This week saw the release of Marvel's Avengers' latest DLC, "Future Imperfect." Not only does the DLC provide the new Wasteland biome for players, but it also comes with a new villain, The Maestro. Of course, this all comes with the bonus of a new playable hero, Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. Since his release, fans have been learning how to use the archer as developer Crystal Dynamics prepares for the bright future they have in store for the game.
On top of the new DLC, the developers have also announced a new road map of upcoming features and DLC available at no additional cost. The road map also came with a teaser for the next expansion, "War for Wakanda." The upcoming expansion will include the Black Panther as a playable character and a whole new biome and outpost in the advanced African city. But Wakanda's inclusion also promises that great things are still on the horizon.
Marvel's Avengers had a rocky start at launch as it was plagued by bugs, poor matchmaking, and post-game content that didn't reel in fans as it should've due to its repetition. The Wakanda DLC looks to be the first to fully break away from the traditional AIM facility backdrop and focus on something entirely new. While AIM will still play a larger role, the Jungle setting will feel fresh and make fans nostalgic for classic titles like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, which also saw players going to the city.
A new map also carries with it the promise for new enemy types and allies. This could range from jungle variants of AIM robots or mercenaries tied to the DLC's main villain Ulysses Klaue. As more DLCs roll out, more allies from the Marvel universe have been added. So far, these have included ex-Howling Commando Dum Dum Dugan and Agent Jimmy Woo. The Wakandan outpost could include allies like the Black Panther's sister Shuri or the head of the Dora Milaje, General Okoye.
While it is not the first location in the globe that the game has taken players, Wakanda may be the first location that feels the most lived in. Some of the maps in the game, like New York City, are sprawling concrete jungles that feature no civilians on the streets. While the reason is that AIM is patrolling, it makes the city less alive and feels more like a generic map. With Wakanda, the outpost's inclusion and the potential to explore more ruins make the empty areas, and the lived-in areas feel more believable and alive.
Marvel's Avengers has a bright future ahead of it, and if this week's DLC is just an appetizer, then Wakanda will be the main course. The upcoming "War for Wakanda" DLC may include expansive new features that will bring a much-needed variety to the game and keep things feeling consistently fresh. What Marvel's Avengers may have needed since launch was a story that capitalized on the game's potential, and the "War for Wakanda" expansion may be the start of that.
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