Summary
One of 2022’s most interesting releases,Midnight Sunsis a game of contrasts. On the one hand, Firaxis' turn-based tactics and deck-building hybrid was a critical success, garnering plenty of praise for its unique take on both the Marvel license and Firaxis' proven success with theXCOMfranchise. On the other hand,Midnight Sunsfailed to land commercially, potentially prompting creative director Jake Solomon to step down from Firaxis in the interest of starting a new studio and stepping away from the turn-based tactics genre as a whole. And, outside the dichotomy between its critical and commercial reception,Midnight Suns' gameplay also seemed to present two disparate parts that never quite fit together.
Moment-to-moment gameplay inMidnight Sunsis unique compared toXCOMin that it emphasizes movement and positioning (as well as momentum during turns) to a much greater degree. Additionally, the deck-building aspect and ability cards gave players much more agency in their strategy than the behind-the-scenes RNG calling the shots in both ofthe modernXCOMtitles. The combat ofMidnight Sunsis extremely satisfying, but its odd approach to social systems and base management was at odds with the core of the gameplay. One year after its release, aMidnight Sunssequel that goes all-in on what worked in the original and eschews what didn’t is something that needs to see the light of day.
Midnight Suns' Formula Deserves a Second Chance
It’s worth noting that the success ofMidnight Sunswas always something that would arguably look different from other games thanks to its niche genre. Regardless of its use of the Marvel license, turn-based tactics games aren’t nearly as popular as first-person shooters or open-world adventures. Firaxis itself acknowledged this, noting that even games likeXCOM2have only achieved their success through having a “long tail” in terms of their sales figures. Additionally, therelease date forMidnight Sunsand confusion over how to market the title during its pre-release window didn’t do it any favors.
Tactics fans who had been anticipatingMidnight Sunsever since it became known that Firaxis was working on anXCOM-style game using the Marvel license were treated to some compelling tactical combat when the game finally launched, but it was couched within a less-than-stellar base management and social interaction sim. Gone were the careful construction of bases and research into improving units from both ofFiraxis' modernXCOMgames, replaced with gift giving, hangouts, and deep conversations with interpretations of famous Marvel characters that didn’t always line up with how these iconic heroes have traditionally been portrayed.
The combat inMidnight Sunsshines so brightly that it makes a strong case for the game to receive a proper sequel –one that ditches the social sim aspects of its predecessor that only serve to bog down the pacing of the experience. Looking back on the game a year since its release, with 4 additional characters and their missions available via DLC expansions, it’s obvious that there’s plenty of life left in the concept. Not only does the Marvel Universe have an incredible cast of heroes and villains to draw from, but there’s practically unlimited potential in howaMidnight Suns 2could double down on its deck-building and card-collecting aspects.
A sequel toMidnight Sunswould exist in a post-Marvel Snapworld and could easily replicate some of its success in how it approaches its deck-building. Variants featuring depictions done by noteworthy comic artists, iconic covers, or even alternate universe versions of beloved characters could each feature their re-rolls of character abilities for use inMidnight Suns 2’s combat, while its base-building could adhere more closely to what players experience inXCOM 2. The best parts ofMidnight Suns, the combat and the cards, deserve a fair shake in a sequel that makes good on the original’s proof-of-concept.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
WHERE TO PLAY
UNLEASH THE DARKER SIDE OF MARVELWhen the demonic Lilith and her fearsome horde unite with the evil armies of Hydra, it’s time to unleash Marvel’s dark side. As The Hunter, your mission is to lead an unlikely team of seasoned Super Heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors to victory. Can legends such as Doctor Strange, Iron Man, and Blade put aside their differences in the face of a growing apocalyptic threat? If you’re going to save the world, you’ll have to forge alliances and lead the team into battle as the legendary Midnight Suns.With an array of upgradeable characters and skills allowing you to build your own unique version of The Hunter, you will choose how to send Lilith’s army back to the underworld.
