At first I wasn't sure about this MULTIVERSE version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It's a bit of a slow burn from the start, and for fans of the OG team it feels a little unfamiliar. In fact, both the Guardians and the majority of characters we meet throughout the game have not only had their models AND voices changed, but their backstories too.

It's not the Guardians of the Galaxy fans are used to and as that's not explicitly stated anywhere, so we're left a little confused from the start, having to guess as we go.

The opening gameplay largely consists of long platforming sections between combat arenas. In fact, that's mainly the case for the whole game, with some flashbacks and scenarios to explore along the way. (Oh, and some short, tanky flying sections that require some patience.) The platforming sections DO contain a lot of banter between the characters however, fleshing out their backstories and personalities, and filling the player in along the way. Which IS a nice way to do things, albeit a little slow, and too frequently presents the opportunity to miss dialogue if one isn't paying attention or progresses too quickly.

"Put your game face on Drax" - "I only possess one face, Peter Quill"

In fact the game is MOSTLY platforming around the - somehow - progressively more gorgeous environments. The graphics really shine in this title and the environments truly come to life, and despite the odd texture flicker or stutter during a transition or screenshot are extremely immersive. That is of course when you're not using Peter's visor to scan for the collectables, or the upgrade materials necessary for the player weapons...

In fact Quill's main two handhelds start as powerful pea-shooters, and the bulk of the damage throughout the game comes from his own and the squad's own special abilities which are purchased through upgrades. Actually, they mainly stay as pea-shooters outside of on-use abilities with cooldowns, which is a little frustrating.

Like the visuals though, the combat improves over time. Significantly. With upgrades to the party's characters via abilities, and additionally upgrades to the player character, the fights evolve from drudgery to a genuine want to master the mechanics and bring the fight to the enemy. It's quite satisfying to perfect the use of the situational talents and environmental objects, picking up those coveted achievements along the way.

In fact, at the end of the upgrade cycle the frenetic fights are so colourful, so satisfying - they pack a punch and you can really feel it. Add to that the "huddle" performance booster, which speeds up cooldowns, increases damage and adds an "Awesome Mix" track to kick ass to!

(I will add that the tracks are seemingly random, though. Kicking ass to Rick Astley feels a little silly, Marvel.)

Wait - are you Rick Rolling me?

The story is the final thread to mention, which whilst in set in a different universe is a very "Guardians" narrative. It has all of the expected themes of a Guardians game - taking serious issues and adding a layer of candor, whilst the overarching theme being one of unity / family. I did find that repeatedly referencing backgrounds of characters made for a darker backstory though, and that I questioned some of their actions going forward, especially through the lens of those redeemed. I thought you were the good guys now, guys? I suppose it's one of those things we'll have to overlook, especially considering the galaxy saving narrative(s).

You lovable rogues, you...

Overall I strongly feel the game is worth hanging on for, if a little confusing and a little slow in the beginning. It offers a whopping ~20 hours on the first playthrough and with New Game + a lot of replayability at a reasonable price. Definitely worth picking up on sale if you have the time to commit to it.