battle feels like a new puzzle to solve, and the stunning, over-the-top animations for each heroic ability make every move feel incredibly impactful and satisfying. This is a game that truly makes you feel like a superhero.

Building Bonds at The Abbey

Beyond the battlefield, Marvel’s Midnight Suns features a deeply integrated social simulation component reminiscent of the Persona series. The game’s hub, The Abbey, serves as a central location where you can interact with a wide roster of Marvel heroes, including fan favorites like Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, as well as supernatural heroes like Blade, Ghost Rider, and Doctor Strange.

• Friendship System: By hanging out, giving gifts, and participating in club meetings, you can raise your Friendship Level with each hero. Stronger friendships unlock new abilities, passive bonuses, legendary skills, and unique cosmetic skins.
• Engaging Dialogue: The writing is sharp, witty, and captures the essence of each character. The game’s story, which pits the heroes against the demonic forces of Lilith and Hydra, is well-paced, but it’s the smaller, more intimate character moments that truly shine. You get to see a more human side of these larger-than-life figures, which adds significant emotional weight to the narrative.

This “downtime” at The Abbey is a critical part of the gameplay loop. It not only provides a welcome break from the intense battles but also directly impacts your performance in combat through the unlocked skills and abilities. It creates a cohesive experience where character development and tactical prowess are intertwined.

Critically Acclaimed and Player Approved

Upon its release, Marvel’s Midnight Suns received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its innovative gameplay and character-driven story. It holds a “Generally Favorable” rating on Metacritic, with a strong consensus that the game is a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs and the Marvel universe. User reviews have also been highly positive, with many calling it a “hidden gem” that was perhaps poorly marketed but is a joy to play.

The game’s success is a testament to Firaxis’s ability to take a familiar genre and apply a fresh, imaginative twist. By prioritizing strategic depth over flashy action sequences, and by investing heavily in character development, they have created a game that stands out in a crowded market. It’s a game that respects the source material while daring to do something new, and that boldness has paid off tremendously. It’s a premium title with immense replay value and a solid foundation for future DLC and content. For a truly immersive and strategically rewarding superhero experience, look no further.