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MONSTER

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Item: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Comedy, RPG, Single Player

AvailableOct 26, 2021

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperEidos Montreal

Overview

Fire up a wild ride across the cosmos with a fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In this action-adventure game, you are Star-Lord leading the unpredictable Guardians from one explosion of chaos to the next. You got this. Probably.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy shines with a captivating narrative and strong character development, blending humor and emotional depth. Critics praise its exploration of themes like found family and grief, though some note pacing issues and superficial player choices. Overall, it’s celebrated as one of the best Marvel stories in gaming, appealing to both fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Reviewers such as RPG Fan and GameSpew highlight the game’s ability to blend humor with emotional depth, effectively exploring themes of found family and grief. The character-driven narrative is frequently noted, with critics like GamingBolt and Stevivor emphasizing the strong relationships among the Guardians and how these dynamics enhance the storytelling experience. Critics also appreciate the game’s original take on the Marvel universe, with Gfinity and Power Unlimited noting its clever writing and engaging world-building. The narrative's emotional resonance and the depth of character backstories, particularly that of Star-Lord, have been highlighted by CGMagazine and GamesRadar+, further solidifying the game's appeal to both Marvel fans and newcomers alike. Despite the overall praise, some critics pointed out significant weaknesses in the story, particularly in its pacing and the impact of player choices. SpazioGames mentioned a weak first half filled with unmemorable moments and childish dialogues, suggesting that the narrative takes time to gain momentum. Similarly, Destructoid and PCGamesN noted that while the character interactions are enjoyable, the choices presented often feel superficial and do not significantly alter the overall narrative outcome. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and PC Invasion echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while the game features dialogue choices, they often lack meaningful consequences, which can detract from player engagement. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy offers a compelling and well-crafted narrative that resonates with players, despite some pacing issues and a lack of impactful choices. The majority of reviewers agree that the story shines through its character development and emotional depth, with many noting it as one of the best Marvel narratives in gaming. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Hey Poor Player have lauded the game for its clever storytelling and rich character interactions, suggesting that it successfully captures the essence of the Guardians while providing a unique experience within the Marvel universe. Overall, the game stands out as a strong entry in the realm of narrative-driven video games, appealing to both fans of the franchise and those new to the Marvel lore.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy features engaging combat and unique Guardian abilities that critics praise for their strategic depth and immersive controls. However, the gameplay suffers from repetitiveness, simplistic mechanics, and linear puzzles, resulting in a tedious experience over time. While enjoyable, it lacks the variety and challenge needed to keep players fully engaged, leading to mixed reviews overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its engaging combat mechanics and the unique abilities of the Guardians. Reviewers such as PlayStation Universe and Game Spew highlight the enjoyable nature of the combat, emphasizing the strategic element of directing team members in battle. Critics like Eurogamer Italy commend the game for its solid structure, allowing players to utilize each Guardian's unique roles effectively. Additionally, some reviewers, including IGN and GamingBolt, appreciate the intuitive controls and the blend of combat with environmental puzzles, which contribute to a dynamic gameplay experience. The ability to command teammates while controlling Star-Lord adds a layer of depth, making the gameplay feel immersive and engaging. However, the gameplay has faced significant criticism for its repetitive and simplistic nature. Many reviewers, including Guardian and Launcher from The Washington Post, point out that combat lacks depth, with encounters becoming monotonous over time. Critics like NME and Vandal echo this sentiment, citing loose controls and linear puzzles that fail to challenge players adequately. The gameplay's reliance on straightforward mechanics can lead to a sense of tedium, as noted by Player 2 and Game Revolution, who mention that the combat and platforming feel derivative and lack innovation. Furthermore, the presence of bugs and frustrating mechanics, as highlighted by CGMagazine, detracts from the overall experience, contributing to a perception that the gameplay is not as polished as it could be. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy offers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience, it is marred by repetitiveness and a lack of depth. The combat system, while fun and strategic, often feels simplistic and chaotic, leading to a desire for more variety and challenge. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Game Informer acknowledge the potential for enjoyment, but they also note that the gameplay can become tedious, particularly in the later stages. Thus, while the game successfully captures the essence of teamwork and character dynamics, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy impresses with stunning visuals and vibrant environments that capture the franchise's essence, earning praise for its artistic direction. However, critics cite significant performance issues on platforms like Nintendo Switch and PS5, including pop-in glitches, low-quality models, and awkward animations, which detract from the experience. Overall, while the game showcases a visually appealing universe, it suffers from technical shortcomings that prevent it from achieving flawless graphical fidelity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy have received a mix of praise from critics, particularly regarding the vibrant environments and detailed character models. Many reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and Press Start Australia, highlighted the stunning visuals and artistic direction, noting that the game successfully captures the essence of the Guardians' universe. Critics like RPG Site and GameMAG emphasized the game's high-quality graphics and cinematic presentation, which contribute to an immersive experience. The colorful and varied environments were frequently mentioned, with many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and Noisy Pixel, appreciating the distinct and memorable worlds that enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's visual execution. NintendoWorldReport and Shacknews expressed disappointment with performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and PS5, where problems like pop-in, low-quality models, and framerate drops were reported. Issues with character animations and facial expressions were also highlighted by multiple reviewers, including Gamer.no and CGMagazine, who noted that some animations felt stiff and awkward, detracting from the overall visual experience. Additionally, minor visual glitches and texture loading issues were mentioned by critics such as Comicbook.com and Hobby Consolas, indicating that while the game has strong visual elements, there are areas that require refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy delivers a visually appealing experience with impressive artistic design and character models, particularly on next-gen consoles. Despite the positive aspects, there are significant technical issues that affect the game's performance and animation quality, as noted by reviewers like IGN France and New Game Network. Critics agree that while the game showcases a vibrant and engaging universe, it falls short of being a flawless visual experience due to its inconsistent animations and occasional glitches. The game's visuals are generally well-received, but the mixed feedback suggests that improvements are needed to elevate the overall graphical fidelity and polish.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy receives high praise for its vibrant '80s soundtrack and impressive voice acting, enhancing gameplay and immersion. Critics celebrate the thoughtful song selection, but note issues with execution, like inconsistent music fades during battles and audio mixing flaws. Overall, the game's sound design is a standout feature, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with players, despite some missed opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the integration of a vibrant '80s soundtrack that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers such as RPG Fan and DualShockers highlighted the fantastic selection of classic tracks, noting how they energize gameplay and contribute to the overall atmosphere. The voice acting was also frequently mentioned as a standout feature, with Forbes and Player 2 commending the quality of performances that complement the musical elements. Critics like Malditos Nerds emphasized how the licensed soundtrack not only elevates the narrative but also plays an integral role in the game's immersive experience, showcasing the thoughtful curation of songs that resonate with the Guardians' tone. Despite the overall positive sentiment, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and missed opportunities in the game's sound design and music integration. For instance, Gamer.no noted that while the incorporation of '80s music is a highlight, the execution sometimes falters, with some songs fading too quickly during battles. Similarly, Dexerto mentioned that the impressive soundtrack feels under-utilized, suggesting that better integration into gameplay could have been achieved. Audio mixing issues were also a recurring theme, with New Game Network and Easy Allies expressing concerns about how the sound design can detract from the overall experience, particularly during intense moments where the music might not align perfectly with the action. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy features a strong and engaging sound design and music that significantly enhances the player's experience. While there are valid critiques regarding the integration and execution of the soundtrack, the overwhelming majority of reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and GamePro Germany, recognize the game's audio elements as a highlight that captures the essence of the Guardians. The combination of licensed '80s hits and original compositions creates a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere, making it a memorable aspect of the game that resonates well with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is widely praised for its vibrancy and character depth, enhancing humor and emotional resonance. Critics commend the performances for adding charm and relatability, particularly noting the impact of familiar MCU actors. However, some inconsistencies, particularly with Star-Lord and Rocket, have drawn mixed reviews, with a few performances seen as disruptive to immersion. Overall, the voice acting stands out as a highlight, capturing the essence of the beloved characters despite some polarizing moments.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, with many praising the performances for their vibrancy and ability to bring the characters to life. Reviewers such as GameSpot and NME highlighted the strong portrayals that effectively capture the essence of each character, contributing significantly to the game's humor and emotional depth. Critics from outlets like Easy Allies and Push Square commended the voice cast for their brilliant performances, which not only enhance character interactions but also add layers of charm and relatability to the Guardians. The inclusion of familiar actors from the MCU, as noted by Generación Xbox and Vandal, further enriches the experience, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates well with fans of the franchise. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out inconsistencies and specific performances that detracted from the experience. For instance, Gamer.no mentioned that while the voice acting was lively, it occasionally lacked the necessary intensity, leading to a mixed experience. Similarly, PC Invasion and New Game Network noted that Star-Lord's portrayal fell short, with some describing his voice as too goofy and jarring, which could disrupt immersion. Metro GameCentral expressed that certain characters, like Rocket, could be irritating, affecting the overall enjoyment of the game. These critiques suggest that while the majority of the voice acting is commendable, a few standout performances may polarize opinions among players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many agreeing that the voice acting is a strong aspect of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. While some performances, particularly those of Star-Lord and Rocket, received mixed reviews, the majority of critics, including those from Wccftech and GamingBolt, emphasized the contributions of the voice cast to character development and narrative engagement. The lively banter and well-written dialogue, praised by Gamers' Temple and Daily Star, enhance the game's charm and humor, making it a memorable experience for players. In summary, despite a few criticisms, the voice acting is generally regarded as a highlight of the game, successfully capturing the spirit of the beloved characters.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy performs unevenly across platforms. The PS5 and Xbox Series X receive praise for visuals and smooth gameplay but suffer from bugs and frame drops. The PC version is stable with ray tracing tweaks, yet criticized for long loading times. The Nintendo Switch's cloud version is plagued by severe technical issues. Overall, while the game shows promise, significant performance problems and glitches hinder the experience, prompting calls for patches to enhance gameplay across all systems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive notes worth highlighting. On the PlayStation 5, several critics, including Eurogamer Italy and We Got This Covered, praised the game for its smooth performance and impressive visuals, indicating that it generally runs well despite some minor issues. The Xbox Series X also received commendations for its overall performance, with GameGrin noting that while some glitches and frame drops were encountered, they were not game-breaking. On the PC front, some reviewers like Ragequit.gr reported no substantial bugs, highlighting a relatively stable experience, especially when ray tracing settings are adjusted. However, the negatives across platforms are notable and cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, critics such as NME and Digital Trends expressed frustration over frequent bugs and glitches that undermine the gameplay experience. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch's cloud version was heavily criticized by Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo for severe technical issues, including input lag and disconnections, which rendered the experience frustrating. The PC version also faced criticism, with Screen Rant mentioning long loading screens that disrupt gameplay and PCGamesN highlighting technical issues that detract from immersion. The Xbox Series X was not exempt from criticism either, with TheXboxHub and Game Informer pointing out bugs and inconsistent frame rates that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy showcases potential with its engaging gameplay and visuals, the technical performance leaves much to be desired across all platforms. Critics have consistently pointed out that bugs, glitches, and performance issues significantly impact the experience, with many suggesting that further patches are needed to address these concerns. While some platforms, particularly the PS5 and Xbox Series X, show promise in terms of performance, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game requires additional polish to reach its full potential, as echoed by reviewers such as IGN and Attack of the Fanboy.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are split on the replay value of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. While some praise features like New Game Plus and branching dialogue that encourage exploration, many highlight its linear structure and lack of impactful choices as major drawbacks. The result? A cautious consensus: there are enticing aspects, but the game likely won't compel most players to replay it.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy reveal a mix of positive aspects that some critics have highlighted. Several reviewers, such as Windows Central and IGN, noted the inclusion of a New Game Plus mode and branching dialogue choices, which can encourage players to explore different outcomes and enhance replayability. Critics like MondoXbox and Softpedia emphasized that the decision-making process can significantly influence character relationships and the narrative, suggesting that players might find value in replaying the game to experience these variations. Additionally, the presence of collectibles and lore, as mentioned by GameGrin and Easy Allies, adds an exploratory element that can entice players to revisit the game. However, a significant number of critics pointed out the limitations of the game's replay value, primarily due to its linear structure. Games.cz and New Game Network expressed that the game lacks meaningful choices that affect the overall outcome, which diminishes the incentive to replay. Destructoid and Riot Pixels echoed similar sentiments, stating that while there are some narrative forks, they do not compel players to return for additional playthroughs. Critics like CGMagazine and RPG Site further highlighted that the slow pacing and minimal impact of choices on the overall experience may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious view on the replay value of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. While some reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and GRYOnline.pl, acknowledged the potential for replayability through character interactions and dialogue choices, many others, including Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral, emphasized the limitations posed by the game's linearity and lack of significant consequences from player choices. This suggests that while there are elements that could encourage replay, the overall experience may not be compelling enough for most players to warrant multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is largely positive, with many critics praising its storytelling, character development, and vibrant presentation. Reviewers such as GamingTrend and Gamers Heroes highlight the game as a standout title with a phenomenal story and engaging gameplay, suggesting it may be one of the best Marvel games in recent years. Critics like App Trigger and Telegrapgh commend the game's smart storytelling and engaging characters, emphasizing that the narrative experience is a significant strength. The game's humor, emotional depth, and voice acting are also frequently noted as highlights, with publications like New York Daily News and Worth Playing calling it a fantastic adventure that captures the essence of the Marvel franchise. However, the game does face criticism, particularly regarding its gameplay mechanics and technical issues. Critics from Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport express disappointment over the cloud version on the Switch, describing it as a disastrous experience that overshadows the game's merits. Many reviewers, including Riot Pixels and GameSpot, mention that while the storytelling excels, the gameplay falls short, with issues like repetitiveness, linearity, and pacing detracting from the overall experience. Technical glitches and bugs are also a common concern, as noted by CGMagazine and Merlin'in Kazanı, which further hinder the game's potential to be a truly great title. In summary, while Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is celebrated for its compelling narrative and character interactions, it is marred by gameplay shortcomings and technical issues. The consensus among critics suggests that fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the game for its story and character depth, as highlighted by critics like Forbes and Press Start Australia. However, those seeking a robust gameplay experience may find it lacking. Overall, the game is seen as a worthwhile single-player adventure, particularly for Marvel enthusiasts, despite its flaws.

TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy impresses with strong storytelling, character development, and humor, earning praise as one of the best Marvel games in years. However, it suffers from gameplay issues and technical glitches, especially on the Switch. While fans will enjoy the narrative, those seeking solid gameplay may be disappointed. Overall, it's a solid single-player adventure for Marvel fans despite its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

153 reviews found

100

New York Daily News

PlayStation 5

Nov 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a fantastic adventure game and everything you could want in a Marvel video game.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is hailed as a fantastic game, potentially the best of the year, with a strong narrative, excellent voice acting, and engaging gameplay.

Stevivor

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy is a focused and enjoyable experience, surpassing previous Marvel games with its character depth and engaging story.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a strong contender for Game of the Year, offering a unique and engaging experience that stands apart from the MCU, with rich storytelling and character development.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a standout comic book game, praised for its writing, combat, and emotional depth. It sets a new standard for superhero games.

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XGN

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a standout title of 2021, successfully blending engaging storytelling, enjoyable gameplay, and a strong visual and audio presentation.

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Areajugones

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a spectacular single-player game that combines narrative, gameplay, and music effectively, despite its linearity and technical issues.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 5

Oct 30, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a well-crafted game that improves upon its predecessor with better combat, character depth, and a stellar soundtrack.

Atomix

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a well-crafted single-player experience that successfully combines engaging storytelling, solid gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals, making it a worthy addition to the superhero genre.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 25, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy ofrece una experiencia lineal excelente, con un diseño artístico sublime, un sistema de combate divertido y un guion sobresaliente, a pesar de algunos problemas técnicos menores.