Marvel's Midnight Suns: Gamescom trailer shows off Marvel heroes in XCOM style

We all know how it often is with expensive (film) licences and games. But we can give the all-clear right away after the presentation of Marvel's Midnight Suns at Gamescom 2021: It's from the XCOM makers - so it's going to be good.

Publisher 2K and developer Firaxis Games (Civilization, XCOM) have announced a game under a big name at this year's (digital) Gamescom. Marvel's Midnight Suns will be a tactical RPG in the dark Marvel universe and will be released in March 2022. That's revealed in a Gamescom trailer, which you can watch here. The video shows "only" cinematic scenes and no gameplay, but it is definitely worth watching.

A first gameplay premiere is to follow on September 1st. What we known about Marvel's Midnight Suns so far: Firaxis is responsible for the development and Marvel's Midnight Suns will probably have a lot in common with XCOM, but will approach the matter with a little more verve. Finally we are getting some sophisticated RPG tactics and not an action game, even if the Marvel licence would normally lead one to expect an action game.

These news are not only something Marvel fans were happy to hear. Old-established Civ and XCOM gamers are also being brought closer to the Marvel universe - and publisher 2K is probably generating some new fans in the process. Fans of Marvel and strategy games alike.

In Marvel's Midnight Suns, you wield supernatural powers because you are part of Earth's last line of defence against the supernatural forces like vampires. A mix of science and magic results in a strange power that awakens Lilith, mother of demons, from an almost eternal sleep. Lilith isn't sleeping beauty and has no intentions of settling down with whomever woke her up, instead she summons her diabolical master Chthon. While the Avengers confront the threat, the Midnight Suns come to the rescue. Among them: Nico Minoru, Magik, Ghost Rider and Blade. All equipped with their superpowers.

You take on the role of Hunter, an old, experienced warrior. Seen in the cinematic trailer of Marvel's Midnight Suns as a resurrectionist. Hunter is considered the only hero who has ever been able to stand up to Lilith. At the same time, Hunter is also Lilith's outcast son, which is likely to cause additional tension. Bill Rosemann, Vice President of Creative at Marvel Games, likes what the guys and gals at Firaxis are up to:

We’re thrilled to team with Firaxis Games, who combine a history of building outstanding tactical games with an authentic love of Marvel’s supernatural side. Marvel’s Midnight Suns offers players the chance to not only live alongside legendary heroes, but to also experience an all-new, original story that dives deep into the monstrous shadows of the Marvel Universe. Darkness Falls. Rise Up!

Jake Solomon, Creative Director for Marvel’s Midnight Suns at Firaxis Games, added:

I grew up reading and loving Marvel comics. To be entrusted with these characters and their stories is an honour for me and the team. If you’re a Marvel fan, or an RPG fan, or a fan of tactics games, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will make these beloved characters come alive in a way that you’ve never seen before.”

We like to think so. A talented development team producing an XCOM-like game for a major brand - what could go wrong? Lots of big-name heroes and heroines from the X-Men, Runaways, Avengers, tactical combat and most likely a story worthy of a Marvel game. We are looking forward to it.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is expected to be available for pre-order at Gamesplanet soon. We can't wait to see the first gameplay scenes from the Marvel XCOM on September 1st (at 19:30 BST).