When news broke a few weeks ago that Marvel and Telltale Games are working together for a console game, many fans of both companies were ecstatic. Sadly, the new game won't be available until 2017, which not only leaves fans plenty of time to speculate but also to focus on current Telltale properties like Game of Thrones and Tales from the Borderlands.
However, in the mean time, we thought it would be fun to think of some well-known, and not-so-well-known Marvel properties that would work well for Telltale Games’ upcoming title. Below are 10 that our writers recommended. Some of the heroes will be familiar, while others will likely be new names for many readers - the goal here is not to rundown the top Marvel properties, but rather the characters we think would lend themselves to Telltale's sensibilities.
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The Avengers
Let's start with a well-known Marvel property: The Avengers. Based on the huge success Marvel has seen with their Avengers movies and the heroes that make up the team, we wouldn't be surprised if the superhero team was the focus of the upcoming Telltale game.
If Telltale Games really does build their game around the Avengers, our hope is that they'll find a way to tell a story through the eyes of multiple characters. To do this, Telltale could follow their established five-episode format, focusing on a different character during the first four episodes, then bringing them together for an epic conclusion in the final episode. To mix things up a little (and increase replayability), Telltale could make each episode a specific mission, and allow players to select the characters they wish to use to complete that mission.
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Page 2: The Merc with the Mouth
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Deadpool
Until recently, Deadpool was a fairly unknown comic book heroes. However, thanks to Ryan Reynolds and a very excited fanbase, Deadpool is now among the most well-known and beloved Marvel characters.
That new found fame, mixed with Deadpool's quick wit and fourth-wall disruption, would make for a fantastic game from Telltale Games. Having the opportunity to pick from a few quips and remarks from the jokester mercenary would certainly be a hoot for any player, and afford plenty of playthroughs.
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Black Widow
Although many folks may know Black Widow from the Avengers movies, very few are familiar with her history before becoming the Marvel hero. We would love to see Telltale Games tackle the story of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanova, better known as Natasha Romanoff, the Russian spy who antagonizes Iron Man.
It would be interesting to play the part of the femme fatale as they rise through the ranks of the Russian underground, dispatching enemies and gathering intel for the Motherland. We would also enjoy watching as the young assassin defects to the United States and falls in love with fellow criminal-turned-Marvel superhero Hawkeye.
Experiencing the life of Romanoff as she becomes and embraces Black Widow would be an interesting treat from the eyes of developer Telltale Games, and one we truly hope to see come to fruition.
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Alex Wilder/Runaways
If the name Alex Wilder doesn’t sound familiar, don’t worry. It's likely that only the most diehard Marvel fans will know who Alex Wilder is.
Wilder is a member of the Runaways, a group made up entirely of youngsters with special powers whose parents are evil villains. That simple description alone should be enough for Telltale Games to take notice.
What makes Wilder a strong contender for his own game is his relationships with the other Runaways, and how those relationships shape his life, and ultimately his death. With Telltale’s focus on choose-your-own dialogue and players dealing with the consequences of their actions, it seems Wilder’s life would make for a deep, immersive experience for gamers.
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Page 2: The Sorcerer Supreme
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Doctor Strange
With popular actor Benedict Cumberbatch set to take on the role of Doctor Strange for Marvel films, we expect it won’t be long before every Marvel fan is familiar with the mystical hero. However, it’s not this new found fame that has put Doctor Strange on the list, but rather his unique offering as a Marvel character. Rather than having the ability to kick, punch, or shoot his way through enemies, Doctor Strange has a unique set of magical and mystical abilities that he uses to dispose of enemies.
Telltale Games could easily share the story of Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange becoming the Marvel comic book hero. Players could discover Doctor Strange’s powers throughout the episodes, learning how to hone and improve them as they go along. Then, the final episode would bring together everything they’ve learned as they take down the the game’s primary antagonist, which would likely be a villain from Doctor Strange’s past.
We recognize that Doctor Strange’s powers would make this an interesting challenge for the developer, but we also see it as something that could end up as one of Telltale’s most memorable and unique offerings.
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Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson has brought Nick Fury out of the shadows and into the spotlight for Marvel fans. Thanks to his appearances in almost every Marvel movie since Iron Man in 2008. Despite these appearances, most of Nick Fury’s behind-the-scenes activities have been hid from viewers.
This provides a perfect opportunity for Telltale Games. The developer could allow players to take on the role of Nick Fury as he methodically recruits the various superheroes into the group known as the Avengers. Gamers could experience the challenges and obstacles that faced Fury as he brought the team together. Doing so would give Marvel fans a much better idea of the brilliance and tact of the Avengers leader.
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Gambit
Many Marvel fans were ecstatic to see the mutant make an appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, those same fans were disappointed to discover that cameo was rather brief, before the character faded into the background.
Telltale Games could take this character and share his unique story through their tried-and-true game formula. Gambit’s life in the thieves guild, experience with the X-Men, and relationship with fellow X-Men member Rogue would make for a compelling and interesting story for Telltale Games. It would also go a long way to satisfy the hunger among Gambit fans for more content about the character.
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Page 4: The Winter Soldier
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Amadeus Cho
Amadeus Cho is a unique character in the Marvel world as he’s more of a supporting character, rather than an independent hero. However, his unique story and experiences make him a good addition to this list.
For those who aren’t familiar with the character, Cho is a young genius who excels at almost anything he does. Many other Marvel heroes claim he is one of the eight smartest people in the world. His successes get him noticed by Pythagoras Dupree, a bad guy who blows up Cho’s house, killing the teenager’s parents. This, in turn, causes Cho to go on the run, where he becomes friends with the Incredible Hulk.
That origin story would be a hard one to pass up for Telltale Games, as it seems to fit perfectly with the developer's game style. Hopefully Telltale Games wouldn’t rule Cho out as a prospective game character because he doesn’t have superpowers, but would instead recognize him for the interesting and solitary character he is.
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Eddie Brock/Venom
Most casual Marvel fans won’t recognize the name Eddie Brock, though they are likely be familiar with Brock’s villain alter ego, Venom. The story of Brock becoming Venom is fascinating and one that could work if shared through the eyes of Telltale Games.
Brock worked as a journalist who seemed to have a career-making experience when he exposed a serial killer to the world. Unfortunately, Brock fingered the wrong man (the real serial killer was discovered and stopped by Spider-Man), which ultimately led him to become disgraced and suicidal. It was during that time that Brock came into contact with the alien Symbiote, which bound with Brock to become Venom.
We would love to see Telltale Games share Brock’s story from successful journalist to the villain of Marvel’s web-slinging hero. The game developer could help gamers and Marvel fans see the human side of Eddie Brock and better understand the decisions that led him to become Venom.
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Bucky Barnes
Our final pick is Captain America’s best friend Bucky Barnes. As Marvel fans now know thanks to last year’s Captain America sequel, Barnes is the infamous Winter Soldier. And while the movie gave viewers a brief explanation as to how Steve Rogers’ best buddy became a fierce villain, there’s still plenty of opportunity for Telltale Games to expand on that story.
In fact, it would be an intriguing experience for gamers to see Captain America through the eyes of Barnes, both as a friend and enemy. We’re confident that unique perspective would be welcomed by many Marvel fans.
Would you like to see Telltale Games build a game around one of these Marvel characters? Are there others you would recommend? Share your suggestions in the comments below.