Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is an upcoming, highly anticipated action-adventure video game that plunges players into an original, narrative-driven story set during the turbulent period of World War II. Developed by Skydance New Media, led by renowned writer and director Amy Hennig (known for her work on the Uncharted series), and published by Plaion, the game promises a cinematic, ensemble experience leveraging the stunning capabilities of Unreal Engine 5.
Plot and Setting
The game takes place in 1943, primarily in Occupied Paris, as well as other locations including Wakanda. The story draws inspiration from the Marvel Comics limited series Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers and centers on an uneasy alliance formed between two iconic Marvel heroes and their allies.
The main plot involves the protagonists attempting to thwart a sinister plot that threatens to escalate the havoc of World War II into the ultimate rise of the terrorist organization Hydra. The narrative emphasis, typical of Amy Hennig’s projects, is on a story-driven experience with high-quality cinematic presentation.
Ensemble Cast and Playable Characters
A key feature of the game is its ensemble cast, with players taking control of four central characters at different points throughout the story:
- Captain America (Steve Rogers): The legendary American super-soldier, voiced by Drew Moerlein.
- Black Panther (Azzuri): T’Challa’s grandfather and the Black Panther of the World War II era, voiced by Khary Payton.
- Gabriel Jones: A U.S. soldier, part of the Howling Commandos, voiced by Marque Richardson.
- Nanali: A Wakandan spy network leader embedded in Occupied Paris, voiced by Megalyn Echikunwoke.
The cast also includes Howard Stark (voiced by Joel Johnstone), an ally and technological genius, and an original character named Julie (voiced by Lyne Renée). The dynamic between Captain America and Black Panther, who are initially opposed despite their mutual goal to stop the Axis forces and Hydra, is a crucial part of the story.
Gameplay and Technology
While specific gameplay details remain limited, the game is an action-adventure title featuring a single-player campaign. It is confirmed that all four main heroes will be playable at various points, suggesting varied abilities and combat styles:
- Captain America will utilize his signature shield for defense and offense.
- Black Panther (Azzuri) is shown to possess stealth and finesse, leveraging Wakandan technology and his superhuman agility.
The visual fidelity of the game is a major focus, with the development utilizing the latest features of Unreal Engine 5, including the MetaHuman Animator tool for realistic facial performances. Developers have stated that the cinematic footage shown in trailers is running in real-time within the game engine, emphasizing the game’s graphical ambition.
Development and Release
The game was first announced in 2021 as Skydance New Media’s first major project in collaboration with Marvel Games. After a reveal of the ensemble cast in 2022, the full title, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, was officially unveiled at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March 2024, accompanied by a story trailer showcasing its advanced graphics.
- Developer: Skydance New Media
- Publisher: Plaion
- Engine: Unreal Engine 5
- Anticipated Release: Early 2026 (Initially slated for 2025)
- Platforms: Expected for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The pedigree of the creative team, particularly Amy Hennig’s history with highly acclaimed narrative action games, has set a high bar of expectation for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra to deliver a cinematic, compelling, and technologically impressive superhero adventure.
