WWII-set Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra revealed at State of Unreal 2024

First announced back in 2022, a new Marvel video game has been formally unveiled at State of Unreal 2024. Set in 1943, the game follows pre-frozen Captain America and the Black Panther of the era, Azzuri, as they combat the nefarious Hydra organisation during World War II. The game is being developed by Skydance New Media and is directed by former Naughty Dog creative director Amy Hennig.

The reveal trailer for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is light on gameplay, but sheds some light on the game’s plot. Set in occupied France during WWII, Captain America/Steve Rogers (portrayed by Drew Moerlein) finds himself clashing with the Black Panther/Azzuri (portrayed by Khary Payton) while investigating the ascendant Hydra organisation. According to a Marvel blog post, players will play as Captain America and Black Panther, as well as Wakandan spy Nanali (portrayed by Megalyn Echikunwoke) and Howling Commando operative Gabriel Jones (portrayed by Marque Richardson) at different points in the game. Other key NPC cast members include Joel Johnston as Howard Stark and Lyne Renée as Julie, a key member of the French resistance.

The confirmation that the player controls each of the four playable characters at different points in the narrative at least seemingly alleviates concern that the game will contain online multiplayer-focused live service elements or otherwise fall into the same traps that held back Marvel’s Avengers and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is set to be powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.4, and will also be utilising MetaHuman Animator, the same hyper-detailed facial animation tool being used in the upcoming Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

While a formal release date is yet to be confirmed, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been announced to release sometime in 2025. We will have to wait for more information and gameplay footage as the game nears release.