Marvel's Avengers May Be the Reason Guardians of the Galaxy Underperformed
As is the way with most major franchises, any new Marvel property often comes with lofty expectations. Be it the wildly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe, or the pages of the comics, the products that are stamped with the iconic Marvel logo are the source of much escapism, and as the company finds its footing in the video game sphere, those expectations remain sky-high. Guardians of the Galaxy was Eidos-Montreal's attempt at capturing the magic of the Marvel property of the same name, as Star Lord and company attempt to save the world from the clutches of Universal Church of Truth.
Published by Square Enix, Guardians of the Galaxy wasn't the first Marvel property that the publisher took on, as Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers released to a mixed reception in 2020. A project as ambitious as the Avengers was sure to raise eyebrows, and the company's pivot towards a games-as-a-service model that would usually prolong its life was ultimately its downfall. Creating an experience based on Earth's Mightiest Heroes wields huge narrative potential, and Crystal Dynamics' effort simply under-delivered on many of its promises. With Guardians of the Galaxy, the Marvel and Square Enix association ultimately served to hinder its commercial appeal.
Marvel's Wolverine Could Learn From Guardians of the Galaxy's Homage to the Past
Guardians of the Galaxy's nonexistent marketing had fans left puzzled as to how the game would shake out. Sales were underwhelming according to Square Enix' expectations, despite its critical reception being far higher than many gamers expected. Guardians of the Galaxy is a somewhat nostalgic, linear, story-focused affair, as shooting galleries, and script-heavy cutscenes are prioritized over a sprawling map
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