Marvel's Avengers (for PlayStation 4)

Started by sushmi, Aug 14, 2020, 02:09 PM

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sushmi

Marvel's Avengers (for PlayStation 4)

Marvel's Avengers arrives on consoles and PC on September 4, letting superhero fans experience a new Avengers storyline through the eyes of the team's iconic characters. Though the game is a month away from its release, publisher Square Enix has launched a series of closed and open Avengers betas to test the online servers. Unfortunately, the barren servers didn't give us a sense of how the game's online component will hold up under pressure. Still, Marvel's Avengers could be this fall's biggest co-op extravaganza, due to its wild action and loot collecting.

Avengers Assemble
The Avengers beta kicks off with the Golden Gate Bridge scenario that we previewed last October. The game's action-packed tutorial showcases how the characters play, with Iron Man blasting foes with repulsor beams and Captain America dispensing justice with brutal melee attacks. The introduction also demonstrates how traversal works, most notably with the massive Hulk jumping and stomping his way through the level. Tutorials are often dull, but the Avengers' version keeps you engaged.

From there, you have the option to play through two Hero Missions. These are single-player, narrative affairs featuring one or two heroes. The beta's Hero Missions both feature Hulk and Kamala Khan beating the snot out of bad guys as they search for J.A.R.V.I.S. (the Avengers' A.I helper). The two levels—a lush Pacific Western forest and a frozen Russian tundra—showcase locale diversity. Secret underground bunkers packed with A.I.M. terrorists also add visual spice to levels. The highlight of these Hero Missions is an epic showdown with Hulk's most powerful foe: Abomination.

Hulk and Khan couldn't be more different from one another. Hulk is a massive brute who tears through enemies and environments with his incredible strength. The smaller, nimbler Khan uses her elastic body to swing from poles or take (literal) long steps to cover great distances. Using her powers, Khan can sweep groups of enemies off their feet or crush them between her palms. As a result of her strange abilities, Khan is one of the game's most enjoyable playable characters. Though most foes are easily dispensable cannon fodder who throw themselves at you, it is still a blast beating them into submission.

Both Hero Missions abound with action-packed set pieces meant to evoke the feel of the popular movies. In fact, you really feel as though you're enjoying an interactive version Marvel Cinematic Universe adventure. Both characters, particularly Khan, dispense quippy one-liners as they pummel baddies. It's exciting to see the characters come to life in this manner.

Many Modes
Completing the solo missions unlocks more content. In addition to Hulk and Khan, you gain access to Iron Man and Black Widow. From within a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier—the location that serves as the Avengers' headquarters—you can select four-player co-op missions. These are HARM rooms, War Zones, and Drop Zones.

The Holographic Augmented Reality Machine room is where the team trains. You can complete HARM rooms alone, with AI companions, or with live players. Completing all of the horde mode-like challenges rewards you with a nameplate that carries over to the retail version of the game. This is a nifty way to show you've participated in the beta.

After the HARM room, you can head over to the War Table and select from up to five different War Zone missions. War Zones are non-story-based missions where you and up to three heroes (either live players or AI companions) tackle challenges in expansive maps. Locales contain hidden loot, powerful bosses, conquerable enemy territory, allies to rescue, and other challenges. Though War Zones have a main objective, you can complete the missions in any way you see fit. This differs from Hero Missions and their narrative restrictions. Do you go pick off enemies from afar or jump into an enemy camp and wreak havoc? The choice is yours. War Zones are perfect for leveling up characters and obtaining rare loot (performance-enhancing hero gear). Higher-difficulty War Zones test your skills, but offer the best rewards. In essence, you can think of these missions as mini-raids that work best when tackled with a group of friends.

Drop Zones are effectively bite-sized War Zones. In this mode, your team drops into a mission, beats the crap out of enemies, grabs loot, and returns to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. If you don't have much time on your hands, Drop Zones are a nice way to get in a quick game level up your hero.