Announced on October 16,Marvel Mystic Mayhemis already the subject of speculation. Unlike many otherMarvelgames,Marvel Mystic Mayhemplaces heavy emphasis on spellcasters and the supernatural. However, a previous tactical role-playing game under the Marvel umbrella attempted to focus on spellcasters as well.
Marvel’s Midnight Sunssees players battle Lilith, the Mother of Demons. Lilith was transformed into her demonic form after making a deal with Chthon, the creator of the Darkhold. Though Lilith does not seek to take over the world, her resurrectors, Hydra, does. This plot is similar toMystic Mayhem’s, which features Nightmare, a villain who wants to transform Earth into a horrific version of the Dream Dimension. However,Midnight Sunsleft a lot of Marvel’s supernatural characters out of the picture.
Both Mystic Mayhem and Midnight Suns Need Spellcasters and the Supernatural
Both games tell stories that require powerful spellcasters and heroes well versed with the supernatural in order to defeat mystical threats to the Marvel universe.Midnight Sunshad both Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch as playable characters on its roster, a wise move consideringLilith’s ties to the Darkhold.Mystic Mayhemalso features both characters prominently.
While both games have spellcasters and non-supernatural heroes on their rosters,Midnight Suns’ list of playable characters was severely lacking in the witchcraft department.Magik and Nico Minoru(Sister Grimm) act as the only other spellcasters in the game, with Blade and Ghost Rider acting as the only playable characters tied to the supernatural in the base game. Morbius is available inMidnight Suns’ DLC, but this roster is still missing quite a few important characters.
Moon Knightis one of the most notable absences fromMidnight Suns.Mystic Mayhemhas already rectified this mistake, including the character on its roster alongside Sleepwalker. DespiteMystic Mayhemincluding more niche characters in its roster, knowledgeable fans will notice that heroes like Armor and Psylocke are mutants rather than spellcasters, and Doppelganger, Man-Thing, and Mister Negative are products of experimentation, rather than mystical means.
Characters that Mystic Mayhem Should Add to Its Roster
This leavesMystic MayhembehindMidnight Sunsin terms of mystical playable characters. While this roster will likely expand as more information about the mobile team-based tactical role-playing game is released, NetEase and Marvel should consider these heroes when considering new additions. Of course, NetEase and Marvel could take inspiration directly fromMidnight Sunsby adding Magik and Nico Minoru toMystic Mayhem. However, looking at a critically acclaimed additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe could be the perfect starting point.
As the first entry into Marvel Studios Special Presentation’s catalog,Werewolf by Nightis more artistic in comparison to other MCU entries. The 2022 television special’s black and white cinematography doesn’t impede on its narrative or the new lore added to the MCU, but adds to its eerie atmosphere. This well-received MCU special means Werewolf by Night would be both a timely and appropriate character forMystic Mayhem.
By including Jack Russell,Werewolf by Night’s titular werewolf, as well as Elsa Bloodstone inMystic Mayhem, the game unlocks more possibilities for a horrific atmosphere. Both Jack Russell and Elsa Bloodstone are monster hunters, making them the perfect allies in hunting down nightmares. This would also compare toMidnight Suns’ roster, as vampire hunter Blade is a playable character in the game. Elsa Bloodstone has been featured in Marvel video games previously,such asMarvel SnapandMarvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order.
Spoilers ahead for the Marvel TV seriesAgatha All Along.
Mystic Mayhem Would Benefit From Agatha All Along’s Characters
Furthermore, NetEase and Marvel could make a fairly predictable move and capitalizeon the success ofAgatha All Along. The latest entry into the MCU’s run of TV series,Agatha All Alongonce again shows off the powerful Agatha Harkness but also introduces Billy Kaplan, known byYoung Avengersfans as Wiccan, son of Wanda Maximoff.
Considering thatMystic Mayhemis drawing inspiration from comics more than the MCU, the gamecould feature a playable Agatha Harknesswith a design focused on her original appearance. Agatha was sadly relegated to NPC status inMarvel’s Midnight Suns.Agatha could be shown as an elderly sage and act as a support character in the game. It should be noted that younger versions of Agatha have been included in Marvel Comics, but her origin deserves further adaptation.
Contrasting this early comics version of Agatha,Wiccan could be introducedas a mage in training. With Scarlet Witch already playable inMystic Mayhem, Wiccan, who has very similar abilities, might not be the best addition, but if NetEase and Marvel show Wiccan training under Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch, his addition could be justified while changing his power set to be slightly different from his mother’s. This backstory would also make sense, as Wiccan and Doctor Strange work together in Marvel Comics, and he is sometimes depicted as Strange’s successor as Sorcerer Supreme.
Marvel Mystic Mayhemcurrently has no set release date. With that important bit of information still missing, it’s unclear when fans can expect any announcements about the game’s roster. Nevertheless, players should keep an eye out for new spellcasters headed toMarvel Mystic Mayhem.
