Epic’s State of Unreal event kicked off with a thrilling reveal: a first glimpse at “1943: Rise of Hydra,” a new Marvel game from acclaimed writer/director Amy Hennig (best known for the ‘Uncharted’ series). This “narrative-driven action-adventure” boasts a star-studded cast of playable characters, including icons like Captain America and Black Panther.
Marvel describes the game’s unique premise: throughout “1943: Rise of Hydra”, players will step into the shoes of four heroes. Experience the early days of Steve Rogers as Captain America, fight alongside Azzuri (T’Challa’s grandfather and the WWII-era Black Panther), join Gabriel Jones (a US soldier and Howling Commando), and play as Nanali, a fearless Wakandan spy infiltrating Nazi-occupied Paris.
The reveal trailer showcased the game’s breathtaking visuals, made possible with the latest Unreal Engine 5.4 technology. This visually impressive announcement underscores Epic’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of game design with its powerful engine.
Hennig’s studio, established under Skydance Media in 2019, has been quietly working behind the scenes. The reveal of “1943: Rise of Hydra,” previously announced in 2021, and a ‘Star Wars’ title in 2022 demonstrate the team’s ambition. These projects are part of Disney’s renewed focus on high-profile games, with other studios like Insomniac, Quantic Dream, Ubisoft, and more taking on iconic franchises.
While “1943: Rise of Hydra” isn’t slated for release until 2025, the reveal has undoubtedly piqued the interest of Marvel and gaming fans alike. Hennig’s track record with the action-packed ‘Uncharted’ series offers a tantalizing hint of the epic thrills that await.