Summary
Cliffhanger, a newly established EA developer, has a chance to really wow fans with its upcomingBlack Pantheradaptation, but it needs to keep sight of the larger world of Marvel games. With two games in development placing Black Panther in a starring role,Cliffhanger’s Black Panthercan’t be too close to the other representation of the character.
Placing Cliffhanger in charge of a game about one of Marvel’s most impactful characters shows that EA has faith in the budding company, but as its debut title, there’s no way to judge what might be in store. Cliffhanger will wantBlack Pantherto stand out among the crowd though, so some inferences might be made based on other games in development. Skydance is currently nearing the 2025 release window ofMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, which will also place players in the shoes of a version of Black Panther. Since both games are tackling the same character, Cliffhanger would be wise to ensure that its version of the character strays as far from Skydance’s as possible, while still sticking close to the source material.
Black Panther’s Mask Can Hide Different Heroes
One thing working in Cliffhanger’s favor is the nature of the Black Panther character’s origin. The mantle of the Black Panther is one that is passed down through the Wakandan royal family, meaning that while the hero is always present, there is a different person behind the mask at different times. InMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, players will take on the role of Azzuri, the Black Panther of the 1940s. ThisBlack Panther looks to play as a stealth character, sticking to the shadows as he takes on his enemies. That is a perfectly valid interpretation of that era’s Black Panther, but it also means that Cliffhanger should avoid too much of that type of gameplay for its version of the hero.
If Cliffhanger wants to give fans the best soloBlack Pantherexperience it can, it would probably be better off adapting a more familiar version of the title character. Cliffhanger’sBlack Pantherwould have a heavy advantage if it allows players to control T’challa, the Black Panther fans of the MCU are familiar with. IfCliffhanger takes inspiration from the MCU Black Pantherstories, it can create a baseline action experience that’s already different from the stealth style that Rise of Hydra will focus on. Not only would this help the two versions of the character stand apart, but it would be closer to fans’ expectations of what a solo superhero game should be.
How to Best Adapt Black Panther for an Action Game
Assuming that Cliffhanger chooses to adapt T’challa’s story, there are many different directions it might take. One way to begin is by considering what fans have come to love about the character. Much of the modern version of the Black Panther that fans are familiar with stems fromauthor Ta-Nehisi Coates' Black Panther comic run. This story is one of the best when it comes to showcasing T’challa as both a hero and a king. Depicting the duality of his character would allow fans to step into the role of both a noble defender and a troubled ruler, providing fertile ground for intense choices to be made during the game, as well as epic action sequences.
Another aspect of the character fans have gravitated toward is the depiction of his kingdom, Wakanda. The afro-futuristic setting shown in the movies has transported fans to a place where the future has taken hold without the inhabitants losing sight of their past. Giving African culture a chance to shine is one of the most important things the Black Panther movies did, so Cliffhanger’sBlack Pantherwould be giving itself a major advantage if it did the same. Withrumors thatBlack Pantherwill be open world, the developer seems to be doing just that. Though they might have to wait a while, it seems that fans should be eagerly awaiting the version of the character in Cliffhanger’sBlack Pantheras well as the more old school oneRise of Hydrawill deliver.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra
WHERE TO PLAY
In the chaos of war, worlds collide. Captain America and Azzuri, the Black Panther of the 1940s, must overcome their differences and form an uneasy alliance to confront their common enemy. Fighting alongside Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos, and Nanali, a Wakandan spy embedded in Occupied Paris, they must join forces to stop a sinister plot that threatens to turn the havoc of WWII into the ultimate rise of Hydra.
