ThoughMarvel’sAvengersgot off to a rocky start, it has reclaimed fans through various story expansions and additional operations with new levels and playable heroes. With the confirmation thatthe Winter Soldier will be added as DLC, attention turns to what kind of expansion the developers have planned.
While there have been various story expansions adding the likes of Hawkeye, Spider-Man, and Mighty Thor, the War for Wakanda expansion added the most significant amount of content. On top of playing as the iconic Black Panther, it provided fans a new region to explore. IfMarvel’s Avengerswants to keep its fanbase engaged, it needs more expansions like War for Wakanda rather than piecemeal additions.
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Bigger Story Expansions Appeal To Everyone
Though a new playable character is sure to grab fans' attention, if there isn’t supporting content then the expansions only provide something for fans ofMarvel’s Avengersonline multiplayer. For instance, when Taking A.I.M. was introduced alongsideKate Bishop and Clint Barton’s Hawkeyes, critics praised the variation of new combat mechanics and personality types, but criticized the slim story content. Additionally, the introduction of fan-favorite Marvel character Spider-Man lacked any real extra content.
A new expansion should therefore bring with it a bigger story, more levels, and a greater variety of villains and heroes. WhileMarvel’s Avengersdoesn’t have to adhere to the MCU’s canon, it could do well to ride the momentum of its TV shows and films to generate greater interest in future story expansions. Whilethe Winter Solider is liked by fans, players will already be familiar with the story beats Crystal Dynamics needs to hit to introduce him.
If the Winter Soldier is part of the next expansion, it should also bring with it famousCaptain America villainslike Hydra’s Red Skull and Baron Zemo. Moreover, tying into the Disney+ seriesThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Falcon should also be considered as an addition alongside these other characters. Crystal Dynamics needn’t stop there for future expansions.
Taking Inspiration From the MCU
SinceThe Avengersfilm debuted in 2012, new heroes have added variety to an otherwise familiar cast of characters. The MCU is currently gearing up for a new Captain America following Sam Wilson, as well asIronheartandArmor Warsexpected to fill the hole left by Iron Man.Marvel’s Avengersshould likewise consider expanding to include alternative heroes with something unique, as the Winter Soldier parallels Steve Rogers' abilities.
For instance, since Hank Pym has featured inMarvel’s Avengers,whenAnt-Man and The Wasp: Quantumaniastart the MCU’s Phase 5, adding Ant-Man and The Wasp to the game with a story expansion could tie many loose ends together. This could also bring Kang into the fold ofMarvel’s Avengers, taking advantage of his growing presence in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
Moreover, ifMarvel’s Avengerscould entertainthe multiverse trend, it could introduce Doctor Strange for more fantasy-based powers. By extension, the game could useDoctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madnessas a foothold, even going so far as to establishMarvel’s Avengersas just another universe among the many now existing in the MCU. This could even capitalize on the lost opportunity with Spider-Man, taking notes fromFar From HomeandInto the Spider-Verseto add in variants like Miles Morales, Spider Gwen, and more.
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Marvel’s Avengers Could Go Beyond the MCU
While it would be an easy sell to piggyback on the MCU,Marvel’s Avengersshould strive to go further and differentiate itself. Initially it was able to achieve this by makingKamala Khan the focus of its storywell before the Disney+ seriesMs Marvel,but since then its expansions appear to be playing catch-up. Future story expansions should go in a new direction.
Since there hasn’t been any confirmation ofX-Men-focused films in the MCU,Marvel’s Avengerscould introduce a sizable story expansion that focuses on introducing mutants. Not only would this bring many heroes into the folk, but also a decent number of villains and stories exploring the relationship between ordinary people and mutants. Given Insomniac has already announced a Wolverine game,Marvel’s Avengersmight need to explore other avenues.
Marvel’s Avengersis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
