Despite several months of struggles,Marvel’s Avengersis still getting support. Jane Foster only just released, and developers have confirmed thatthe nextMarvel’s Avengersherowill have a fully original move set. While it is nice to see that the game has not yet been abandoned, there is only so much that Crystal Dynamics can do to improve it given the game’s small team and the seemingly low budget that is still available for post-launch content.
Marvel’s Avengerswas a game unlike anything Crystal Dynamics has ever made, with Square Enix going so far as to say that it chose the wrong developer for the live service title. However, there is no denying that it has gotten better since it first released, with community feedback taken into consideration and some genuine highs seen alongside the many lows. With the lessons from the originalMarvel’s Avengersin mind, Crystal Dynamics would likely be in a far better position to design a sequel.
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Another Strong Marvel’s Avengers Campaign
While there has been plenty of criticism forMarvel’s Avengers, one aspect that was praised consistently was the singleplayer campaign. Given Crystal Dynamics’ experience with singleplayer titles like theTomb Raidersurvivor trilogy, it surely felt more comfortable working on the solo missions than it did the live service elements - something that was very clear given the game’s strong narrative.Marvel’s Avengers’ A-Day opening is excellent, with Kamala Khan meeting her heroes before tragedy strikes. Many great scenes appear throughout the campaign, too, like Tony Stark’s argument with Bruce Banner and Ms. Marvel’s climactic clash with the Kree Sentry.
With the original story mode working so well, and delivering one of thebest female video game characters of 2020in Ms. Marvel, it can be assumed that another singleplayer campaign would be just as enjoyable. Since Kamala has come into her own as a hero, she could be treated as a proper member of the team in the next game, with another young hero possibly serving as the main protagonist. Crystal Dynamics could also split the story equally between all the Avengers instead of having a true main character, giving the developer plenty of options.
WithMarvel’s Avengers’ story-focused Operations and Expansions seemingly becoming less of a focus so that the developer can get content out faster, a full-on sequel seems even more appealing.Jane Foster’s story trailershows how creative Crystal Dynamics’ writers can be, so getting that kind of content in a playable form or in-game cinematics would be a big win. Though new missions, heroes, and villains are obviously needed, it is a shame to see theMarvel’s Avengersstory becoming less of a focus given how strong it started. A sequel and a new campaign could push the narrative forward in a bigger way, and with the seeds already planted for Ultron, it would be great to see what Crystal Dynamics could do with the villain.
Getting Things Right From The Start With Marvel’s Avengers 2
It goes without saying thatMarvel’s Avengerstook a long time to find its footing. For months, players were fighting the same exact bosses in Taskmaster and Abomination despite a massive rogues’ gallery of Marvel villains for Crystal Dynamics to choose from. Locations were also boring before the Wasteland and Wakanda were added, as players fought through generic cities and deserts. There was a major lack of endgame content, too, with the raid and Omega Level Threats currently featured in the game nowhere to be seen. Further, unlockable cosmetics were a big issue, something that only got solved a few months ago withMarvel’s Avengers’ Shipment system. Add in performance issues and controversial microtransaction prices and it is no wonder why the game has a poor reputation.
With a hypotheticalMarvel’s Avengers 2, Crystal Dynamics could launch a game that has none of these flaws. The Shipment system could be present from the start, there could be good location and boss variety upon release, and the game could have a better approach to its endgame content. Other issues could be fixed as well.Marvel’s Avengers’ gear systemcould be far more accessible and less random, while maps could be designed so that heroes can move far faster than they currently do. Releasing a better sequel would allowMarvel’s Avengers 2to establish a larger audience, and with better post-launch support, Crystal Dynamics could keep them playing the game. While the originalMarvel’s Avengershas improved since release, most players have been unwilling to give it a second chance, which is a big issue.
Lastly, and most importantly, a sequel could provide Marvel fans with a game that is not entirely based aroundAIM. Focusing only on one faction was an odd move, as fighting the same mechs and Beekeepers gets old fast. While War for Wakanda’s Klaw faction was a step in the right direction, there should be far more regular enemy variety than there currently is, as factions like Hydra would be extremely fun to fight against. Given how engraved AIM is in the narrative and gameplay, though, it is unlikely that a faction of the same size will come toMarvel’s Avengers. A sequel could have several enemy factions available from day one, making gameplay far more varied. With successful games likeDestiny 2featuring multiple enemy groups,Marvel’s Avengers 2should aim to do the same.
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Why Marvel’s Avengers 2 is Unlikely To Happen
Despite all the good that a sequel forMarvel’s Avengerscould do, fans should not get their hopes up. Not only is the original game’s live service approach something that should allow it to get support for years, but the struggles of the first game would make it hard to sell investors and fans on the idea of a sequel. Consideringhow much money Square Enix lost on its Marvel games, it is hard to imagine Embracer Group being on board with the idea of anotherMarvel’s Avengersgame.
Right now, the best thing that can happen for theMarvel’s Avengersbrand is better post-launch support. Crystal Dynamics’ new DLC plan forMarvel’s Avengersseems to address key criticisms fans have had, and players could see the game steadily improve as a result. If these consistent steps forward are noticeable enough, more gamers may slowly return toMarvel’s Avengers, and Crystal Dynamics could then wow them with an expansion starring Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, or another major character. From there, it would become easier to sell Marvel fans andCrystal Dynamics’ new owner Embracer Groupon the idea of a sequel. While it is easy to make the case for how a sequel would be better, the originalMarvel’s Avengersneeds to redeem itself in the eyes of the public before any discussion about a follow-up can even begin.
Marvel’s Avengersis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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