With The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's recent success, a new love of Captain America had erupted in the fanbase. This, coupled with Marvel's return to video games with titles like Marvel's Avengers and Marvel's Spider-Man, shows that it's the perfect time to capitalize on more content with the star-spangled man with a plan. The best way to do this would be to bring the hero back with a brand new and overhauled video game outing.
In 2011, Captain America returned to the video game medium with Captain America: Super Soldier. The movie tie-in was a successful Batman: Arkham clone with engaging mechanics built around brawling and using Cap's iconic shield. The gameplay was expanded for the character with Marvel's Avengers, which saw him utilizing certain moves seen in his Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance, like kicking the shield after being thrown. A new Captain America title could continue to build off those previous appearances by creating a new open-world adventure that would feature an original story and detailed locations.
The two most important locations in Cap's life have been Washington D.C. and New York City. These are where two of the game's larger locations could take place, though there would still be room for enclosed levels akin to warehouse missions in Marvel's Spider-Man. Since Captain America has traveled across the country, other missions could also occur in small towns or cities. While in larger maps like New York or D.C., the game could take a page from Days Gone's book and have Steve travel on his Harley-Davidson or traveling to far-off locales via Quinjet. The goal would be to have traversal feel organic and in character for Rogers.
Combat would feature the similar counters and shield throws seen in Cap's original game and Marvel's Avengers. However, this could be evolved to include more S.H.I.E.L.D. tech to mix up combat, such as tasers or grapnel cables that could bring enemies closer, like in the Arkham titles. One upgrade could even create a whole system where Cap could plan his shield throw trajectory, which would allow him to fight multiple foes and time his catch for a devastating final attack. But the main thing that would set this game apart from the others would be its co-op.
Captain America worked best with a team, which is why the game would feature both the Falcon and the Winter Soldier as playable characters. This would help keep the game fresh and implement a unique spin on the combat and upgrades by including more weapons or aerial abilities. Plus, with co-op, friends could team up to take on villains like Zemo and the Red Skull or have them take on a mini-boss battle with anti-hero U.S. Agent. Teamwork would be emphasized in the game and teach the lesson that no one is an island.
As the world continues to get more turbulent and forms of authority have their trust tested, a Captain America game could be a breath of fresh air. Its story could help show that as long as people support each other, anything is possible. It could also show the importance of positivity and focusing on the good rather than the bad. The narrative impact would serve as a great reason why the world needs another Captain America game.