Marvel's Midnight Suns
A tactical RPG mixing deck-building combat with superhero social simulation.
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a tactical role-playing game released in 2022, developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. It brings together characters from several Marvel Comics groups, such as the Midnight Sons, Avengers, X-Men, and Runaways. Players control a custom superhero called the Hunter, who must rally other heroes to stop Lilith, the mother of demons, from resurrecting her master, Chthon. The game combines turn-based combat with deck-building, and between missions, players explore and manage their base, the Abbey, from a third-person perspective. There, they can research upgrades, craft items, and build friendships with the game's roster of heroes.
Marvel Games approached Firaxis in 2017 after being impressed by the studio's work on modern XCOM titles. Early attempts to apply XCOM's cover system and permadeath were dropped because they didn't fit a game about powerful superheroes. The deck-building mechanics were inspired by games like Slay the Spire, while the social and relationship elements drew from Japanese role-playing games such as Fire Emblem and Persona. The game's tone was influenced by Saturday morning cartoons, and its setting and characters were shaped by the comic events Rise of the Midnight Sons and Inferno.
Midnight Suns launched on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on December 2, 2022. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions followed on May 11, 2023, while a planned Nintendo Switch version was canceled. Critics generally praised the strategic gameplay, narrative, and focus on building relationships with Marvel heroes, though the writing received some criticism. It was nominated for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Despite strong reviews, the game was a commercial failure for its publisher. Firaxis later released four downloadable content packs that continue the story, pitting the Midnight Suns against Dracula and his vampire forces.
In combat, players choose three heroes for each mission, each with their own customizable deck of eight cards. These decks are combined into a single draw pile, and each turn gives players three Card Plays, two redraws, and one movement for a hero. Cards fall into three types: Attack, Skill, and Heroic. Attack cards deal damage and may include knockback effects that push enemies into hazards or allies.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Developer
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher
- 2K
- Director
- Jake Solomon
- Producer
- Garth DeAngelis
- Designer
- Joe Weinhoffer
- Programmer
- Michael Springer
- Artist
- Dennis Moellers · Greg Foertsch
- Writer
- Chad Rocco · Steve Ogden · Scott Wittbecker
- Composer
- Tim Wynn · Phill Boucher
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Genre
- Tactical role-playing
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Marvel Games approached Firaxis Games in 2017 after being impressed by their work on the modern XCOM games. The team initially attempted to apply the XCOM gameplay formula, including a focus on cover systems and permadeath, but scrapped these ideas as they did not make thematic sense for a game centered on powerful superheroes. The deck-building gameplay was inspired by games such as Slay the Spire, while the social elements were inspired by Japanese role-playing games like Fire Emblem and Persona. The game's setting and characters were influenced by the comic book events Rise of the Midnight Sons and Inferno, as well as Saturday morning cartoons.
Combat is turn-based with deck-building. Each hero has a customizable deck of eight cards. Players choose three heroes per mission, combining their decks into one. Each turn provides three Card Plays, two redraw opportunities, and one movement. Cards are divided into Attack, Skill, and Heroic types. Heroic cards consume Heroism, a resource generated by using Skill and Attack cards. Environmental attacks also consume Heroism but do not use a card. Some cards have a 'quick' property that refunds a Card Play if the card defeats an enemy. The Hunter can be customized with over 40 abilities divided into Light, Dark, and Power skills, and players can align the Hunter toward the light or dark side through ability usage and interactions.
Between missions, players manage the Abbey, a base of operations explored in third-person. Activities include analyzing gamma coils to unlock cards, researching upgrades, sparring with heroes, upgrading cards, and sending characters on Hero Ops. Players can build friendships through Hangouts and club meetings, selecting activities and gifts that match a hero's interests. High relationship levels unlock costumes, legendary skills, and challenge levels. The Abbey grounds contain puzzles, treasure chests, Tarot Card collectibles, and Havens for special Hangouts.
Reader's Guide
Marvel's Midnight Suns received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its strategic gameplay, narrative, and focus on relationship building with Marvel heroes, though its writing was criticized. Despite strong critical reception, the game was a commercial failure for its publisher. It was nominated for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Firaxis released four downloadable content packs that follow the Midnight Suns as they fight against Dracula and his forces of vampires. The game's significance lies in its successful fusion of tactical turn-based combat with deck-building mechanics, a departure from Firaxis' XCOM formula, and its integration of social simulation elements inspired by Japanese RPGs. The base game includes 13 playable characters, with four additional characters released as DLC: Deadpool, Morbius, Venom, and Storm. The game's legacy is marked by its innovative approach to superhero gameplay, though its commercial underperformance limited its broader impact.
Did You Know?
- The game's deck-building gameplay was inspired by Slay the Spire.
- Players can play as the Hunter's pet, Hellhound Charlie, in specific missions.
- A Nintendo Switch version was planned but later canceled.
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