Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider) are hoping to answer some lingering questions about their upcoming big-budget, Marvel-licensed action-adventure-RPG Marvel’s Avengers in a new three minute long game overview video (above) as well as a blog post chat with Creative Director Noah Hughes.
“We know everyone is wondering how co-op works, and we’re excited to go into more detail in early 2020,” says Hughes. “As you see in the video, there are two different types of missions: Hero Missions and Warzone Missions. Hero Missions are single-player only and are part of the overall Campaign. These Hero Missions are specific canvases to showcase each hero as you reassemble them to your growing roster. Warzone Missions can be played solo or with a group of up to four players as any Hero in your roster, allowing you to embody an Avenger within a team of Avengers! Each mission scales based on the team size and makeup.”
Hughes confirmed that you can head straight into the co-op Warzone missions as soon as you’ve finished the intro mission, which features a massive explosion, a fallen Avenger, and a timeskip to a world controlled by Advanced Idea Mechanics, a Hydra-like villainous organization from the Marvel comics. Superheroes have been outlawed and the Avengers will need to be reassembled, including old and new faces like fan-favorite Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel.
Character progression and customization will be a major part of the game, with players able to create and tailor their own specific set of skills and abilities for each hero, along with an extensive loot system.
“We have a vast amount of Gear unique to each Super Hero in Marvel’s Avengers, each with its own rarity, stats, and Perks to unlock,” says Hughes. “When we say ‘play your way,’ we mean it. Players can dive deep into min-maxing their hero build through Skills and Gear. Players can switch out Gear and choose which pieces suit individual playstyles as new, better Gear is discovered or earned, allowing them to further tune their playstyle.”
And because it’s a AAA video game, Hughes also confirmed that there will be no loot boxes or pay-to-win mechanics, though it will include optional unlockable and purchasable cosmetic outfits.
Marvel’s Avengers will launch on May 15, 2020 on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia. It has not yet been rated by the ESRB.
