Since Disney decided to prioritize external partnerships over internal development in 2016, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of game releases that feature its IPs. Out of all of these, the Marvel branch of the publisher’s output has arguably witnessed the biggest upturn. Thanks to games like Marvel’s Avengers, some of its biggest characters have even made multiple appearances in different franchises. Skydance New Media’s untitled Marvel project is the next major game in line for the superhero treatment.
Announced at the first Disney and Marvel Games Showcase, the currently untitled project is said to be an ambitious narrative-driven experience. With Captain America and Black Panther both starring, there are plenty of reasons why fans are excited for Skydance to share more information. Thanks to the release of Crystal Dynamics’ ensemble game, comparisons are going to be made in the meantime between the efforts of both studios. While their interpretations of Cap are similar in some aspects, there are some intriguing differences.
Captain America’s Identity
Thanks to the teasing nature of Skydance’s initial reveal trailer, only a limited number of details have been shared about the direction of its untitled Marvel game. Between that brief video and the press releases that the studio has posted since then, a picture of its four playable characters has already started to take shape. While its incarnation of Black Panther is noticeably different from Marvel’s Avengers’ post-launch version, it’s been confirmed that Skydance’s Captain America will be more recognizable to players.
During the debut trailer for the upcoming Marvel game, viewers were treated to just two obscured glimpses of Captain America in action. Although the silhouette of the hero suggested as much, Skydance has since confirmed that Steve Rogers is the man behind the iconic mantle in its game. When it comes to a basic identity level then, the upcoming game’s version of the character lines up perfectly with Crystal Dynamics’ own take on Cap.
In comparison to Skydance’s debut trailer, Marvel’s Avengers’ first tease trailer in 2017 shared even less about its team of heroes. Instead, viewers had to wait two more years until E3 2019 for the game’s first proper unveiling. As a part of the process of pulling the curtain back on its game, Crystal Dynamics treated players to a detailed look at its Captain America.
Captain America’s Backstory
Over the years, the origins of Steve Rogers’ incarnation of Captain America have been explored in extensive detail. Between multiple comic book storylines and Chris Evans’ MCU depiction of the character, fans have come to expect certain story beats to feature in his backstory. Although the reveal trailers for Marvel’s Avengers and Skydance’s game make it clear that both studios have been inspired by this heritage, it also looks like the latter has chosen to explore similar concepts in unique ways.
Between its period music, Nazi iconography, and abandoned Parisian streets, it quickly becomes obvious that Skydance's game will be set specifically during the height of the Second World War. In terms of Steve Rogers’ Captain America, that period means players will likely get to explore his formative days in the role. Considering how the studio is headed up by the award-winning Amy Hennig, players should expect some twists on this iconic setup.
Although it’s since been established that Crystal Dynamics’ Captain America’s origins are similar to the above, the studio’s 2019 E3 trailer highlighted its desire to explore a different chapter of his life. The first full video for Marvel’s Avengers subsequently placed the character in his iconic role as the leader of the titular team of heroes. Instead of fighting Nazis in Europe, this incarnation of Cap has moved on to battling for justice in the modern world. The fact that the debut presentation for the game teased his apparent death further underlines the different narrative bookends that the games are partly based around.
Captain America’s Costume
One of the biggest draws of almost every piece of superhero-themed media is the costumes that the characters in question get to wear. Players only have to look at the success that Insomniac Games has had in recent times with Marvel’s Spider-Man games for evidence of this phenomenon in action. It’s for this reason that the costumes of Captain America in Skydance and Crystal Dynamics’ games have been a big talking point among fans.
Because Skydance’s Marvel game is still in development, only a few details about Cap's costume lineup have been shared with fans. Based on the glimpses of Captain America that they were treated to during the game’s debut, it appears as though the hero's default costume will be inspired by his setting. Although it’s worth keeping in mind that designs could change before release, Skydance’s version looks like he's dressed in 20th-century military garb. The noticeable presence of boots and gloves that bear a slight resemblance to his early comic book outfits will also excite fans.
Considering how Crystal Dynamics' Captain America is a hero active in the 21st century, it’s little surprise that his debut unveiling featured a more modernized aesthetic. Although both characters were instantly recognizable thanks to their shared color palettes, the leader of The Avengers made a splash back in 2019 thanks to his heavily padded combat armor. Based on how players were eventually able to switch out each of their outfits during the game, it stands to reason that Skydance’s Cap will also be treated to an expansive wardrobe beyond his default costume.
Captain America’s Abilities
Due to Skydance’s decision to hold off on showing gameplay, only a few details have been shared regarding what its untitled Marvel project will feel like to play. An added consequence of this is the fact that almost nothing is known about its Captain America’s powers and abilities right now. Based on the narrative beats that were teased during the debut trailer though, it’s highly likely that the studio’s version of the character will be in the formative years of his career. Beyond having access to his legendary Vibranium shield, this means players will likely get to watch him develop as they play.
When it comes to Marvel’s Avengers’ Captain America and his abilities, little of his true potential was shown off during the game’s first full trailer. Aside from skillfully bouncing his shield off of multiple walls, this version of Cap’s debut was headlined by his command skills instead. His position as the leader of The Avengers, and the fact that he was shown directing each of them whilst defusing a tense situation, helped to reinforce his experience and veteran status. Something that players will likely build towards in Skydance’s game.
Skydance New Media's untitled Captain America and Black Panther game is currently in development.