Turn-based combat might not be an expected feature for a AAA Marvel game, but Marvel's Midnight Suns has shown it can work. Firaxis Games' new title brings together a host of supernatural and traditional Marvel characters together to take on the demonic forces of Lilith, utilizing card-based powers in each encounter. Missions consist of only three heroes with limited moves per turn, but the flexible pace and appropriate challenge ensure Midnight Suns' combat remains just as exciting as the kind seen in Marvel's Spider-Man.
Marvel's Midnight Suns was developed by Firaxis Games, a studio known for its high-quality turn-based strategy titles. Marvel's love for XCOM reportedly led to Midnight Suns' creation, in fact, and it's an approach that has paid off. However, prior to release, there were some concerns over the game's combat system, as Firaxis had never utilized a card-based approach before.
Firaxis Nails Turn-Based Combat In Midnight Suns
Since launch, many of the initial fears for how Firaxis would handle this new system have been put to rest. Combat in Marvel's Midnight Suns can be as complicated or as simple as players want it to be, making it more approachable to those unaccustomed to or put off by turn-based titles. Just learning how each character works and upgrading them properly can get players through the game on a modest difficulty.
For an easier time or taking on more complex challenges, it becomes essential to learn how to use a mission's environment and do all the things outside combat to grow team strength. Marvel's Midnight Suns' flexible card-based gameplay system rewards the player depending on how much they put into it, and boasts fun, flashy superhero combat. This is what helps the game succeed so well, both among Marvel fans and those more accustomed to Firaxis' previous work.
Marvel's Midnight Suns Combines Compelling RPG Gameplay With Satisfying Combat
In combat, players have to manage the unique abilities of each hero and the buffs and debuffs they can bring. Well-timed Taunts or Blocks and proper application of Weak and Vulnerable on opponents can turn the tide of any battle. These abilities only get stronger through effort outside of combat, through basic upgrades, and by raising friendships with each hero for more ive talents. How this works in Marvel's Midnight Suns is similar to Fire Emblem and its friendship system.
Using the environment of each mission to its fullest, exploding barrels, falling debris, and any ledges that will instantly KO any regular enemies, become essential at the higher difficulty levels of Marvel's Midnight Suns. This is much different from Firaxis' past games, which used the environment more as a cover system than actually doing damage. Like before, the actions players take outside combat, raising the training level, researching new battle items, and unlocking more team ives, make combat all that easier.
Compared to XCOM's combat, Midnight Suns is rather different, and comes off easier as it relies less on the luck of a die roll and more on precise strategy play. Unpredictability plays a part, but that adds another layer of pressure that the situation could swing either way entirely out of the player's control. Turn-based combat may not be the system for everyone, but Marvel's Midnight Suns is an excellent opportunity to give it a shot.
Source: Marvel's Midnight Suns/YouTube
