By: Emma Michaud
(GREENSBURG, Pa.) – Marvel’s “Midnight Suns” is a tactical RPG from the creators of XCOM. It was first released on December 2, 2022 for newer consoles such as PS5 and Xbox series X/S while for older consoles, such as PS4 and Xbox 1, it was released on December 31, 2022. There are different editions you can get, (Standard, Enhanced, and Legendary) but I recommend getting the Legendary edition because you get the season pass that includes all DLC’s and Legendary character skins. Now, don’t worry if you have the other two editions because you can buy the season pass as a separate purchase to get access to everything in the Legendary edition, which is what I had to do.
I love Marvel, so I’m biased, but even people who aren’t into Marvel should play this game. In this story, you’ll play as Hunter, who is a Legendary demon slayer with a mysterious past. As Hunter, you will eventually lead a team of Legendary Marvel heroes as they attempt to stop Lilith, the Mother of Demons, from completing the prophecy of summoning her dark master Chthon to Earth.
Hunter is the protagonist and you are able to customize them as you see fit. I personally loved how Marvel gave Hunter ‘they/them’ pronouns and a gender-neutral name so people who are non-binary can feel more included. Another cool feature is that as Hunter, you have the freedom to choose to be ‘dark’, ‘light’, or anywhere between by the choices you make throughout the game. Those choices lead to different dialogues with characters and different outfit choices. There is also a lgbtq+ relationship between two characters who will not be named due to spoilers!
The graphics, visuals, sounds, and music are all stunning and enhance the gameplay even more by feeling more immersed into the game (though there were a couple glitches but nothing that takes you completely out of the game). The character lineup is more diverse in which it’s not just the Avengers saving the world but the X-men and Midnight Suns as well. You learn of each character’s background and have the chance to either become friends with them or not, but you are kinda forced to be friends with everyone if you want the legendary outfits and cards. The overall story is engaging and makes you want to keep playing, along with being able to explore the Abbey grounds at your own pace, uncovering ancient mysteries and powers along the way. Also, the combat is easy to get the hang of and understand as it is a turn-based card combat. I personally love the darkness this game brings and the satisfaction you get when you annihilate your enemies- there is no mercy.
Currently, DLC’s are being released! Deadpool was added back on January 26 with his own playable story and humor you can enjoy- my favorite line being “Look Ma! I’m gonna be DLC!” Venom was just added on February 23 with his own playable story. XCOM is also going to release Storm and Morbius DLCs in the near future as well, so be on the lookout for them! There is a confirmed sequel for “Midnight Suns,” and I am so excited for it! When I was playing this game, I never wanted it to end! I was ecstatic to hear DLC’s are being released while we wait for the sequel. All I know is that I’m excited for everything there is to come, and I hope you give the game a chance!
Student Nathaniel Huff (He/Him) playing video games on campus taken by Haley Brenny