Over the past couple of years, free massively multi-player online games have been a dime a dozen. A way to extend a brand and establish a community, it makes sense that a company like Marvel Comics would team up with The Amazing Society and Gazillion to create an MMO based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad television show.
Charming and witty, the show is a lighter version of the Marvel Universe, but one that is intended to bring in younger fans. Considering this, you’d originally think that the game is intended for children. But just like the show, adult gamers will still get a kick out of it. Authentic to the license, easy to control with tons of customization options and mini-games, there’s simply something for everyone here.
The mini-games are interactive and fun. Luckily, all three were specifically showcased during the New York Comic Con. The first one was a nifty card game reminiscent of the old Marvel Overpower game. Essentially crazy eights with Marvel characters, the mode is addictive, but lacks any real depth. Nevertheless, it’s a nice addition to the whole package and something a casual gamer could spend some time with when they finish up the main-mission-based campaign.
When you’re not in the mood for cards, the world mode is an interesting sidestep. Allowing you to explore the Marvel Universe, it’s cool to see how much polish went into the backgrounds and environments. While there isn’t much to do overall, it’s another mode that like the card game, has enough good moments to keep you coming back from time to time.
The Headquarters mode enables you to hang out in a nearly fully customizable home base of the super hero squad and watch the characters interact with everything. This is a mode that children will get the most out of, especially considering the ability to customize your surroundings. Unlocking items to use in the house throughout the main gameplay mode, this mode adds plenty of re-playability to the game and forces dedicated players to go back and get every single item. The fact that the game is free only adds to this notion and gives the player a sense of belonging in the vast Marvel Universe.
Speaking of vast, while a few dozen characters are planned to be available by the time the game is released in February, The Amazing Society has promised that eventually there will be thousands of playable characters, added missions and even the opportunity to play as villains, making Marvel Super Hero squad Online perhaps the deepest free online game ever.
Add in the super easy point and click controls and colorful visuals and it’s easy to see that Marvel Super Hero Squad Online is shaping up quite nicely.
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