Marvel's Avengers is an ambitious video game that allows players to play as Earth's Mightiest Heroes. As users control Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America and Iron Man, the game delivers a story meant to rival any from the comic books or the big screen. Each of the superheroes are a recognizable mix of what fans are familiar with, borrowing elements from the comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe to create timeless versions of the iconic superheroes.
Steve Rogers, Tony Stark and Thor all shine as versions of the characters that are similar to their movie counterparts -- but Bruce Banner is a different case. Putting aside the scientist's big green double, the Banner featured in Marvel's Avengers outshines Mark Ruffalo's version as well as the comics themselves to become the quintessential take on the character.
At the start of Marvel's Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes have disbanded after a catastrophe that took place five years prior. Now, A.I.M. is the ruling scientific and policing force in the world, and the young Kamala Khan gathers information that absolves the Avengers. Intent on sharing this crucial data, she puts it on herself to reunite the team, and the first superhero she finds is a rampaging Hulk. After the Jade Giant calms down and Bruce Banner regains control, and he is the first Avenger Kamala teams up with.
Since there are no other superheroes to occupy the screen, Banner gets a rare chance to shine as the story unfolds. The character is tormented by the events of A-Day and his role in them. This gives him a depth that makes him more complex -- outside of his usual rivalry with the Hulk. But despite all of that, he is confident in his abilities and his beliefs.
As Kamala helps him find his heroic drive once again, Bruce gets a rare opportunity to shine as a man. On top of that, his paternal relationship with Kamala also allows players to see the character in a different light: he's funny, he's humorously annoyed and he is even protective. All of this contributes to make the game's version of Bruce incredibly interesting.
Usually, Bruce Banner is defined and outshined by the Hulk. Such is the case in the comics books, which almost always focus on the green monster inside of Banner. As for the MCU, it has given fans multiple versions of Banner without ever settling on a definitive personality. He went from squirrelly scientist to comedic sidekick to a zen-like Hulk/Banner amalgam in Avengers: Endgame.
But with a single game, Marvel's Avengers takes the time to explore Bruce Banner, giving him the time to stand on his own. Here, Bruce is a scientist, a leader and a mentor who is just as valuable a member of the team as his alter ego. This version of Banner isn't defined by the Jade Giant. He's not a punchline or a weapon to be aimed. He is an Avenger.
Marvel's Avengers is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia and PC.