Black Pantherhas exploded in popularity since his MCU movie released in 2018, with Chadwick Boseman’s performance as the character quickly becoming iconic. While this success has pushed more Marvel fans to readBlack Panthercomics, and generated interest in future MCU content about Wakanda, it is odd that it has not led to a solo Black Panther game.
While it was great to see the character inMarvel’s Avengersand othergames with large rosters likeMarvel Ultimate Alliance, Black Panther is a character that can absolutely support his own video game franchise. With a history of stories to pull from, a fun and diverse moveset, and an unforgettable setting, all the elements are there for a great Black Panther game to be made. If done correctly, it could generate the same hype asMarvel’s WolverineandMarvel’s Spider-Man 2.
RELATED:How Marvel’s Avengers Could Tie in With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
A Black Panther Game Could Dive Deep Into T’Challa’s Lineage
One interesting way to approach a Black Panther game would see players not just controlling T’Challa, but also his ancestors. Players could start the game by playing as an ancient Black Panther that lacked a super suit or fancy technology, with claws and the superpowers from the heart-shaped herb being the extent of his abilities. After eachBlack Panther’s villainis defeated, players could switch to a new Black Panther.
Going this route would highlight just how important the Black Panther mantle is toWakanda, and it would also allow players to see how Wakanda grew over time. Each Black Panther’s contribution to the country could be on full display, with players getting to see the city grow from basic huts and structures to the technological marvel it eventually became during T’Challa’s time. Seeing T’Challa’s father during his prime could make his death more impactful, too, as gamers could witness how much Wakanda as a whole would have missed his presence.
Spacing these sections throughout the game could be another approach, serving as a great way to give context to T’Challa’s villains since each could have a story to share about how their ancestors had a conflict with a previous Black Panther. Someone like M’Baku, for instance, could have a major issue with the royal family due to something they did to the Jabari in the past. Growing up with a hatred for royalty could add a lot to his dynamic withT’Challa, with players traveling back in time to see the origin of the conflict play out. Showing other Black Panthers with questionable morals and flawed decision-making could make T’Challa a hero that is even more likable.
While unlikely, if a developer wanted to, a Black Panther game could even be a roguelike where players switch to a different Black Panther each time they die. Similar toRogue Legacy 2’s heirs, being able to go through a prominent family’s history could be a ton of fun. Alongside their own abilities, each Black Panther could have unique areas to fight through and bosses to pursue. While a more traditional action game would be far safer, this could be a fun way to approach the Black Panther property, and it could lead to a truly unique game.
Obviously, getting T’Challa right would be just as important as honoring the history of Black Panther and Wakanda. To do this, whichever developer takes on this hypothetical game would need to make sure that his supporting cast works well. A fun dynamic with his sisterShuriis crucial, and for comic book readers, it would be exciting to see the romance with X-Men member Storm explored outside the comics. With T’Challa not being recast in the MCU, fans may never get to see it play out in live action, so a video game would be a fun alternative.
RELATED:A LEGO MCU Game Would Probably Not Work
What a Black Panther Game Could Learn From Marvel’s Avengers: War for Wakanda
WhileMarvel’s Avengers’ future is unclearfollowing a rough launch and plenty of struggles in the years since, War for Wakanda serves as the game’s best piece of post-launch content by far. This expansion delivers a memorable region via the Wakandan jungle, with unique puzzles and structures helping the area stand out from everything else in the Crystal Dynamics title. When it comes to designing the Wakandan jungle in a standalone game, this DLC should be a major source of inspiration.
Everything involving T’Challa also worked well, with the character being extremely fun to play. Adding a ranged option through daggers was a great touch, while being able to pounce on foes and wield items like Kimoyo Beads was exhilarating and something that should be present in a solo game. Further,Christopher Judge as T’Challawas a perfect fit, and it showed just how important it is to get a good actor for the role. If Judge is not brought back for a solo Black Panther game, his casting should at least be used as an example when finding T’Challa’s voice.
As strong as theWar for Wakanda DLCwas, though, it was not perfect. While the throne room was a great hub area, and it was fun to sit in the throne while playing as T’Challa, it was a shame that this was all players saw of the actual Wakandan city. A standalone Black Panther game needs to let players explore more than just the jungles outside this location, with all the skyscrapers, markets, and farms deserving a chance to shine as well.
Though there aremultiple Marvel games in the works, the fact that Black Panther is not confirmed to be one of them is a shame. Whether it takes the form of a roguelike, and open world action game, or a linear, story driven title, Black Panther is begging for a video game adaptation. While it is always nice to see him fight alongside other groups like The Avengers, T’Challa and Wakanda deserve their own spotlight, so hopefully a dedicatedBlack Panthergame becomes a reality sometime soon.
MORE:Marvel’s Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Future is Uncertain After Embracer Group Purchase
