WB always finds out, broThe MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) is intimidating, to say the least. In addition to all of the feature films there's also official tie-in comics, one-shot short films, multiple sequels that set up sequels, and now, eight separate television shows with multiple seasons across two networks. If you haven't been at least following the movies, LEGO Marvel's Avengers probably isn't for you. You are logged out. LEGO Marvel's Avengers (3DS, PC, PS3, PS4 [reviewed], Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One)Developer: TT Fusion, TT GamesPublisher: WB Interactive EntertainmentReleased: January 16, 2016MSRP: $29.99 (3DS, Vita), $39.99 (PC) $49.99 ( PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360), $59.99 (PS4, Xbox One) Marvel's Avengers is the latest beat-'em-up in a long line of Traveller's Tales LEGO joints, a subseries that has hosted roughly 30 games since 2005. It follows the same rough format as past titles, with a few added bits of panache (like more cinematic attacks and sequences) for good measure.
You probably know the drill by now -- multiple characters are on-screen at a time, all of which sport several attacks, but they have slightly different ways of going about it. For instance, Captain America and Hulk are both melee fighters, but Cap will be able to reflect beams, and Hulk can smash through giant machinery. Iron Man and Thor excel at range and can fly, but the former can melt metal with his beams. You get the idea. Playing with a partner will enhance your experience tenfold as you can operate in tandem with one another, as going at it solo puts a damper on things by forcing you to switch characters often. That's even more true for Avengers, where the two-person synergy attacks (like Thor slamming into Cap's shield for a shockwave) are that much more satisfying. The best part, the LEGO franchise's signature silly humor, is intact. Interactions and events play out in a similar manner, so there aren't a lot of surprises, but additional jokes and a general sense of lightheartedness actually elevate a few dud portions of the films.
As such, every cutscene brings a smile to my face, and helps break up the repetition a bit. I never really minded the shift from the gibberish "LEGO speak" of the past into full voice acting, as Traveller's Tales has always maintained the same tone successfully. That cavalier, cartoony attitude can go a bit overboard, though. While including over 200 characters is a cool notion, especially for kids who are fans of some of the more obscure heroes, you end up with an overwhelming number of clones and a general sense of vanilla loadouts. They're also inherently limited by the plotlines put forth in the MCU so they can't deviate too much, compared to a wholly original game like Dimensions. So where does LEGO Marvel start to really falter? Its inability to stick to one script at at time. It jumps around so many films that it fails to tell a cohesive story, and assumes you've seen every movie. If you haven't, you'll probably be a mite bewildered as to what's going on. In fact, the game kind of just jumps into Age of Ultron's intro with no rhyme, reason, or setup, before moving onto scenes from both Captain America movies, Thor 2, Iron Man 3, and more.
And don't think there's some overarching "Galactus is narrating the story" device -- it just happens as it comes. The open world hubs are a welcome respite from the constant bang bang action, in that sense. As for me, I've experienced every bit of the MCU outside of the comics, so it did mostly make sense. Some is good, some is bad (Agent Carter, which just returned to TV, is pretty good!), but the vast majority of it is easy to follow. It's not like you're going to be scratching you head trying to decipher poignant plotlines -- the game just mostly lacks context, and suffers from fanservice-itis. The latter especially comes into play when the game splices in direct quotes from the film, some of which feel forced, with an odd audio mix to boot. Does your kid constantly go on about Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. while they run around the room in their Hawkeye outfit? Pick up LEGO Marvel's Avengers and add it to the massive pile of LEGO games you likely already have. It's a fun mindless romp through a couple of interesting setpieces, but not a whole lot more than that when it comes down to it.
LEGO Marvel's Avengers reviewed by Chris Carter6ALL RIGHTSlightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy this game, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.How we score: The Destructoid Reviews GuideLEGO Marvel’s Avengers FREE Ant-Man DLC Pack Exclusive for PlayStation Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced the release of the latest downloadable content (DLC) for LEGO Marvel’s Avengers, the Marvel’s Ant-Man Character & Level Pack, along with a new video showcasing this mighty cast of Super Heroes. Based on Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man,” the highly acclaimed Marvel Studios film, this add-on content is available today as a FREE download exclusively for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 players. Utilizing the ability to shrink in size but increase in strength, Ant-Man (Scott Lang) stars alongside a variety of memorable characters, including Ant-Man (Hank Pym), Yellow Jacket (Darren Cross), Hope Van Dyne, Luis, Scott Lang, The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne), and Cassie Lang, along with Ant-Thony (Ant-Man’s Flying Ant).
The pack also includes an exciting new theatrical-based level from the blockbuster movie that is narrated with original voiceover work by Michael Peña, who plays Luis in the film. LEGO Marvel’s Avengers allows players to relive the most amazing moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while also experiencing classic Avengers characters and content from acclaimed Marvel Comics. The game is available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox One®, Xbox 360®, PlayStation®Vita, Wii™U, Nintendo 3DS™ and Steam® (Windows PC). Editor’s Choice – TrailerLEGO Marvel's Avengers DLC adds even more characters on March 29 Expect Classic Captain Marvel and Masters of Evil Character & Level Packs to be among the first DLC packs available. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced the first pieces of DLC for LEGO Marvel’s Avengers will launch on March 29. The will both be available on March 29 and will include such notable characters as Captain Marvel, Baron Zemo, the Classic versions of both Iron Man and Thor, and more.
Here’s the synopsis as well as all of the characters and vehicles included in both packs: Classic Captain Marvel Character & Level Pack After an exploding alien machine grants her amazing super powers, Carol Danvers became the interstellar Super Hero known as Captain Marvel! Now, when arch-enemies reappear in her life, it’s up to Captain Marvel to save the city of New York. This pack features eight playable characters, a new vehicle, and one new level. Characters and vehicles included: Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel’s Skycycle, Helen Cobb’s Plane, Kang The Conqueror, Magnitron, Moonstone, Poundcakes, Tic, Warbird, and Wonder Man Classic The Masters of Evil Character & Level Pack Baron Zemo and his Masters of Evil are up to no good when they attempt to lure out the Avengers and defeat them in this re-telling of the classic 1963 comic book adventure. This pack features 11 playable characters and one new level. Characters included: Baron Zemo, Black Knight (Dane Whitman), Black Knight (Nathan Garrett), Enchantress, Executioner, Iron Man (Classic), Melter, Radioactive Man, Thor (Classic), Valinor, and Whirlwind
Later this Spring, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers will receive additional DLC, including the Classic Panther, All-New, All-Different Doctor Strange, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Characters and Level Packs. Here’s the info for those packs: Classic Black Panther Character & Level Pack In a re-telling of T’Challa’s origin story, Black Panther and his sister Shuri must evade the chaos of an invasion of their home country Wakanda and save their mother from the clutches of the villainous Klaw. This pack features nine playable characters, one new vehicle, and one new level. Characters and vehicle included: Aragorn, Black Knight (Augustine du Lac), Black Panther, Black Panther Skybike, Dora Milaje Warrior, Killmonger, Man-Ape (M’Baku), Shuri, Ulysses Klaw (Classic), and White Wolf All-New, All-Different Doctor Strange Character & Level Pack Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange and his powerful ally Clea must travel to the Dark Dimension and fend off the villainous Mordo and Dormammu.
This pack features eight playable characters and one new level. Characters included: Baron Mordo, Clea, Doctor Strange, Doctor Voodoo, Dormammu, Jennifer Kale, Mindless One Warrior, and Night Nurse Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Character & Level Pack The team finds itself in a dangerous position after failing to make peace with the enigmatic Inhumans. The Inhumans have now occupied the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and it’s up to the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to neutralize the threat and uncover the secrets of Afterlife. This pack features 13 playable characters, one new vehicle, and one new level. Characters and vehicle included: Agent Daisy Johnson, Agent Leo Fitz, Agent Koenig, Agent Melinda May, Agent Bobbi Morse, Agent Jemma Simmons, Cal Johnson/Mr. Hyde, Deathlok, Gordon, Grant Ward, Jiaying, Lincoln, Raina, and The Bus Season Pass holders will be able to experience all of this content for $9.99. Those who prefer to purchase their DLC a la carte, each can be purchased individually for $2.99 each.