When Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy first hit the gaming scene in October 2021, it was greeted with an air of cautious optimism. The superhero game market had been flooded with titles in recent years, some hit-and-miss. The stakes were high for this one, particularly because it wasn't tied to the MCU's mainstream superheroes or connected to the previous Marvel’s Avengers project, which had garnered mixed reviews. But Guardians managed to stand out for its bold narrative choices, sharp writing, and a fresh take on a beloved team of misfit heroes.
Developed by Eidos-Montreal and published by Square Enix, the game was a departure from the standard Marvel formula. It offered a single-player, story-driven experience that let players step into the shoes of Peter Quill—better known as Star-Lord—leading the ragtag group of intergalactic outlaws known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. Rather than focusing on a series of over-the-top action sequences or endless multiplayer modes, the game focused on character-driven storytelling, witty banter, and plenty of cosmic adventure.