- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a surprisingly great superhero game with a unique and impactful story.
- Players can expect great writing, natural humor, and emotional depth with themes of found family.
- The game is visually impressive and has a decent combat system.
- The game didn’t get the attention it deserved, possibly due to negative pre-release buzz.
When Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy launched back in 2021, I’ll admit I was extremely skeptical. The disastrous reception of Marvel’s Avengers and the subsequent removal of the game from all digital storefronts cast a long shadow over any new superhero forays from Eidos Montreal.
I thought it was going to be another money grab, a so-so game just trying to capitalize on the popularity of the MCU’s fun space characters. Boy, was I wrong. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t just a good superhero game; it’s one of the best narrative-driven experiences in recent years.
Surprisingly, it didn’t get the attention it deserved at first, falling short of sales expectations. It’s about time we give this game the recognition it’s due.
Why it matters: Superhero games are already rare enough. I find it extremely disappointing that such a gem went unnoticed in a small market.
A Brilliant Narrative Experience
Let’s make something clear: this game isn’t just copying the James Gunn movies. Eidos-Montreal smartly decided to do their own thing with these famous characters, and it worked really well.
The writing is so sharp and genuine; it never feels like it’s trying too hard. The banter flows naturally during combat and exploration. The main themes of building a family, dealing with loss, and the ups and downs of relationships are there, but the story goes even deeper emotionally.
I found myself genuinely laughing at the Guardians’ jokes one moment, then unexpectedly getting emotional the next. Drax’s literal way of thinking is still hilarious, and Rocket’s tough exterior hides a softer side that really gets to you.
And Gamora? She’s a strong fighter dealing with the aftermath of Thanos, not just a love interest for Quill. However, Star-Lord, Peter Quill, is the heart of this tale. He’s a goofball, a nostalgist, and an often insecure leader wrestling with grief.
His connection to his mother and his 80s-infused soundtrack are important parts of his coping mechanisms and character development.
Gameplay is Mostly a Blast
The narrative steals the spotlight, but the combat in this game is pretty good, too. You control Star-Lord and direct your team in battle, each using their special skills. At first, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive, but once you unlock all the moves and the cool team boost called “huddle,” it really picks up.
Occasionally, the targeting system can be a bit tricky, and a few boss fights might feel like they take a lot of hits to beat. But those are minor gripes compared to the sheer joy of coordinating Rocket’s explosives with Groot’s entangling roots or having Drax stagger a massive foe so Gamora can deliver a devastating final blow.
No Guardian’s adventure would be complete without a killer soundtrack, and Eidos-Montreal absolutely delivers. Kick off a fight against a horde of aliens with Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero”? Hell yeah!
Huddling the team for a pep talk while Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” blasts in the background? It’s bizarre, hilarious, and surprisingly motivational. I dare you not to grin.
Give Guardians of the Galaxy a Shot
You might be wondering why the game didn’t get the attention it deserved. I wish I had an easy answer to that.
Maybe Marvel’s Avengers cast too big a shadow. Or perhaps its linear story style didn’t click with players wanting more freedom and loot. And before it even launched, there was a lot of criticism about the character designs.
Regardless of the reason, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t make the commercial splash it deserved. And frankly, that’s a shame. If you like superheroes, space journeys, or a good story, don’t miss out on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
It may have been underappreciated initially, but it’s a cosmic gem with heart, humor, and an unforgettable crew. You’ll be hooked, I promise. The game was available on Xbox Game Pass at one point, and Microsoft reportedly paid $5-10 million to bring it to their platform.
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