Hi guys, and welcome to Game Box; a new series where I look at some of the games I’ve been playing recently since I finally have a console again. First up, I’m coming to be talking about the recent Open Beta for Gazillion Entertainment’s Marvel Heroes Omega.

Marvel Heroes Omega assembles one of the largest gatherings of iconic Super Heroes, Super Villains, and locations from the Marvel Universe in gaming history for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac.

Set in the iconic Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core game-play style of Action RPGs and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. In the game, players can collect and play as their favorite Marvel Super Heroes (including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America and many others).

Team up with friends and try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube in a story written by Marvel comic super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis.

From moment one, you’re given a gorgeous introduction sequence featuring some pretty good 3D models and 2D animated sections retelling the origins of the more famous Marvel Heroes. A fair few of the cut scenes in-game follow a more motion comic style and while the blend of styles is a little jarring at first, I give the creators credit for trying something different.

The tutorial drops you in the middle of a mission with Captain America and allows you the time to figure out your buttons before setting you against Ultron and his minions. Each of your attacks is assigned to one of the four face buttons and you can bring up a secondary menu by holding L2. It’s an intuitive system to help console players easily access their full range of abilities that’s a staple of MMOs on consoles.

Throughout the tutorial, you’re given the ability to play as Cap, Black Widow and Hulk before they allow you to access the launch roster of heroes. It’s a right Who’s Who of MCU characters alongside more established characters. You get all the ones you know and then you get the likes of Wiccan, Squirrel Girl and Angela, which is cool. Given this is a Free-To-Play game, you’re given the opportunity to try before you buy any of these characters before Level 10 when you have to pick your starter character.

I eventually chose She-Hulk and upon entering the game proper, I noticed a cute quirk this game has. Depending on the characters in the vicinity, there are unique snippets of dialogue from both your character and those of other players. This gives the world a little more connectivity and hearing Shulkie interact with Gambit in the moments in the mission worlds or at the HQ is pretty fun. The voice cast for this game is exhaustive too, bringing in all the voices you’d associate with these characters from various animated shows as well as bringing in actors such as Clark Gregg and Keith David, voicing Agent Coulson and Nick Fury, respectively.

Being a FTP game, more heroes are unlocked through Founder’s Packs of various price points, by using Eternity Splinters or by accumulating the specfic in-game currency to buy them or unlock additional costumes. You can get an additional hero for nothing though, by downloading Daredevil for free and the additional Man Without Fear costume for free if you are a PS Plus member.

You can customise your heroes with character-specific loot drops for defeating enemies and augment their abilities through levelling or attaching Medallions from defeated super villains.

Given the amount of FTP MMO games on consoles at the moment, you could be forgiven for thinking this is just another but the game plays like the X-Men Legends and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance games, taking an isometric view of the action but adds the MMO component and the whole package feels a little like that Avengers Alliance game for its breadth of characters and customisation potential.

If you’re looking for a quick and fun MMO to get into or are jonesing for a Marvel game that isn’t on mobile (that’s me) then I recommend giving this game a shot. Marvel Heroes Omega is currently available for Open Beta on Playstation 4 and will be officially released on June 4 2017. For more details and updates, head over to the official website and be sure to follow the game’s Twitter.

JJ and his amazing friend Jason discuss the third Captain America, or Marvel pt. 13 if you prefer. The duo delve into the nooks and crannies of the popular film and discuss the state of affairs in the MCU now that the war has come.

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Granted, that’s pretty much how it goes in the source material with the Superhero Registration Act and a team of Secret Avengers being established and with SHIELD acting in concert with the government, they are being forced to put all their cards on the table but it’s obvious that Coulson is Team Cap and will be skirting the line as much as possible.

Hive continues his nefarious plans of turning humans into Inhumans by targeting the Watchdogs. Shout-out to Axle Whitehead being an awesome Hellfire and being a great henchman. When this is all over, I hope he sticks around – both because I like the character and because I’m a fan of the actor.

One sequence I do love is Lincoln fully becoming an Agent of SHIELD by executing an amazing feint. He knew Daisy was setting him up and instead of Lincoln being met by Hive; Hive is met by Lash. Fuck yes, this is a great way to get Lash involved in the plot again aaaaaand he’s gone. Yeah, we couldn’t have a credible threat to Hive stick around when it’s the team that needs to solve the problem! Still, Andrew’s last act is to free Daisy and return her home and that’s a heroic sacrifice.

The end-scene keeps the Mack/Yo-Yo ship sailing strong until she hands off her crucifix to him. This is such a red herring. It’s so obvious and telegraphed that the show wants to think Mack is going to be on the Quinjet in space that it can’t possibly be him. I’d actually be surprised (and very disappointed) if it actually was him.

This week was an interesting episode and now that Hive has some semblance of an army (hurray for generic Inhuman goons!) we’ll see how the team deals with that in the two-part season finale next week in Absolution and Ascension.

A while ago, some clever clogs online built a bunch of little go-karts themed around the Marvel and DC Comics LEGO Superheroes lines and they were pretty cool. I bring this up because what I’ll be looking at today appears LEGO’s official answer to that in the form of Mighty Micros! The first wave is split 3×3 for both Marvel and DC Comics sets and today we’ll be looking at the Marvel side!

Immediately out of the gate, the Marvel Mighty Micros are showing the potential with some classic hero vs. villain battles! Captain America vs. Red Skull! Spidey versus Goblin! Hulk vs. Ultron? Okay, that’s probably more to do with recently having Ultron as a major villain but whatever, just look at these guys! If you couldn’t guess already, LEGO has gone balls-to-wall silly with this line and I loooooove it. Without further ado, let’s jump into these sets because it appears that the world is once again on the brink… of Wacky Races.
First up, and arguably the biggest rivalry amongst these sets, is Spider-Man vs. Green Goblin! In an interesting little twist on the formula, each micro-kart (I don’t know what LEGO are calling these so that’s what I’m going with) has their own instruction leaflet while all the parts are mixed together. Were these at one point going to be sold separately?

Another interesting thing about these sets are that the minifigures are mini-er than usual! Spidey and Gobby have the tiny legs! And simplistic, almost pre-school simple, design elements. Not that I’m complaining, I think they’re really cute! And they have fun little camera and Pumpkin Bomb accessories!

Once assembled, the micro-karts resemble uncomplicated versions of the Spider-Copter and Goblin Glider. Well, in the Spider-Copter’s case but Green Goblin’s ride seems a bit girther than it should. Plus they both have regular wheels, which is hilarious as they’re both aerial vehicles.

Next up is Hulk vs. Ultron!

Hulk looks ridiculously adorable, despite trying his best to look menacing while Ultron seems to have gone back to his comic roots with the classic open-mouthed scream face; bubbling with red energy and sweet metallic silver all over. Their accessories don’t make a lick of sense to me though…

When it comes to the micro-karts, I’m split right down the middle between loving them and hating them. Ultron’s spider-crab-car-thing is kiiiinda like stuff we’ve seen him do before but it’s not interesting while Hulk’s car has hulk-hands. That’s dumb as rocks and I adore it. It’s a literal punch-buggy!

Finally we come to the Sentinel of Liberty and his arch-nemesis Nazi; Captain America vs. Red Skull!

Again, the minifigures are extremely simplistic in style but are oddly charming. Cap has this manic, pupil-less expression and a huge star on his chest while Red Skull doesn’t look so much menacing as perplexed. I do love the boss-eyed HYDRA insignia on Skull’s back (Hail DERPDRA) and their accessories are unchanged from other appearances, being Cap’s shield and Skull having a clear block to represent the Tessaract.

Red Skull’s micro-kart is a simplified version of the HYDRA tank he had in a previous set with Captain America. Speaking of, Cap’s little tank is the most Wacky Races thing I’ve seen so far and it just makes me smile. I really dig it!

All in all, the LEGO Marvel Mighty Micros are an absolute blast. For £8.99 a pop, you get two little vehicles made from less than 100 pieces. They’re cheap, quick and immensely fun builds that I hope will be eaten up by superhero fans both young and old. We’re not quite done with the Mighty Micros just yet as I’ll be back in a few days time with DC Comics’ offerings so I’ll see you guys next time for another Mint in Box!

While much of the LEGO Marvel Superheroes theme focuses on either movies or tv shows, there’s the odd set that doesn’t fit into those caegories and 76049 Avenjet Space Mission is such a set. While not quite based solely in the realm of comics, it’s also based on a vehicle in the LEGO Marvel’s Avengers video game!
76049 Avenjet Space Mission comes in at a whopping 523 piece count and retails for around £59.99. Included in the set are four bags of bricks, a Thanos big fig, a thick instruction booklet, a mini comic and sticker sheet.

Kicking off the minifigures is the Sentinel of Liberty; Captain America! This particular rendition of Steve Rogers is near identical to the ‘Scuba’ variant of the 76048 Iron Skull Submarine Attack set, just swap out the flippers for a jetpack.

Hyperion has been both hero and villain so seeing him here as Thanos’ lackey isn’t too far fetched plus it’s great to see more obscure characters, like Marvel’s own nuclear answer to Superman.

It wouldn’t be a Marvel set without the poster-boy for Avengers; Iron Man! This time decked out in a pretty sweet Mark 39 ‘Gemini’ deco, he’s the same old Iron Man you’ve experienced before but in a fetching white.

Fresh from the pages of her brand new series, Carol ‘Captain Marvel’ Danvers goes a long way to making this set a favourite of mine. I love Captain Marvel that much! While most of the minifigs have double-printed faces; Carol goes one better and includes an armoured face for when she means business.

Rounding out the bunch — emphasis on round — is a somewhat portly big fig of the Mad Titan, Thanos. He looks spot on to his video game appearances but regrettably suffers from the same problem as many big figs and that’s that they constantly look downward.

The first parts of the build are Thanos’ hover-boots and the minijet. The hover-boots are an odd choice, mainly because they seem backwards no matter what way they face but also because they’re not Thanos’ most infamous form of transportation. The minijet is a pretty bare-bones, build-by-numbers affair that’s nothing to right home about but I do dig how the wings lock into place with a satisfying click.

The main fuselage is where the action is as everything connects to this skeletal frame in one way or another. There’s a small cargo bay where Iron Man is stored before he needs to be launched and the turbine wings really do it for me.

The final part of the build is the primary cockpit, which connects to two ratchet joints on the fuselage, giving the whole Avenjet the feel of a Quinjet. Oddly, the main cockpit has a fire extinguisher in it. I mean, sure, a space ship should probably have one but it seems like such a random addition to the set. Throughout the build there’s been sticker applications and, maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about putting the Avengers logo on stuff that makes me smile.

The completed Avenjet is a fantastic-looking and surprisingly robust model that’s full of play features. The detachable minijet, the storage for Captain America’s gear near the engins, Iron Man’s shuttle bay deployment and the five flick missiles. For more added firepower, both the minijet and Thanos’ hover-boots include stud shooters.

Overall, I found the build experience pretty enjoyable and the minifigures definitely add a bunch of character but can I recommend the set for £59.99? Not really. Yes it’s a fun set and there’s plenty of play value here but I would probably recommend waiting for a price drop.

– S’up?

It would be ridiculous of me not to address the spider in the room straight off the bat. Peter Parker’s inclusion in this movie caused a stir from the moment of it’s announcement and everyone has been wondering when we would get to see him. Well… here he is.

First of all, webbing Captain America’s hands together and stealing his shield is a hell of a way to make an entrance. Bravo. Secondly, his eyes narrow just like the comics! You can tell this is a suit that has been upgraded by Tony Stark, due to the shiny belt pieces and especially these eye adjustments. Pretty cool detail and hint to how he has been dragged into this mess.

– Man In Black

Black Panther’s role has been largely a mystery too but it seems that his appearance here hints at being on the receiving end (perhaps accidentally, perhaps purposefully) of a terrorist attack. Is this why he goes after The Winter Soldier?

– Jailhouse Rock

The Raft makes a welcome addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s existence now opens up the possibility of a Thunderbolts movie too, which is pretty ace.

– Small Package

Blink and you’ll miss it but one of my favourite Avengers comics moves is Ant-Man being launched at somebody on the tip of a Hawkeye arrow. Thank you CA:CW for making it a thing again.

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Overall: The Captain America trilogy looks to be one of the best superhero trilogies in movie history. So many fall down by the third instalment and I was worried for this one with all the character additions but so far, with two full trailers out, this looks like it could possibly be the best one. Kudos, Marvel.

In this episode, DJ attempts to play multiple games that we were assured he had played before but he still manages to be really bad at and all of our good ideas about entertaining game play go out of the window. We discuss the many, many superhero movies coming out in 2016, what we’re excited about and what we’re really worried about. Also covered are video games, Yasiin Bey, the Royal Rumble, and a lot of failed segues. 

 Hail to the King, Baby

It being an MCU movie it has all the returning faces you have come to expect plus, this time, a few new faces we’ve all been dying to see. The Russo brothers are at the helm once again after their rather wonderful turn directing Winter Soldier and it seems this one picks up directly where that left off with some Avengers story thrown in for good measure.

They say war is hell, what about Civil War? Lets take a look, shall we?

– D’accord?

Our team are presented with the “Sokovia Accord”. Sokovia, if you don’t remember, is where Avengers Age of Ultron took place. This is essentially taking the place of what was called “The Superhero Registration Act” in the comics.

– Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Check out the black eye Tony is sporting here. Considering he’s normally in an iron suit, I’m fascinated to see how he got punched in his civilian clothes.

– T’Challa Mad, T’Challa Real Mad

Well look what we have here. Black Panther has finally joined the party. And he looks pretty damn good.

– Gee, It’s Good To Be Together Again

So this shot seems to set up the whole crux of the movie for us. Steve Rogers and his best friend fighting side by side once again while The Man tries to take them down. It’s a wonderful way to round out 3 Captain America movies. He has had a consistent plot if nothing else.

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OVERALL: There is still plenty to be revealed (a certain young hero is missing for example) but I think they’ve done a good job to tell us the bare bones of the story and set up a movie that is still 7 months away. I’m not particularly excited yet, but that could just be fatigue. I am, however, not worried about anything I see here at all. And that’s a great place to start.

– Needs More Baby Oil

Here is our antagonist in his birthing chamber, so to speak. The Winter Soldier’s beginnings are very similar to Captain America’s. They’re a kind of Yin and Yang to each other. You know, if the Yin was red, white, and blue while the Yang was just plain red.

Plus, the guy you see in the picture is Winter Soldier’s creator Ed Brubaker in a nice little cameo.

– But Who Will Be In The Post Credits Sequence?!

I really like the decision to have The Winter Soldier attack Nick Fury. Up to now Fury has been a near perfect, untouchable figure. To have him made vulnerable and seemingly (if the next shot of him unconscious in a hospital is anything to go by) taken out of the picture it leaves Cap in charge of his own actions. It will require Cap to step-up and become the leader/hero we know him to be.

But Nick is just one piece of a really great ensemble cast of heroes in what is technically supposed to be a solo movie.

– She’s Called Black Widow But I Don’t Think She Was Married

I know she technically had the wrist shooters in previous movies but I’m still excited that they’re being used in the cool way they’re being shown here.

Grapple-hooking as she jumps off a bridge from a flaming car and then walking away like a boss? That’s what I’m talking about.

– I Believe He Can Fly

I mentioned previously my love of Falcon. We see lots more of him in this trailer and it’s good to know that while he will be assuming the side-kick role he’ll still be getting plenty of action of his own.

I really hope he comes out of this movie as a break-out star.

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Overall: I didn’t think it was possible but I think this trailer has actually made me more excited for the film. I’m gonna put my neck on the line now and say that I think it will be the best Marvel movie yet. If this footage is anything to go by, I’m not worried about being wrong.

Right out of the gate, we’re introduced to the downtrodden, out of work father of one, Mike Peterson (played by Angel Alumni, J. August Richards) as he’s witness to an apartment explosion and wastes no time in jumping in to rescue a woman. His heroic efforts catch the eye of a young hacker and, eventually, the attention of SHIELD as Coulson and Maria Hill gather a new team together in an effort to recruit new heroes as they appear and put a stop to foreseeable threats.

Being the pilot for a new show, we’re hit with a lot of information very fast but none of it feels especially rushed. We spend a little more time with Maria Hill and learn that she actually has a sense of humour, as well being conspiratorial with SHIELD physician, Dr. Streiten, played by Firefly Alumni Ron Glass. If more and more actors from Whedon’s past projects show up, I’ll be a happy camper. Who wouldn’t want to see the likes of Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite and Adam Baldwin in this show?

Now, to the subject of speculation: Phil “Agent” Coulson. We all saw the Son of Coul die in New York but why is he here now? According the man himself, Fury faked his death and sent him on vacation to Tahiti but Hill and Dr. Streiten seem to know more. Is he a clone? A Life Model Decoy? Hell, is he even human? This will no doubt be an underlying subplot throughtout the season but my personal take is this: He is Coulson. Doesn’t matter what he is, he’s still Coulson and that’s good enough for me. For now.

The rest of the team is assembled and is a surprisingly diverse bunch. Ward is a specialist, conflict resolution, that kind of deal, but he admits to being scared of women and that he loves his Grandma. Admittedly, he said that after being nailed with truth serum by Coulson but still. Melinda May is Mulan the pilot and obviously has a mysterious reputation as a field agent. Fitz and Simmons are the adorable techies who have a really fun brother/sister bond and Skye is the hacker I mentioned earlier. They don’t get much development but you get a good sense of each character and we’ll be seeing more of them throughout the season so it’s a good introduction.

One thing I love in my entertainment is continuity and references so this show will be perfect for me. All the little nods to the cinematic universe and to a larger Marvel Universe made me smile. Mentions of Puente Antiguo, Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., and freakin’ Longshot all had me sitting there saying:

The pilot episode was quick, to the point and highly entertaining. I can see so much potential for this show being the springboard for concepts later seen in the movies and vice-versa. We could have all-new heroes and villains to deal with and, budget be willing, maybe even some A-list guest stars (The A stand for Avenger). I’m looking forward to what wonders and woes this series will bring us and I hope you’ll be following along with his here on The Website of Doom! See you next weeeeeeeeeek!