Skydance’s upcomingMarvelgame belongs to an ongoing trend of multiple protagonists, seen in games likeThe Last of Us 2.It seems as though one of two multi-protagonist designs are preferred when it comes to games of this kind. Most commonly, an ensemble game will feature co-op or multiplayer to accommodate for having different protagonists that could be playable at any given time in the narrative. This isthe design used inGotham Knights,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, andMarvel’s Avengers, which all incorporate multiplayer features alongside a single-player experience.
The second design approach that is commonly seen is that ofMarvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyorMass Effect, where the game is purely single-player with control of one protagonist, while other NPCs in the player’s ensemble can be controlled as an extension of the protagonist.The protagonist approach that Skydance’s Marvel game is taking, however, is somewhat emergent. As a single-player game with four playable protagonists, there is a lot that Skydance could learn fromThe Last of Us 2.
RELATED:Marvel and Skydance Working on World War 2 Game with Captain America and Black Panther
Skydance’s Marvel Game Being Single-Player Raises Gameplay Questions
Knowing thatSkydance’s Marvel ensemble gamewill be single-player is huge, especially when so little of the game has actually been revealed. The game does not even have an official title yet, and only a brief cinematic teaser has been shared to express its setting, tone, and playable protagonists.
This invites a ton of speculation about how Skydance may design its single-player with multiple protagonists. Skydance must balance four playable protagonists: Steve Rogers’ Captain America, Azzuri’s Black Panther,a Howling Commando named Gabriel Jones, and a Wakandan Spy Network leader named Nanali.
Each of these characters will presumably have drastically different gameplay mechanics, from an ordinary soldier wielding a rifle to a super soldier wielding a vibranium shield. Further, time spent with each character will have to be balanced appropriately in order to let players feel as though they have had enough time spent with each.
Nanali needs to be as fun to play as Black Panther, and transitions between each will need to be smooth without feeling like there needs to be a new gameplay tutorial every few hours. This is a tall order, but it is necessary for Skydance to consider these features and how fluid they will be. Fortunately, Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usmay have created an abridged approach to this design earlier withThe Last of Us 2that Skydance can take some pointers from.
The Last of Us 2 Demonstrates a Good Balance with Multiple Protagonists
The Last of Us 2presents a cohesive narrative while it swaps perspectives between deuteragonists. Ellie and Abby are markedly separate in terms of gameplay, but there are certain similarities that carry over between them with subtle changes. For example, Ellie has an infinitely usable shiv in her switchblade, while Abby must craft shivs. Meanwhile, Ellie is much more vulnerable in close-quarters engagements, while Abby can fend off multiple assailants with ease.
Upgrade branches for both characters are extensive and meet their respective gameplay needs, but are not so extensive that they are cumbersome or overwhelming to proceed through.The Last of Us 2gives perspective to both playable characters, and it is not until much later in the game thatNaughty Dog hands control to Abby for a long flashback.
Skydance’sMarvelgame could certainly follow this model and choose vital points in its own narrative to hop back-and-forth from, especially between France and Wakanda.The Last of Us 2only has to hop between Ellie and Abby, however, while Skydance needs to hop between four characters. Skydance’s task may be more difficult to balance, butThe Last of Us 2’s approach is definitely one that it should look to for inspiration.
Skydance’sMarvelgame is in development.
MORE:Skydance’s Marvel Game Allows Marvel to Compete with DC’s Own Ensemble Games
