Square Enix's Guardians of the Galaxy is a universe that is both unique and filled with references to its Marvel Comics roots. However, the Square Enix universe is filled with a variety of changes to the classic lore, creating characters and storylines that are distinct and compelling.
A number of the characters and stories in the game's universe are different compared to their comic counterparts, and while some changes are small, others flip entire concepts on their heads. Here are some of the biggest differences between the comics and games.
11 Fin Fang Foom - A Completely Different Monster
Fin Fang Foom is a gigantic monster who lurks in Maklu 4, one that many Katathians died hunting in wondrous quests. His boss battle is fun, and allows the Guardians to bond with each other on an even further level. However, the mute dragonoid is far different from the creature he is in the comics.
Fin Fang Foom of the comics is an extremely intelligent shape-shifting creature, one that resides on Maklu 4 and eventually, on Earth. Landing in ancient China, Fin Fang Foom remains dormant, but then becomes an enemy of the armoured Avenger, Iron Man.
10 Nebula - A Family Feud
The popularity of Gamora's sister, Nebula, has skyrocketed ever since her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her comic counterpart is often times straddling the line between villain and hero, pitting her both with and against her family.
Not so in the Square Enix Marvel universe, in which Nebula is suspiciously missing. After Gamora grows more disturbed by the Universal Church of Truth, she reveals that Thanos brainwashed Nebula, leaving Gamora with no choice but to kill her.
9 Yondu Vs. Star-Lord - A Rough Friendship
The leader of the Ravagers, Yondu, has often had a tumultuous friendship with Star-Lord. In the Marvel comics, Yondu eventually started a rivalry with the Guardians, leading to a chaotic war between both sides.
Not much is known about the Square Enix edition of Yondu, but it is revealed that Quill abandoned the Ravagers and his former boss, leading to Yondu and his crew being held in the Kylm. Quill fears the idea of returning to his old ally as it's likely they'll cross paths violently.
8 Spartax - The Fallen Kingdom
The home of Peter Quill and his royal father, J'son, Spartax is a regal planet where J'son was once emperor. After he tried to capture his son to join his ranks, Peter exposed J'son as a murderer, leading to Spartax flourishing without their leader and his criminal empire.
In the Square Enix universe, Quill knows of his father and his heritage, but reveals that Spartax has gone broke. The once great empire has been plundered and ransacked for weapons and resources, and not much is known about what happened to the ruling monarchs.
7 Star-Lord - An Established Band
The name 'Star-Lord' has an important and emotionally charged connection to Peter Quill, as it was the name of his favorite band on Earth. Square Enix even created original songs by the band, which you can listen to in the game.
The MCU has a similarly emotional connection, as Peter was given his name by his dying mother. Interestingly, comic book Peter Quill never had this connection to his name, as his title was meant to represent a cool alter ego for the cosmic adventurer.
6 The Universal Church Of Truth - A New Structure
Grand Admiral Raker's Universal Church of Truth was a cult, made out of survivors of the Galactic War. These worshippers of Magus turned to the Soul Stone's power, and required a vessel for the power. This became known as the Matriarch, who was another grieving, brainwashed soul - Nikki.
Within the comics, the Church was originally made to worship the power of Magus and his purity. However, the Church was eventually taken over by an alternate future's J'son, known as The Patriarch. Cloning Drax and seeking to destroy Death itself, the Church was a terrifying foe for the Guardians.
5 Mantis - Human Origin
Many have forgotten that Mantis is actually part human. The daughter of Gustav Brandt and Lua Nguyen, Mantis was given to the Priests of Pama, where she was given powers to become the Celestial Madonna. An ally of the Avengers, Mantis moved from Earth to space constantly.
Ultimately, she decided to stick with the Guardians of the Galaxy and life in the cosmos. The Square Enix version erases her somewhat complicated origin, simply making her an alien, one that trains under the Priests.
4 Drax - The Life Of Arthur Douglas
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Similarly to Mantis, Drax was once human, however, his origin is far more well known. Arthur Douglas and his family were killed by Thanos, after they spotted the Mad Titan's arrival on Earth. Reanimated and powered by Thanos' father, Arthur became Drax, the sworn nemesis of Thanos.
Drax in the Square Enix universe has a similar motivation, as his family was killed by Thanos. However, Drax is a Katathian, an alien race with its own cultures, traditions and powers. There is no Arthur Douglas, similar to his character in the MCU.
3 Nikki - A Completely New Character
Square Enix's version of Nikki was the adopted daughter of Ko-Rel - with her remorse and guilt regarding her mother's death leading her into becoming The Matriarch. With Peter as her new father-figure, she overcomes the Church, and joins the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Comic readers would know Nikki far differently, as she's a grown up adventurer from the future, and a member of the original, less famous incarnation of the Guardians. With her flaming hair (which appears in the game) and reckless attitude, Nikki was a gun-toting and angry young hero.
2 Richard Rider - The Missing Leader
Richard Rider is the first human member of the Nova Corps, and quickly became one of the most beloved and powerful members of the corps as well. His friendship and connection to Peter and Gamora has made the trio inseparable, and in the comics, Richard has become a member of the Guardians roster.
In the game however, Richard's relationship with Gamora and Peter hasn't started yet, and the hero has mysteriously vanished after the Galactic War. Only time will tell when Richard will appear in this universe.
1 The Galactic War
The Guardians have been a part of many wars and cosmic battles in all their iterations. However, the Galactic War is a unique one, existing only in the Square Enix game. The Galactic War occurred between the forces of Thanos and factions across the universe, such as the Nova Corps, the Katathians, and the Ravagers.
The destruction caused by the Galactic War, and the lives that were lost, all led to the creation of the Universal Church of Truth, while also bringing together the Guardians of the Galaxy. The Galactic War is definitely the most important event in the Square Enix universe of the Guardians.