Marvel’s Midnight Suns Review | Pros, Cons & Verdict
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is one of the most underrated Marvel games released in recent years. It combines tactical turn-based
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is one of the most underrated Marvel games released in recent years. It combines tactical turn-based combat, deck-building mechanics, and superhero relationships into a surprisingly deep RPG experience.
Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K, the game launched in 2022 and features heroes from the Avengers, X-Men, Runaways, and the Midnight Suns teams. Players create a custom hero called The Hunter and lead Marvel’s greatest heroes against Lilith, the Mother of Demons.
What Is Marvel’s Midnight Suns?
Unlike most Marvel games that focus on action combat, Midnight Suns is a tactical RPG. Battles are turn-based and use a card-based system rather than traditional attacks and abilities. Players build decks for each hero and create powerful combinations during combat.
The game features popular heroes such as:
- Iron Man
- Spider-Man
- Captain America
- Doctor Strange
- Wolverine
- Blade
- Ghost Rider
- Scarlet Witch
Each hero plays differently and has unique abilities, encouraging experimentation and team-building.
Gameplay
The gameplay is split into two main parts:
Tactical Missions
Combat missions form the core of the experience. Players choose three heroes and enter battles against Hydra soldiers, demons, and powerful bosses.
Every hero has a customizable deck of cards. These cards represent attacks, support abilities, buffs, healing, and powerful ultimate moves. During battle, players draw cards and decide how to use limited actions each turn.
Unlike many strategy games, there is no movement grid. Heroes automatically move when performing actions, making battles faster and more accessible. Environmental objects such as explosive barrels, electrical boxes, and scenery can also be used to damage enemies.
Life at the Abbey
Between missions, players return to The Abbey, the team’s headquarters.
Here you can:
- Talk with heroes
- Build friendships
- Upgrade equipment
- Research new abilities
- Explore hidden areas
- Unlock cosmetics
- Participate in social activities
The Abbey sections feel similar to relationship systems found in RPGs such as Persona and Fire Emblem. Stronger friendships unlock new abilities and bonuses during combat.
Combat System
The combat system is easily the strongest part of Midnight Suns.
At first, the card-based approach may sound strange for a superhero game. However, Firaxis managed to create a system that feels strategic, flexible, and satisfying. Many reviewers praised the combat as one of the best tactical systems in recent years.
Key combat features include:
Card-Based Abilities
Each hero uses a unique deck of eight cards.
For example:
- Iron Man focuses on technology and powerful ranged attacks.
- Wolverine specializes in aggression and self-healing.
- Doctor Strange provides support and battlefield control.
- Spider-Man excels at environmental attacks.
Building decks becomes a major part of progression.
Heroism Resource
Many powerful abilities require Heroism points.
Players generate Heroism through basic actions and spend it on devastating attacks, healing, and special moves. This creates meaningful decisions every turn.
Environmental Attacks
One of the game’s most unique mechanics is environmental interaction.
Heroes can throw enemies into objects, knock them off ledges, or use scenery to deal extra damage. This adds another layer of strategy beyond card management.
Team Synergy
Success depends on combining hero abilities effectively.
A well-planned team can chain attacks together, generate resources efficiently, and clear battlefields in spectacular fashion.
Story
The story revolves around Lilith, an ancient demon who threatens the world.
To stop her, the Midnight Suns, Avengers, and X-Men join forces. The Hunter, a customizable hero and Lilith’s child, becomes the central character.
The narrative includes:
- Supernatural themes
- Comic book lore
- Character-driven moments
- Team conflicts
- World-ending threats
While the overall story is entertaining, opinions on the writing are mixed. Some players enjoyed the character interactions and Marvel references, while others felt parts of the dialogue were overly long or awkward.
Graphics and Presentation
Midnight Suns looks good, though not groundbreaking.
Character models are detailed, attack animations are flashy, and combat effects successfully capture the feeling of controlling powerful superheroes. The cinematic finishing moves are especially impressive.
The game’s art direction does a great job blending darker supernatural elements with classic Marvel style.
Voice acting is generally strong across the cast, helping bring familiar heroes to life.
Character Progression
Progression remains rewarding throughout the campaign.
Players can:
- Upgrade cards
- Unlock new abilities
- Improve friendships
- Research technologies
- Customize costumes
- Enhance hero stats
Because every hero develops differently, there is plenty of incentive to experiment with new team combinations.
What the Community Thinks
Community opinion is often more positive than the game’s sales performance suggests.
Many players on Reddit describe the combat as exceptional and believe the game deserves more attention. Common praise focuses on strategy depth, hero variety, and addictive progression. Criticism usually targets some of the dialogue and social sections between missions.
A common theme among players is that those who give the combat system a chance often end up loving it despite initial concerns about cards and turn-based gameplay.
Pros
- Excellent tactical combat
- Deep deck-building mechanics
- Large roster of Marvel heroes
- Strong progression systems
- Meaningful character relationships
- High replay value
- Creative use of environmental attacks
- Long campaign with plenty of content
Cons
- Some dialogue feels overly lengthy
- Abbey exploration can slow the pace
- Not everyone will enjoy card-based combat
- Repetitive side activities at times
- Enemy variety could be better in later stages
Is Marvel’s Midnight Suns Worth Playing?
Absolutely—especially if you enjoy strategy games, RPG progression, or Marvel characters.
Players expecting a traditional action game similar to Spider-Man or Avengers may need time to adjust. However, those willing to embrace the tactical gameplay will find one of the most unique and rewarding Marvel games available. Critics consistently praised its combat depth, and many fans consider it a hidden gem that deserved far more attention than it received.
Verdict: 8.8/10
Marvel’s Midnight Suns delivers outstanding tactical combat, excellent hero customization, and a fresh take on the Marvel universe. While the social elements and dialogue can occasionally drag, the strategic gameplay is so strong that it easily carries the experience.
