You'll Like This Game, Probably ( Just Kidding You'll Definitely Like It)
If you were disappointed with Marvel's Avengers, this game should make up for it. The synopsis is:
Your newly-formed band of legendary misfits is set to save the universe in this fresh but faithful take on the Guardians of the Galaxy. Somehow, you set off a chain of catastrophic events, leading to a wild ride through mind-blowing worlds inhabited by iconic and original Marvel characters. Turn up the all-star ‘80s mixtape and get ready to kick it. - SE website
Gameplay Mechanics/Combat
As the leader of this team of misfits, it is your job to create opportunities for your teammates. Each team member has unique abilities that you can upgrade using Ability Points, which you collect as you fight more enemies. Groot is great for crowd control, using his roots to hold down multiple enemies at once while you blast at them. Rocket, well as the name implies blows a group of enemies up. Gamora slices and dices, and finally Drax - is the human bulldozer ( also throws things).
Guardians Mode
Now that you know the strengths of each character, its time to see them in action. Enter Guardians Mode: a radial menu that allows you to give commands to your teammates and Star-Lord. Commands can range from combat moves, to actions necessary to progress to the next stage of a mission. In combat, each character can have up to 4 abilities, which means it gets a bit hectic when you're choosing which character to do what. Also the camera and target lock sometimes make it difficult to see who you're shooting at when you've got a dozen or so enemies shooting at you. A friend very rightfully asked me "how are you getting shot at every time??" and I.. don't really have a good answer to that.
Huddle
Another mechanic that I found particularly entertaining was the Huddle. Whilst it might feel like this mechanic breaks the rhythm of the game, it is triggered when you need it most ( although I have triggered by mistake many times). Once the Huddle Gauge is full, you bring your team together in a huddle (literally) to have a pep talk. Two dialogue options pop up and you need to choose the one that either motivates or refocuses the team, depending on the situation. Luckily your team mates will provide enough clues for you to make the right choice. Once you have, you and your team can cause more damage, and you get some kick ass GOTG background music in the process. Make the wrong choice, and only Star-Lord gets a damage boost.
Characters and dialogue
This is by far my favorite part of the entire game. If this game was made with British actors, the writing would be a prime example of what 'banter' is. The conversations and running commentary feel natural, and it makes you want to hear what they're saying instead of just running through to the next save point. Peter Quill can sometimes get involved in these conversations, where a dialogue option pops up asking you to take sides or double down on an idea.
Your team ( and other characters) will react to your actions outside of combat. If you go off to explore a cave, Rocket gets annoyed ( but will ask you to let him know if there are any enemies to fight). If you start shooting randomly, Gamora will angrily question your actions.
Verdict
Aside from the sometimes ungraceful combat mechanics, 1 or 2 glitches in the game, and for some reason the photo mode that doesn't work (game exits to desktop), this game is an absolute delight to play. The dialogue had me giggling the whole time, the character design and facial animation is expressive, and the universe (or galaxy should I say) is beautifully designed.
It's a thumbs up from me.
Game Details
Platform: PC (Available on Xbox Game Pass, Steam and Epic Games.)
Genre: Action Adventure
Mode: Single Player
Release Date: October 26, 2021
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