Marvel’s Midnight Suns has given itself a couple of obvious antagonists who can feature in a sequel or another DLC season, but there are many other questions that need to be answered. The game had a distinct supernatural atmosphere to it that allowed for darker themes and an occult ambiance that is not traditionally seen in contemporary Marvel outings. But if the X-Men are slated to have as much of a presence in the game’s future as its DLC chapters suggest, then there is one particular character that would make sense as Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ new protagonist.
Indeed, it is anyone’s guess whether the gender-fluid Hunter could return, but for now, they are imprisoned within the Darkhold. Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ potential sequel could begin with them being freed and seeking the company of new Marvel characters, but this would also be a perfect opportunity for Firaxis and 2K to feature a familiar face. Players may have loved the fact that the Hunter could be fully customized, but Mystique is an ambiguous X-Men anti-hero who could play an even greater role as a customizable protagonist in the sequel.
Mystique is Capable of Full and Immersive Customization
Mystique would be a perfect way to marry X-Men iconography and the accessibility offered in full customization options. The Hunter was essential to Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ narrative, being related to Lilith and all, but if they are going to be replaced by another character it might be smart for Firaxis to lean on someone who is actually established in Marvel lore.
Because the Hunter was practically the player’s avatar, they failed to stand out in a way that made them more exciting when next to characters like Spider-Man or Iron Man. Rather, Mystique is a well-known character who could have an interesting history in Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ sequel. Mystique would be a great way for Marvel’s Midnight Suns to introduce Nightcrawler as her son, for example, let alone another potentially playable character on the game’s roster.
Having Mystique would be exceptional without taking away from the customization options players had with the Hunter, too, since Mystique’s mutant ability allows her to shapeshift into anyone. This would mean that players could keep Mystique in her default look with blue skin and red hair, or they could customize her to look like anyone imaginable.
Taking this concept a step further, it would be incredible if skins could be unlocked that let Mystique shapeshift into other playable characters that she shares a home with in Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ sequel. Marvel’s Midnight Suns has a seemingly infinite amount of cosmetics that players can purchase with the in-game gloss resource, and actual skins of whole characters would be a fun way to role-play them, especially if characters would respond to the player accordingly.
There are numerous ways Mystique’s shapeshifting could be implemented in the narrative, and having customized appearances saved as loadouts would take Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ customization options to a whole new level. This way, Mystique could shapeshift back and forth between loadouts of predetermined skins that players have customized.
Mystique’s tactical gameplay in Marvel’s Midnight Suns could also employ her shapeshifting ability, such as being able to assume the appearance of an enemy and effectively gain the Concealed status effect without needing to turn semi-transparent. The potential for Mystique as a customizable protagonist could be nearly infinite, and would help to tether Firaxis’ sequel to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters or anywhere else it might decide to take place.
Marvel's Midnight Suns is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
