Square Enix and Eidos Montreal have announced Guardians of the Galaxy, a single player, story-driven adventure coming to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on October 26.

It was the highlight of the publisher's E3 2021 presentation, receiving an extensive demo that showcased combat, story, and more in an experience that seems to take inspiration from films and comics alike. It looks excellent, and a big improvement over Marvel's Avengers and its polarising service model.

Related: Video Game Release Dates 2021

You will play as Star-Lord, accompanied by some of his most notable companions like Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Mantis, Drax, and Gamora. It's an action adventure game that resembles Mass Effect, and the team at TheGamer are immediately sold on it. The gameplay presentation saw our superhero squad arrive on a planet in search of Lady Hellbender, intending to sell one of their crew as a way to meet this illustrious mistress.

Guardians of the Galaxy won't be a service game, and will include licensed music for Star-Lord to jam to while fighting aliens and exploring foreign planets. You can slow down time and use face buttons to ask squad members to use abilities - also like Mass Effect. The gameplay reveals also shows how you'll face consequences from in-game decisions made, judging from a few prompts, and which could tie into the unfolding narrative and loyalty of party members.

Cheeky banter from the films remains untouched, and despite all being portrayed by different actors, the charm across Star-Lord and company feels fun, natural, and something we're excited to partake in.

Last year, Square Enix launched Marvel's Avengers to middling reviews. The game continues to stay on track for its roadmap, launching new content updates with new superheroes like Black Panther. However, it appears to be struggling to stay afloat on Steam, and has seen its player count drop to zero on multiple occasions.

This game could arguably turn these fortunes around. Guardians of the Galaxy is now available for pre-order, and doing so will earn you a number of cosmetic skins and other bonuses inspired by classic comics, films, and more. We imagine unlockable skins and such will be available as optional purchases in the full game, much like Marvel's Avengers before it.

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