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FROM ZEROES TO HEROES
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Review

In the expansive tapestry of Marvel's vast universe, few teams have resonated with audiences quite like the unconventional ensemble known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. Renowned for their irreverent humor, unexpected heroism, and heartfelt camaraderie, these cosmic misfits have endeared themselves to fans across comics and cinema alike. Now, Eidos-Montréal invites players to embark on an exhilarating new chapter alongside Star-Lord and his eclectic crew in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. This third-person action-adventure promises an intoxicating mix of sharp-witted banter, pulse-pounding combat sequences, and a narrative brimming with unexpected twists and emotional depth.


GAMEPLAY (8/10):
The player takes on the role of Star-Lord (Peter Quill) but commands the entire team, utilizing each member’s unique abilities in combat and puzzle-solving scenarios. The combat system is dynamic and encourages strategic thinking. As Star-Lord, you can use your elemental guns, jet boots, and melee attacks. Simultaneously, you issue commands to Rocket, Groot, Drax, and Gamora, each with distinct skills such as heavy attacks, healing, and crowd control. The Huddle mechanic allows for mid-battle pep talks, which can provide temporary buffs based on your dialogue choices. The game features semi-open levels where exploration is rewarded with collectibles, crafting components, and hidden lore. Puzzles are integrated into the environment, often requiring the Guardians to work together, leveraging their specific talents to progress. Throughout the game, players collect resources to upgrade abilities and equipment. While the customization is not as deep as some RPGs, it offers enough variety to tailor combat and exploration styles.

GRAPHICS AND ATMOSPHERE (9/10):
The game excels in its visual presentation, offering a vibrant and colorful universe. Character models are detailed, capturing the essence of the Guardians without relying on the likenesses from the MCU. The diverse alien environments are lush and imaginative, bringing the cosmic setting to life. The atmosphere is enriched by detailed environments, from bustling spaceports to eerie alien landscapes. Each location feels unique, with attention to detail that adds depth to the world-building. The game runs smoothly on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, though there may be occasional frame rate drops on older hardware. The visual effects, especially in combat, are impressive and add to the chaotic fun.

SOUND AND MUSIC (10/10):
The voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life with humor, emotion, and personality. The dialogue is witty and true to the Guardians' banter, making interactions feel genuine and engaging. The sound design is equally impressive, with satisfying auditory feedback for combat, environmental sounds that enhance immersion, and unique audio cues for each Guardian’s abilities. The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring a mix of licensed '80s hits and an original score that captures the spirit of the Guardians. The licensed tracks are used effectively, especially during key moments and the Huddle mechanic, providing a nostalgic and energetic boost to the gameplay.

STORY AND CHARACTERS (8/10):
The story is a compelling space adventure that balances humor, drama, and action. It explores themes of family, trust, and redemption, giving each Guardian a moment to shine. The plot is well-paced, with twists and emotional beats that keep players invested. Each member of the Guardians is well-developed, with personal arcs that add depth to the narrative. The dynamic between the characters is a core strength of the game, driving much of the humor and emotional resonance.

GAME LENGTH AND COMPLETION TIME (6/10):
The main campaign typically takes around 15-20 hours to complete, depending on the player’s pace and exploration habits. For those who enjoy completing side missions, finding all collectibles, and unlocking all upgrades, the game offers an additional 5-10 hours of content. Completionists can expect a total playtime of around 20-30 hours.

CONCLUSION AND SCORE:
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a delightful and engaging adventure that successfully captures the spirit of the beloved misfit team. Its strong narrative, excellent character work, and thrilling combat mechanics make it a essential experience for fans of the Marvel universe. The game's vibrant visuals, superb sound design, and nostalgic soundtrack further enhance the experience, creating a well-rounded and memorable journey through the cosmos. However, the game is not without its shortcomings. The main campaign, while engaging and well-paced, may feel a bit short for players who prefer longer, more expansive adventures. While the side missions and collectibles add some additional playtime, the overall experience feels like it ends just as the player is fully immersed in the Guardians' universe. Despite these minor criticism, Guardians of the Galaxy remains a highly entertaining and heartfelt game that fans of the franchise and newcomers alike will enjoy.

SCORE: 8.1/10

This game is a master piece. It makes players feel as if they are Starlord in a universe that mixes comedy, tragedy and adventure and it just feels right. Even if you are not big fun of marvel, you will enjoy this jewel.
Big yes for this one.

Actual ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ slop

I wish Steam's review system was "I liked it" vs. "I didn't like it," because this is my opinion on the game, not whether or not I'd recommend it. Folks' opinions vary and what they like and don't like (i.e., what they can tolerate) vary, too. So, here goes...

For the most part, this is a really good game. The voice acting is probably the best I've ever heard. The banter between the team members makes you feel like you're in one of the movies and it's funny... I laughed out loud several times. The overall quality is professional, Hollywood-studio acting. (Except for a few of Gamora's lines that seemed stiff.) The music is excellent, but I may be a bit biased, as an 80's kid. The writing and story line were really good... at least to the point I got to in the game. The visuals are beautiful. The game play mechanics -- combat, crafting, exploration, and things-to-do -- are all well-integrated and fun. It's a bit linear, but that actually fits with the style of this game, to tell a story.

BUT... I walked away from it at Chapter 7 because of Rocket's character. ALL. HE. DOES. IS. COMPLAIN. Too negative, too whiny, too 12-year-old, entitled girl. Go against his ideas, he gripes. Go with his ideas, he gripes. Try to fix things 'cause you went against his ideas, and he calls you a p----. And, he won't shut the <bleep> up, incessantly whining about everything. Nope... no thanks. Too "Sally-sensitive" on my part? Not really... I have enough stress in my life without a video game character creating more. As a Reditor posted, "I play games to relax and have fun, not to simulate daycare." I know the comics. I know the movies. So I know Rocket is bitter. This was just too much bitter. Folks on Reddit have recommended to side with Rocket more often, and his attitude changes. But, then I can't play Quill's character the way I want to.

Bummed. I was really enjoying the game to this point. Maybe I'll grow some patience and give it another go, but probably not. There are too many other games to try.

This game is very great looking. The aliens are really fleshed out. If it were any more real they would be slapping you in the face. The keyboard seems sluggish at times. The play sucks. This game should be way better, but it is still a good movie experience.

Just an all out fun game. Yes, it has its good points ,and its bad points ,but over all I had a Blast.

This game surprised me it was a lot better than i was expecting

Classic songs and a good story, whats not to like?

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BLAST OF A GAME!

Action packed, hilarious, inventive, unique locations and huge, entertaining set pieces.

That bit where you're stuck in the slime is painfully annoying though.