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Marvel's Midnight Suns

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Marvel's Midnight Suns
Item: Marvel's Midnight Suns
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableDec 2, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperFiraxis Games

Overview

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is the ultimate crossover event combining the rich story, character relationships, customization and progression of an RPG with the tactical strategy and combat mechanics of a revolutionary new card-based tactics game. Set in the darker side of the Marvel Universe, you will forge unbreakable bonds with legendary Marvel Super Heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors in the fight against the world’s greatest threat yet…the demonic forces of Lilith and the elder god Chthon.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns garners mixed but mainly positive reviews for its engaging narrative, humor, and character depth, appealing to Marvel fans. Critics praise the character-driven storytelling, rich humor, and the unique protagonist, Hunter, navigating themes of family and identity. However, many also criticize the story's execution as generic and lacking depth, labeling it juvenile and unremarkable. The plot is seen as weak, with character interactions often overshadowing the main storyline. While the game has potential, it ultimately struggles with originality, making it a mixed experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Marvel's Midnight Suns present a mixed but predominantly positive perspective on various aspects of the narrative. Several reviewers, such as GAMES.CH and Pure Xbox, highlight the engaging and well-written nature of the story, praising its humor and references to Marvel lore that resonate with fans. Critics like CGMagazine and Game Informer appreciate the character-driven narratives and the exploration of the supernatural elements within the Marvel universe. The inclusion of familiar characters and the unique protagonist, Hunter, who navigates themes of family and identity, adds depth to the experience, as noted by Guardian and AusGamers. Additionally, the game’s ability to blend humor with serious themes, as mentioned by Atomix, contributes to a narrative that appeals to both casual fans and comic enthusiasts alike. Conversely, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution, labeling it as generic or lacking depth. Digitally Downloaded and WellPlayed criticize the storytelling approach, describing it as juvenile and unremarkable, with a narrative that fails to engage on an intellectual level. Critics like The Enemy and Press Start Australia point out that the plot feels weak and lacks meaningful consequences, while others, such as Hey Poor Player and Gfinity, describe the story as typical of superhero narratives, failing to break new ground. The sentiment that the character interactions overshadow the main storyline is echoed by PlaySense, indicating a disconnect between character development and the overall narrative arc. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Marvel's Midnight Suns features a compelling and engaging story with a rich tapestry of characters, it struggles with consistency and depth. Many reviewers appreciate the character-driven elements and the humorous tone, but a notable portion feels that the narrative is hindered by clichés and a lack of originality. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and TheGamer recognize the potential for a layered experience, but the execution leaves room for improvement. As a result, the game stands as a mixed bag, appealing to fans of the Marvel universe while simultaneously falling short of delivering a uniquely captivating story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns impresses with its tactical RPG and card-based gameplay, earning acclaim for its strategic combat, dynamic boss fights, and character synergy. Critics praise its depth and customization, though some note issues like repetitive enemies, slow pacing, and grinding for upgrades. Overall, while not flawless, it offers a fresh and engaging experience for strategy fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Marvel's Midnight Suns has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its innovative blend of tactical RPG elements and card-based mechanics. Reviewers such as Press Start Australia highlight the squad-based strategic combat as the game's strongest feature, noting the cinematic feel and excitement of boss fights that add variety to battles. Similarly, IGN Adria commends the complex yet enjoyable combat system, emphasizing its evolution from a slow start to a dynamic experience that requires constant adaptation. Critics like PC Gamer and Digital Trends appreciate the strategic depth and customization options available in the card-driven combat system, which encourages players to think critically and leverage the environment effectively during battles. However, several reviewers have pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and GameCritics express concerns over the lack of depth in enemy variety and mission objectives, which can lead to repetitive gameplay. GameCritics specifically mentions a slow pace that can disengage players during combat, while WellPlayed raises issues with the grinding required to unlock late-stage heroes. Additionally, some critics, such as CD-Action and The Games Machine, have noted limitations in combat mechanics, including repetitive animations and small maps that can hinder the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Marvel's Midnight Suns offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience. Many critics, including The Loadout and Slant Magazine, recognize the game's unique approach to combat as a refreshing departure from traditional turn-based strategies, with a strong emphasis on character synergy and tactical planning. The majority of feedback leans towards a favorable view, with critics acknowledging the game's strengths in strategic depth and engaging combat mechanics, even while recognizing areas for improvement. This balance of praise and critique suggests that while Midnight Suns may not be without its flaws, it successfully delivers a rewarding and innovative gameplay experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns dazzles with vibrant, dynamic combat visuals and impressive world design, earning praise for its blend of comic and cinematic styles. Critics laud the character attack animations, but many slam the character models and stiff animations, particularly in dialogue, as unappealing and outdated. Technical issues like low-res cutscenes further mar the experience. While the game shines in action, it struggles with consistency in visual quality, leading to mixed reviews about its overall graphics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

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 Midnight Suns have garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly regarding the game's vibrant and dynamic combat visuals. Many reviewers, including IGN Adria and GamingTrend, highlight the impressive world design and character detail during battles, noting that the game successfully blends comic and cinematic styles. Critics like Game Informer and Destructoid commend the beautiful special animations for each character's attacks, contributing to a visually engaging experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Everyeye.it, appreciate the comic-like aesthetic, which aligns well with the Marvel universe, creating an enjoyable visual experience during combat sequences. However, the game is not without its shortcomings, as numerous critics point out significant issues with character models and animations. MGG and GameSkinny describe the character visuals as unappealing and lacking detail, while Games.cz emphasizes that the graphics are the weakest aspect of the game, detracting from the overall experience. Critics like Power Unlimited and But Why Tho? mention outdated graphics and stiff character animations, particularly during dialogue scenes, which further diminish the game's visual appeal. Additionally, several reviews highlight technical issues such as low-resolution cutscenes and blurred textures, as noted by Screen Rant and PCMag, contributing to an overall sense of inconsistency in visual quality. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Marvel's Midnight Suns excels in delivering visually striking combat sequences and a vibrant world, it falters in character design and animation quality. Critics like New Game Network and Ragequit.gr express that the visual and technical aspects are relatively weak compared to other elements of the game but do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The mixed reviews indicate that while the game offers moments of visual brilliance, particularly in action, it struggles to maintain that quality across all aspects, leading to a somewhat divided sentiment regarding its graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns impresses with strong voice acting and immersive sound design that enhance the Marvel universe experience. Critics praise the performances from a star-studded cast and the visceral combat sounds. However, music quality is hit-or-miss, with some finding it forgettable and generic, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, the game excels in voice work but needs a more memorable musical identity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

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 Midnight Suns have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to immerse players in its Marvel-themed universe. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Gamers Heroes praised the music for effectively capturing the essence of the Marvel atmosphere, with themes reminiscent of the cinematic universe. The voice acting has been particularly lauded, with critics such as CGMagazine and Worth Playing noting the strong performances from a star-studded cast, which includes familiar voices from the Marvel films. Additionally, the sound design was highlighted for enhancing gameplay, with Push Square commending its visceral feel during combat, and IGN Italia noting the impactful sound effects that elevate the action. However, not all feedback is glowing, as some critics pointed out weaknesses in the music and sound design. IGN Adria described the music as forgettable or nearly absent, while Attack of the Fanboy criticized it as generic. RPGamer echoed this sentiment, stating that the music fades into the background and does not stand out. Furthermore, some reviews indicated issues with voice acting quality, with GamingBolt mentioning a lack of emotional depth in performances, and Metro GameCentral labeling some performances as mediocre. These critiques suggest that while the audio experience is generally strong, there are notable inconsistencies that detract from the overall quality. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Marvel's Midnight Suns delivers a commendable audio experience, particularly in voice acting and sound design, though the music does not consistently impress. Critics like Vgames and PlaySense highlighted the orchestral score's epic quality, while others pointed out that it can become repetitive or unmemorable over time. The diverse opinions reflect a game that excels in certain areas, particularly in character voice performances, yet struggles to maintain a consistently engaging musical backdrop. This mixed reception indicates that while the game successfully captures the Marvel essence through its audio, it still has room for improvement in creating a more memorable musical identity.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns features standout voice acting praised for emotional depth and character immersion, especially by actors like Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man) and Michael Jai White (Blade). However, critics also point out significant inconsistencies, with some performances deemed monotone or lacking authenticity, leading to an uneven experience. While some characters shine, others fall flat, highlighting both strong foundations and areas needing improvement in the game’s voice acting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Marvel's Midnight Suns has garnered a range of positive feedback from several critics, highlighting the strengths of the performances and their contributions to character immersion. Critics such as IGN and GameSpot praised the voice acting for its quality and emotional depth, with IGN noting that the characters felt distinct and well-represented. The performances of notable actors like Yuri Lowenthal as Spider-Man and Michael Jai White as Blade received specific commendations, with multiple reviewers, including We Got This Covered and TheXboxHub, emphasizing how these performances brought the characters to life. Additionally, RPG Fan and Cultured Vultures highlighted the exceptional nature of the voice acting, suggesting that it effectively captures the personalities and complexities of the characters, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. However, a significant number of critics expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the voice acting, pointing out inconsistencies and shortcomings. GamingBolt and WellPlayed described the voice acting as lacking emotion, with some performances being characterized as monotone or cringe-worthy. Critics like XGN and Press Start Australia echoed this sentiment, criticizing the delivery of lines as wooden or lacking believability. Additionally, several reviewers noted that some characters felt like imitations of their Marvel Cinematic Universe counterparts, which detracted from the authenticity of the performances. This mixed reception indicates that while some characters shine, others fall flat, leading to an uneven experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Marvel's Midnight Suns is a blend of admiration and critique. While many praised the game for its standout performances and the successful capture of character dynamics, others pointed out notable inconsistencies and a lack of emotional depth in certain portrayals. Critics like Game Rant and Metro GameCentral highlighted that while some heroes, such as Spider-Man and Wolverine, delivered memorable performances, others struggled to resonate with players. This duality in reception suggests that while the game has a strong foundation in voice acting, it also leaves room for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency across its diverse cast.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns showcases solid performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X, boasting smooth frame rates and fluid animations. However, it suffers from frequent crashes, bugs, and audio issues across all platforms. The PC version faces the worst criticism, with severe performance problems and inconsistent gameplay. While the game has potential, its technical shortcomings are a major hurdle that developers must address to improve player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

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

Positives Across all platforms, there are some commendable aspects of the technical performance of Marvel's Midnight Suns. On the PS5, several critics, including IGN Adria and Merlin'in Kazanı, noted that the game runs smoothly with stable frame rates and fluid animations, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. Gamers Heroes also highlighted that despite their experience with crashes, the game performed well during intense moments. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and PCMag reported solid performance with minimal bugs, praising the frame rates and overall stability. For the PC version, some reviewers like Everyeye.it and Gameblog.fr pointed out that the game is well-optimized, maintaining a stable framerate and good loading times, although they acknowledged some minor graphical shortcomings. Negatives However, the technical performance of Marvel's Midnight Suns is marred by numerous issues across all platforms. On the PS5, critics like BaziCenter and Screen Rant reported frequent crashes, strange save mechanics, and animation syncing problems, which detract from the overall experience. GamersRD and PlayStation Universe also noted smaller visual bugs that can disrupt gameplay. For the Xbox Series X, Attack of the Fanboy and Xbox Achievements pointed out game-breaking bugs and audio issues that severely hinder progress, with some reviewers indicating that stability is lacking compared to the PC version. On PC, the situation appears more dire, with multiple critics, including MGG and SECTOR.sk, reporting frequent crashes, bugs, and performance problems, particularly related to the 2K Launcher. Many reviews mention issues like frame drops, long load times, and stuttering, which significantly affect the gameplay experience. Overall Consensus The overall consensus among critics is that while Marvel's Midnight Suns has the potential to offer an enjoyable experience, its technical performance is inconsistent and often problematic across all platforms. On PS5, the game has stable performance but is plagued by bugs and crashes that can disrupt gameplay. The Xbox Series X shows a mixed bag of stability, with some experiencing game-breaking issues while others report a smooth experience. The PC version, however, seems to face the most criticism, with many reviewers highlighting serious performance issues and bugs that detract from the game's enjoyment. Despite the game's engaging content and mechanics, the technical shortcomings are a significant concern that developers will need to address in future patches to enhance the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns offers a mixed replay value; it features a lengthy campaign (over 50 hours), diverse gameplay, and engaging character interactions that appeal to strategy fans and Marvel lovers. However, critics warn of repetitive missions and grindy mechanics that can dull the experience. While dedicated players may find enough variety for multiple playthroughs, the lack of mission diversity could deter those seeking a more dynamic gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Marvel's Midnight Suns is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, such as IGN and RPGamer, appreciate the game's substantial content, including a lengthy campaign that can exceed 50 hours, multiple difficulty levels, and a New Game+ mode that encourages players to revisit the game with different strategies and character builds. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and GameGrin note the engaging character interactions and the flexibility in team combinations, which add layers to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the presence of various side quests, collectibles, and customization options, as mentioned by VGC and Pure Xbox, enhances replayability, making it appealing to both strategy enthusiasts and Marvel fans. However, several critics also point out significant drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. GRYOnline.pl and Digital Trends criticize the repetitive nature of missions and the grindy mechanics, which can lead to a sense of monotony over time. IGN Italia and Worth Playing echo these sentiments, suggesting that while the character interactions provide some depth, the overall experience can become stale due to the lack of variation in levels and exploration. Critics like GamingTrend and Gfinity mention that some side content feels lackluster and doesn't contribute meaningfully to the overall mission structure, which can detract from the game's potential for replayability. In summary, while there are notable strengths in Marvel's Midnight Suns that contribute to its replay value—such as extensive content, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging character interactions—there are also significant concerns regarding repetitiveness and grind. The consensus among critics seems to suggest that the game offers enough variety and depth to warrant multiple playthroughs, particularly for dedicated fans of the genre or the Marvel universe, as indicated by reviews from RPG Site and TheSixthAxis. However, the repetitive elements highlighted by several critics may limit its appeal for players seeking a more varied experience. Overall, the game presents a dichotomy of rich content and potential repetitiveness, making it a title that may resonate differently based on individual player preferences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Marvel's Midnight Suns is notably positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay mechanics and unique blend of turn-based strategy and superhero elements. Reviewers like GameSpot and IGN Adria highlight the game's compelling storyline and tactical combat system, which incorporates a card-based approach that adds depth and strategy. Critics such as Gamer.nl and Pure Xbox commend the game for appealing to both Marvel fans and newcomers to the genre, emphasizing its accessibility and enjoyable character interactions. The visuals and character designs have also received accolades, with some reviewers describing the game as a "love letter to Marvel fans" (Pure Xbox) and a "highly enjoyable game" (IGN France). However, the game is not without its flaws, as several reviewers express concerns about technical issues, lack of polish, and underwhelming writing. WellPlayed and The Enemy point out chronic time-wasting and repetitive combat, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. Technical shortcomings, such as graphical deficiencies and performance issues, are mentioned by critics like Screen Rant and MGG, who argue that these problems hinder the gaming experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including GamingBolt and Metro GameCentral, note that while the gameplay is strong, the narrative and voice acting could use improvement, leading to a sense of dissonance in the overall experience. Despite the criticisms, the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable outlook on Marvel's Midnight Suns. Many agree that the game successfully combines engaging tactical gameplay with a rich narrative, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Critics like Game Informer and Cultured Vultures recommend it as a must-play title, while others, such as GAMINGbible and GameSpew, elevate it to the status of one of the best superhero games of the year. Overall, while there are valid concerns regarding technical performance and storytelling, the game's unique mechanics and enjoyable gameplay appear to resonate strongly with the majority of reviewers, solidifying its place in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Marvel's Midnight Suns earns a largely positive reception for its engaging turn-based strategy and unique gameplay, with critics praising its storyline and character dynamics as a "love letter to Marvel fans." However, it faces criticism for technical issues, repetitive combat, and underwhelming writing. Despite these flaws, many reviewers recommend it as a must-play, especially for superhero game enthusiasts, highlighting its enjoyable mechanics and overall experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

181 reviews found

100

GamesHub

Nov 30, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a grounded and personal game with excellent tactical combat and high emotions, earning a five-star rating.

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100

VGC

Nov 30, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a bold, memorable, and heartful strategy game with brilliant writing, a stellar cast of characters, and a rich campaign. It is a rock-solid addition to Firaxis' lineup of strategy games.

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100

Player 2

Nov 30, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a must-play game that combines turn-based strategy, deck-building, and a compelling story. It is welcoming, challenging, engaging, and entertaining. The game is a marvel and showcases Firaxis as one of the best strategy game developers.

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100

PC Invasion

Dec 9, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns exceeds expectations and offers a thoroughly engaging gameplay experience.

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Cultured Vultures

Nov 30, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a dense and content-rich experience that is highly recommended for fans of the genre and Marvel universe.

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God is a Geek

Nov 30, 2022

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

Despite some bugs and glitches, Marvel's Midnight Suns is a highly enjoyable superhero game that breathes new life into the genre.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Dec 8, 2022

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

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a game that shouldn't be missed if you're interested in strategic card-based combat. The passionate studio behind the game has delivered on the promise and potential of the established IP. However, if the card-based combat system is not for you, nothing else in the game is likely to change your mind.

Power Unlimited

Nov 30, 2022

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

A mix of enjoyable game elements that will captivate fans of superheroes, RPGs, and turn-based tactics.

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ComicBook

Nov 30, 2022

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

Overall, Marvel's Midnight Suns is considered a rich RPG with satisfying gameplay and charismatic characters, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

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Comicbook.com

Nov 30, 2022

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

The game is described as a rich RPG that superhero lovers and turn-based fans will enjoy. The reviewer, who is not a fan of turn-based combat, encourages others to give it a try. The game is praised as a marvelous achievement.

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