While James Gunn is now fully focused on crafting a better DC universe, the talented director did not leave his beloved version of theGuardians of the Galaxywithout a proper ending.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3is in theaters now, and it is an incredibly emotional watch for fans of the ragtag group of heroes. Gunn’s version of the Guardians is undoubtedly still the best that has ever been created, though the influence of past versions of the team can clearly be felt within the film.
While Gunn’s versions of Adam Warlock and Cosmo are distinctly his own, the Guardians’ flashy new uniforms are pulled straight from the books. In certain ways, Rocket’s painfully dark backstory feels similar to the Telltale game’s version of the tale. Several characters end up in places reminiscent of where they are in the comics, showing that Gunn has a deep love for every member of the team. However, perhaps the clearest influence is from Eidos-Montreal’sMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, as some of the fight scenes in the film utilize moves that look like they were pulled straight from the game.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a Perfect Reminder Why Eidos’ Game Was So Great
With James Gunn playingEidos-Montreal’s Guardians of the Galaxy gameduringVol. 3’s production, it would not be shocking if the game’s combat sequences influenced some of his ideas for the movie’s stellar action. While the game’s story and characters shined more than the combat, combining the team’s moves was still a highlight when it comes to gameplay, and it is these types of pairings that show up in the movie.
Regardless of whether Gunn intended to pay tribute to some of the Eidos-Montreal game’s flashy combat maneuvers, there are a few spots in the film where fans will surely think back to the 2021 release. The scene whereStar-Lordand Groot fight back-to-back against the High Evolutionary’s followers is one such moment, as is the mind-blowing hallway sequence where every member of the Guardians gets an opportunity to show off their combat prowess. In that action scene, the Guardians build off each other’s moves perfectly, showing how far they have come as a team. For game fans, the way that attacks are combined during this moment will feel very familiar.
With aMarvel’s Spider-Manmove included inNo Way Home, this would not be the first time video game action influenced an MCU film. Either way, though, it is not the only shared trait between the two projects. BothMarvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyandVol. 3feature almost every member of the team, with the game only leaving out Nebula. Both projects offer terrific soundtracks, something that is now a requirement for the franchise ever since Gunn’s firstGuardiansfilm. However, the most important thing is that both stories are full of heart and show a great understanding of the heroes and what makes them work so well as a family.
The game and films compliment each other brilliantly, as though they are set in different universes with slightly different takes on the Guardians -Adam Warlock’s Magus situation and Drax’s higher power level in the game both come to mind - many of the same strengths are present in each. Though the game touches on it through dialogue instead of visualizing it, Rocket’s trauma is an important part of the story, as is Peter Quill’s need for family. The same type of humor popularized by Gunn’s films is present too, with a ton of fun dialogue spread throughout the game. Though the team-up moves featured inMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyare very similar to those in the latest film, the tone, style, and characters serve as other clear connections. Ultimately, this is why both succeed, as a perfect formula for the Guardians has been established.
Guardians of the Galaxyfans who are not ready to say goodbye to the team after James Gunn’s big screen sendoff should look toward Eidos-Montreal’s game. Though Eidos being acquired by Embracer andMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxynot meeting Square Enix’s sales expectationsmeans that a sequel will likely never happen, the original remains a terrific title. Since the MCU has bid farewell to the original version of the team, now is the perfect time to revisit the game or try it for the first time.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, and Xbox Series X.
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