You know, sometimes a game just… clicks. And for me, Marvel's Midnight Suns was one of those experiences, even if it wasn't exactly what I expected. I went in thinking, 'Alright, I get to suit up with Iron Man, maybe Blade, and go fight some vampires and Hydra goons.' And sure, that's definitely part of the appeal, and it’s a blast. But the real magic, the thing that kept me hooked, was how much more there was to it.
The core story, where you play as the Hunter – a warrior resurrected after centuries to face your own mother, the ancient sorceress Lilith – is solid enough. Lilith’s plan to unleash an unstoppable evil with Hydra as her army is a classic comic book setup. The Midnight Suns themselves, this edgier, more supernatural-focused team, are a fantastic addition. But honestly, the narrative itself, while not bad, felt a little… expected. The conflict between the Hunter and Lilith, their strained mother-son dynamic, didn't quite grab me as much as I'd hoped. It’s a lot to juggle, I get it, with so many characters and subplots, and the game does a decent job of it. But I was hoping for something that pushed the envelope a bit further.
Where the game truly shines, though, is in its characters and the way it lets you connect with them. Beyond the Avengers mainstays, the core Midnight Suns heroes are brilliant in their own right. And if you pick up the DLC characters, like I did, they’re all fantastic too. What really surprised me, and honestly became some of my favorite moments, were the casual interactions and 'hangouts' at the Abbey, the team's home base. Getting to do activities with your chosen hero, chatting about their pasts, their struggles with being a hero – it felt so genuine. I’ve never played a combat-focused game, especially a card/deck battler, that put so much effort into the downtime. I found myself genuinely looking forward to things like playing video games with Spider-Man or working out with Venom. The character development here is truly exemplary.
Speaking of card/deck battlers, it’s a genre I’ve only recently started to appreciate, and Midnight Suns really solidified that for me. The combat missions themselves, which could easily become repetitive, were consistently engaging. The blend of strategy and superhero abilities felt seamless. I became addicted to figuring out the most efficient way to take down enemies, turn by turn. Each character has unique abilities, which really encourages creative thinking and rewards you for going off the beaten path. Yes, some missions can be frustratingly difficult – looking at you, Storm DLC pack – but a lot of that comes down to how you build your character decks. With new cards and abilities constantly being offered, taking the time to consider your playstyle really smooths out those rougher edges. Firaxis really nailed this aspect, and it genuinely changed my perspective on the genre.
Despite all the things I adored, Midnight Suns does feel like a bit of an oddity. The lack of customization for the Hunter, for instance, was a notable frustration. Not being able to really tweak their powers, build, or appearance feels like a missed opportunity in a game that otherwise excels at character depth. And the Hunter themselves, while having their own trauma from their past demise, felt a little bland compared to the vibrant personalities surrounding them. It’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things, but it’s there.
Ultimately, Marvel's Midnight Suns is a game that offers a lot more than just its slick card-based combat. It’s a deep dive into the lives of its heroes, a surprisingly heartfelt experience that makes you care about these characters beyond their powers. It’s a game that, for all its minor imperfections, left a lasting impression.
