Crystal Dynamics may have let a few new details about The Avengers Project slip out in some choice job opening descriptions. It seems the next big Superhero game could have more in common with games like Gears of War and The Division than with the traditional superhero games we’re used to.
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Square Enix and Marvel have been pretty tight-lipped about The Avengers Project after its initial reveal. When the hype died down, Square Enix sent out a press release to tell us a little more about the game, but they remained fairly abstract.
“The Avengers project is being designed for gamers worldwide and will be packed with all the characters, environments, and iconic moments that have thrilled longtime fans of the franchise. Featuring a completely original story, it will introduce a universe gamers can play in for years to come.”
So we’re pretty sure we can expect something online, right? Since there will be a “universe gamers can play in for years to come.” If it’s not some kind of MMO type game, then perhaps something like a Disney Infinity or Skylanders model could work, but I don’t think any of us want that.
When it comes to gameplay, though, this job listing has a fairly shocking summary.
Third-Person Cover Based Combat?
Check out the job listing for the Lead Combat Designer:
Description
Join now to be part of our incredibly talented Design team working on the “Avengers Project” in our Redwood City studio, just south of San Francisco. Benefits for this full-time position include competitive salary, health insurance options to suit all lifestyles, generous paid time-off, as well as other studio and corporate perks, such as a free gym and discounts on games and goodies.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Lead Combat Designer, Crystal Dynamics is on the hunt for an experienced Combat Systems Designer. This Designer will be responsible for working with the Lead Designer, Lead Combat designer and Game Directors to plan,ย prototype and build combat systems that directly apply to a 3rd person cover based action adventure game.
That wording is pretty specific, and very curious considering the fact that we’re looking forward to a superhero game. When we think third-person cover based action, we think of games like Gears of War and Uncharted; even Crystal Dynamics’ latest, Rise of the Tomb Raider. How could this work as a superhero concept?
Maybe we’re not playing heroes like Spider-Man or The Hulk at all. Maybe we’re shield agents or young heroes in training in the Marvel universe. Maybe we will use projectiles from behind cover. Are we looking at something comparable to The Division?
The next job post does seem to confirm an ambitious online game.
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Sounds like an MMO to us!
Crystal Dynamics posting for a lead level designer gives us a better understanding of the scope of its online implementation, which is ambitious:
Position Summary:
Crystal Dynamics is looking for an outstanding Lead Level Designer to join our design team to develop fun and unique online experiences. The Lead Level Designer will primarily focus on level development. A successful Lead Level Designer will be a hands-on individual contributor with a strong understanding of everything from the fundamentals of game balance and tuning to the social implications of shared gameplay. They will have experience leading other developers to build engaging various game modes and campaigns.
Essential Duties:
Concept, design and implement fun and engaging game levels from the ground up.ย Guide, mentor, and lead the design and development of cutting-edge online experiences.
If we were betting people (which we’re not), we’d guess that this is going to be an MMO. I don’t think The Division is too strange of a comparison at this point, though we’re obviously not expecting to be running around in beanies carrying assault rifles.
So how about it? The Avengers Project is ramping up for some online, third-person, cover based action. It’s not exactly what we were imagining when the game was first revealed, but we’re definitely willing to be pleasant surprised!
