Marvel’s Avengers announced Kamala Khan a.k.a Ms. Marvel will be one of the main characters in the upcoming Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics game for PlayStation 4.
The announcement was made at New York Comic Con over the weekend via a character trailer that appears to show Ms. Marvel will be the key to reuniting the Avengers.
Creative Director and Writer Shaun Escayg describes why Khan was important to the gameplay and story, “Telling our story of Kamala’s coming-of-age brings a fresh, hopeful perspective to the gameplay experience and her unique abilities as Ms. Marvel make her a character every person will want to play.”
He adds, “Kamala Khan is the defining ingredient that makes our game stand apart from any Avengers story you’ve experienced before.”
Crystal Dynamics Community Manager Meagan Marie confirms Kamala Khan will be the character to reunite the Avengers and explains how she fits into the story:
“Kamala is an unapologetic fangirl – one of the traits we most love about her. Kamala wears her passion on her sleeve – making her relatable for many of us at the studio, and for fellow fans worldwide. Fandom is even the catalyst to her coming-of-age story. Invited to A-Day as an Avengers fan-fiction contest finalist, young Kamala is exposed to Terrigen Mist during the unanticipated attack.
Now a teenager, Kamala finds herself developing extraordinary polymorphic and healing powers as a direct result of the A-day incident. With the Avengers disbanded and Advanced Idea Mechanics turning public sentiment against Super Heroes, Kamala hides her abilities from the world.
Kamala’s unwavering loyalty to the Avengers, intelligence, inquisitive nature, and ever-optimistic personality lead to a huge discovery when she uncovers a shocking conspiracy. As Kamala learns to harness and embrace her powers, she finds the will and the way to reassemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.”
Khan will be played by Sandra Saad, who offered her own thoughts on the character.
“Kamala’s a tremendous inspiration to me. She’s so relatable, and I think we can all find aspects of ourselves in her. So, at the end of the day, playing her ended up feeling like I was playing a super version of myself. I ultimately focused on paying homage to who Kamala is but bringing my own dash of originality and uniqueness to the role whenever appropriate.”
As for the character’s gameplay Crystal Dynamics Lead Combat Designer Vince Napoli described her as the premiere melee combatant in the game.
“Of all the heroes in Marvel’s Avengers, Ms. Marvel takes the crown when it comes to pure melee combat.” – @CrystalDynamics Lead Combat Designer, Vince Napoli
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
“Of all the heroes in Marvel’s Avengers, Ms. Marvel takes the crown when it comes to pure melee combat.” – @CrystalDynamics Lead Combat Designer, Vince Napoli
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
“Every attack Kamala does stretches her polymorphic abilities to their limit, focusing on a particular hit shape, enemy reaction, or attack power.”
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
“More than any other character, making use of Ms. Marvel’s extensive move-set that includes specialized dodge, sprinting, charged and combo attacks is crucial to playing her well.”
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
In fact, he would add that no other hero can match her when it comes to battlefield control.
“Played at her most optimal, Kamala has complete control over the battlefield in a way that no other hero can match. Her ranged polymorphic ability in particular allows her to grab and manipulate enemies by moving them around in every dimension.”
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
And it’s not just up-close melee combat. She can take people out from range as well.
“Her unique abilities allow her to fling enemies high into the air, toss them over her head, or direct them into other enemies, all from a great a distance.”
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
“But really mastering Ms. Marvel all comes down to not just exercising precise control over what attacks are used and when, but making use of her iconic Embiggen ability, which can be activated at any time.”
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
“Lovingly dubbed ‘mini-Embiggen,’ this ability allows Ms. Marvel to automatically dodge incoming attacks, counter enemy attacks w/precision timing, & seamlessly increase her attack reach & impact at any time, all without interrupting her current attack!”#EmbraceYourPowers
— Marvel’s Avengers (@PlayAvengers) October 5, 2019
Marvel’s Avengers will be available on the PlayStation 4 on May 15, 2020. Crystal Dynamics promises they will be constantly updating the game with new narratives, superheroes, and regions delivered at no additional cost.
What do you make of the Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms. Marvel announcement?