Immersed in a world of espionage and adventure in the heart of Paris occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War, Marvel 1943 : Rise of Hydra promises to be an epic experience.
A narrative trailer features Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, taking on Azzuri, the 1940s Black Panther and King of Wakanda, while battling enemies in his own unique style. He's ready to fight all day, that's for sure.
Set during World War II, the story uncovers the origins of Hydra, a terrorist organization created by dissident members of the Nazi Party.
As Hitler's inevitable defeat looms, fanatics led by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker exploit the chaos to advance their evil group in their quest for world domination. In a climate of violence, Captain America must forge new alliances to face a formidable common enemy.
Leaving aside the setting of 1943 and the rise of Hydra, the face-to-face between Captain America and Black Panther in the trailer promises to be particularly captivating.
This action-adventure game allows players to take control of the two heroes as they begin an uneasy coalition, supported by Howling Commandos member Gabriel Jones and Wakandan spy Nanali, in what developer Skydance New Media promises to be a “spectacular, narrative action-adventure game”.
The real advantage of Marvel 1943 : Rise of Hydra is producer Amy Hennig. Although one of her previous projects – a very promising Star Wars action game known as Project Ragtag – never saw the light of day, Hennig's journey as creator and writer of the four main games of Uncharted is utterly impressive, and its imprint is evident in the trailers for this game.
In addition to its Star Wars experience, expect thrilling cutscenes, varied combat and easy access that makes Marvel 1943 as accessible as one could hope for for a Marvel audience.
The casting is also intriguing. Azzuri, known as T'Chanda, is the grandfather of T'Challa and Shuri: as Black Panther, he is fast and agile, possessing the powers of heart-shaped herbs that place him roughly on the same level as Super Soldier Steve Rogers.
As a pragmatic warrior, he is proficient in martial arts, which should make him a fun character to play as. His initial relationship with Rogers will undoubtedly be tumultuous, and the first images of the game show the claw marks he left on Cap's vibranium shield.
“It is unclear to what extent this somewhat absurd story will be incorporated into Marvel 1943but if the game manages to embrace the lighter side of Howling Commandos, it could provide a welcome touch of humor. »
Gabriel Jones, for his part, is described in the comics as an American soldier passionate about music, having learned to play the saxophone with Louis Armstrong. His musical ability caught the attention of Nick Fury, with whom he served in the Howling Commandos.
This squad of fighters was so reassuring as it sowed terror in the Third Reich that Hitler's supporters even created their own rival team, the Blitzkrieg Squad, which included a killer flutist named Otto Rabe.
It is not yet certain to what extent this part of the story will be integrated into Marvel 1943but if the game knows how to take advantage of the unusual side of the Howling Commandos, it could really bring a pleasant humorous dimension. We also know that tech genius Howard Stark will make an appearance, helping Cap and his friends with their arsenal.
In the comics, Rogers and Azzuri ultimately collaborate with the Howling Commandos to defend Wakanda against the Nazis, so it is possible that the game takes place partly in this mythical land. Wakanda has already been depicted in previous games, but it will be exciting to see how a game of this scale pays homage to the Afro-futuristic design and technological wonders of this hidden African country.
However, the main framework put forward is that of occupied Paris. At this time in history, Paris was under Nazi control and reluctantly complicit in the arrest, deportation, and murder of thousands of Jews. Unrest and insurrection were everywhere as France yearned for the liberation that would come a year later with the help of Allied forces.
All this will constitute a tense and captivating context for the group's already fragile alliance, which screenwriters Hennig and Marc Bernardin will, without a doubt, exploit effectively.
