VIDEO GAMES: MARVEL'S AVENGERS Gameplay Video Spotlights Black Widow's Deadly Assassin Skills

Having already released character spotlights for Captain America, Hulk, and Iron Man, Crystal Dynamics have now shifted their attention to Black Widow in their upcoming game, Marvel's Avengers.

The developer released a nearly five-minute gameplay video, showcasing Black Widow's array of gadgets, tools, weapons, and attacks. Additionally, lead combat designer Vince Napoli and actress Laura Bailey (who brings Natasha Romanoff to life in the game) also added some additional Black Widow character details in follow-up tweets.

"Black Widow is a really complex and nuanced character; so it only makes sense that her gameplay and mechanics are designed in a way that compliments those aspects of her character," explained Napoli. "In a manner that is fitting of a trained assassin, Widow’s gameplay loop is all about creating & exploiting enemy vulnerabilities. Whether attacking enemies from behind or putting enemies into stun states that lead to quick take downs, playing Black Widow is about efficiency."

"For example, when utilizing her grapple correctly, it’s both a pre-emptive defensive attack designed to counter enemies before they strike, as well as a move to initiate combat at large distances from the ground or in air," he added. "As versatile as she is deadly, Widow is just as effective from a distance as she is up-close and personal. “Regardless of how you choose to play Widow —whether you’re focusing on subterfuge or style, gadgets or guns— her combat and gameplay style always feels distinct."

Natasha’s training and innate capability to keep cool in any situation is augmented by an array of gadgets, tools, weapons, & attacks for every scenario; including a variety of grenades, ammo types, grappling hooks, stun batons, & of course her iconic Widow’s Bite! pic.twitter.com/cQDP64mCjs

— Marvel's Avengers (@PlayAvengers) September 21, 2019

Actress Laura Bailey was asked more about the character of Black Widow and what sets her apart from other versions we've seen in other mediums. "We're tackling elements of Black Widow's leadership abilities," explained Bailey when asked about this particular incarnation of Black Widow. "We really get to show Black Widow in her element. Embracing parts of her personality and skillset that may have been downplayed when the Avengers were together. Despite her struggles to fill Cap's shoes, in many ways Widow leads by example and it's crazy that she isn't even aware of how good she is in that role."

As previously revealed, Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers is a different take on the Earth's Mightiest Heroes with an original storyline. It begins at A-Day during the unveiling of a hi-tech Avegners Headquarters, but the celebration turns deadly after a catastrophic accident results in massive devastation. Captain America is killed and the Avengers are blamed for the tragedy. The game takes place five years later with the Avengers disbanded and super heroes outlawed.



Marvel's Avengers assembles on Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia on May 15, 2020.