Marvel's Avengers has stayed under wraps for quite some time. Developer Crystal Dynamics has been tight-lipped about the project, but the team has finally provided more detailed about the highly-anticipated game. Not only has Crystal Dynamics shown off customization features and a co-op mode, but the studio has also revealed much more about the story. The game will focus on Advanced Idea Mechanics (or as fans know it, A.I.M.) as the devious corporation gathers and experiments on Inhumans -- a race of superpowered people that are slowly appearing all over the globe.
The reveal of the Inhumans and the game's true villain, M.O.D.O.K., has taken fans by surprise. Marvel's Avengers seems to be diving much deeper into the Marvel universe than anyone previously thought. Crystal Dynamics has also said that additional heroes will join the game's original six after launch. And while it would be cool to see fan-favorites like Spider-Man and the X-Men, there are some heroes that we think would be perfect fits for the game.
Ant-Man
Ant-Man is rarely anybody's favorite Avenger, but he would make a wonderful addition to the game's roster of playable heroes. Not only is he a founding member of the team from the days of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, but he's already confirmed to be in the game. Recent trailers have revealed that a young Hank Pym is part of the cast, giving players missions throughout the game. We've even seen what appears to be some shrinking weaponry.
Maybe it is only a matter of time before Hank Pym suits up with the rest of the team, but hopefully sooner rather than later. He already has the right technology, so it's possible that he is slated for a playable appearance in a future update. His inclusion would also allow for the appearance of the Wasp, and using them together in the co-op game mode would make for a fun team-up.
Black Panther
Marvel's Avengers tells the story of the Inhumans. This is a pretty specific corner of the Marvel universe, so one would hope that additional heroes come from other areas of the comics. A clever addition, and one that is likely given his popularity, is Black Panther. Having T'Challa join the team opens up the possibility of seeing levels set in Wakanda and provides a starring lead for future games if necessary.
He is not just the rising star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he's been a staple of the comics for decades. Black Panther is a must-have for fans, even if this story is not overly concerned with introducing elements from his books. His inclusion would help introduce more international heroes and villains, like Atlantis' Namor the Submariner or Latveria's Doctor Doom.
Captain Marvel
Considering Ms. Marvel has a starring role in Marvel's Avengers, it would make perfect sense to also include her superhero inspiration. Playing as Captain Marvel seems like a no-brainer with Ms. Marvel in the lead, but even without this tie, Carol Danvers could provide the link to the cosmic side of the comics for this new video game universe. She could help introduce Nova, the Skrulls or even the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Like Black Panther, Captain Marvel's popularity has risen thanks to the MCU, and she would make for a versatile A-list cast member for future storylines. We already know that she exists in the game's universe thanks to Kamala Khan's hideout, so it would not surprise us if Crystal Dynamics is hinting at something to come post-launch.
Black Bolt
As the royal king of the Inhumans, Black Bolt should make an appearance. Though Marvel's Avengers' makes it seem like the Inhumans are a new phenomenon in the game's world, they've living on the Moon for decades in the comics. This could also be the case in-game, and it could be something the Avengers learn later on, once M.O.D.O.K. and A.I.M. have been dealt with.
The inclusion of the Inhumans could imply that more important ones like Black Bolt already exist. While he might be a big ask as a playable character, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get a cameo at the very least, perhaps as part of a post-credits scene that reveals the Inhumans on the Moon.
Doctor Strange
There's a whole supernatural side of the Marvel universe that the game should cover, and what better way to do that than by including Doctor Strange? A future update could be magic-themed and include a playable Doctor Strange with supernatural enemies and levels. The story so far doesn't seem concerned with the fantasy aspects of the comics, but Doctor Strange would add some spooky variety to a sci-fi heavy experience.
Adding Doctor Strange opens up all kinds of creative gameplay scenarios. Not only would it make for interesting combat mechanics, but levels made for him could get really weird (in a good way, of course). This could also help set up Marvel's Avengers' multiverse, just like Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is said to do for the MCU. It's not the first thing that Crystal Dynamics should prioritize, but adding Doctor Strange and the multiverse does provide a good way to explore new areas and stories in the game's world.
Developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, Marvel's Avengers arrives on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia and PC on Sept. 4.