Marvel's Midnight Suns is nothing if not brave. It's brave enough trying to create a Marvel videogame at all given the popularity of this IP, and braver still to make it a strategy game based on one of the most niche comic runs from the '90s. And considering this particular development team is known for XCOM, Firaxis achieves peak bravery by going off in completely new directions - adding an overworld RPG layer and a brand-new turn-based combat system, to name but two.
But as the saying goes, fortune favours the brave. I've spent the lion's share of an afternoon playing through the opening sections of Midnight Suns, and I can say that this unique turn-based strategy game will defy any expectations you've formed since the original announcement.
The basics are still as were revealed during the announcement. You lead a team of Marvel superheroes as The Hunter, your avatar. This fully customisable hero will lead the actual greatest crossover event in history from a stronghold known as The Abbey, which is a hub area and the linchpin for Firaxis' brand-new RPG mechanics. Unlike in XCOM, you can walk around this space in real time, talk to individual heroes, and explore the grounds looking for secrets, gear upgrades, and banter.
RELATED LINKS:
Marvel's Midnight Suns release date, season pass, and pre-orders
XCOM "absolutely" has a future, but Midnight Suns "too good to pass"
Marvel's Midnight Suns DLC will include new superheroes and cosmetics