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Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Genre: Action
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Eidos Montreal
Release Date: Oct. 26, 2021

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'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy' Soundtrack Blends Orchestral Score With '80s Pop And Rock - Trailer

by Rainier on Aug. 19, 2021 @ 6:00 a.m. PDT

Play as Star-Lord with the unpredictable Guardians at your side. Blast your way from one explosive situation to another in a struggle for the fate of the universe.

Fire up Star-Lord's jet boots for a wild ride across the cosmos in this fresh take on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. With the unpredictable Guardians at your side, blast your way from one explosive situation to another, with both original and well-known Marvel characters caught in a struggle for the fate of the universe. You got this. Probably.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is created by the seasoned Eidos-Montréal team, working closely with Marvel Entertainment to provide an original and authentic experience inspired by over 50 years of Guardians of the Galaxy lore. Influenced by the comics, this spin on the Guardians of the Galaxy takes players on a riotous journey across the stars as Peter Quill and the Guardians unintentionally become the galaxy's first and last line of defense.

In the game's universe, Star-Lord started the Guardians to sell their services as heroes-for-hire, and convinced Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot to join him along the way. The promise of adventure and profit was exactly what they were looking for. They even have a business card to prove it!!

Eidos-Montréal has released a new developer insight video that reveals further information on the inspiration and talent behind Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. It also details how ‘80s pop and rock masterpieces are expertly melded with gameplay to create an innovative in-game mechanic, the Huddle.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy brings together three distinct musical styles in its soundtrack: an epic orchestral score, an all-star mixtape of licensed ‘80s tracks, and an original rock album created just for the game. Behind-the-scenes commentary from Steve Szczepkowski, Senior Audio Director at Eidos-Montréal, describes how he and his team fused these elements to create a unique musical experience and influence a gameplay mechanic.

Steve Szczepkowski says: “Music is intrinsic to the Guardians’ franchise, and we wanted to make it focal to the gameplay experience. The soundtrack is infused in the DNA of the game, and our use of it goes far beyond usual expectations. Whether it’s powering up combat in the Huddle or bringing Star-Lord’s favourite band to life, every element was carefully woven into the lore to enhance the story of this rock and roll band of misfits.”

Steve reveals how the sweeping orchestral score, written by BAFTA-nominated composer Richard Jacques, brings an epic, cinematic quality to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Recorded at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios, the score features close to six hours of original music to carry players through their heroic and often emotional journey across the galaxy. Great care has been taken to blend the score with other genres of music featured in the game to ensure the transition from blockbuster orchestral moment to licensed hit is seamless during gameplay. 

In selecting licensed music to compliment Eidos-Montréal’s vision of the Guardians, Steve explains that fun was the most important factor. Designed to transport players back to the ‘80s, an impressive selection of pop and rock hits from the decade feature throughout the game at carefully chosen points. Tracks include music from Iron Maiden, KISS, New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley, Hot Chocolate and more, with plenty still to be revealed.

The unique Huddle feature takes the licensed soundtrack further by utilising select songs during combat. Players can hit play on Star-Lord’s Cassette Player to cue up a specially chosen ‘80s hit to inspire the Guardians and spur them on while fighting. Steve explains that some of these songs might seem unexpected in such a setting, but the juxtaposition brings an additional element of fun to the combat sequences. 

Finally, Steve reveals how he unexpectedly brought a brand-new rock band into this original Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy world. After he was informed that in the game’s narrative, Peter Quill takes the name Star-Lord from his favourite band of the same name, Steve got to work creating Star-Lord the band. An entire album was recorded for the game, featuring original tracks that celebrate the rock and roll, dysfunctional nature of the Guardians family.

At the beginning of the game, they trigger a chain reaction of catastrophic events, which will eventually put the fate of the universe at stake. Obviously, preventing intergalactic annihilation was never part of the plan. But they (and you) got this. Probably.

Master Star-Lord's dynamic combat style to obliterate foes with his Element Blasters and call on the abilities of each Guardian to defeat a variety of interplanetary enemies. Also, as self-proclaimed leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, players engage in select player-choice driven dialogue and interactions between Quill and the Guardians that further strengthens the bonds within this dysfunctional family.

With Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Drax always around you, you can expect a lot of laughs and touching moments - our writing team had tons of fun. But in true Guardians spirit, we also wanted to capture what it’s like for a ragtag group of misfits to become family. Making those personalities collide, fight and come together… there’s going to be some real drama as well.

But even when the odds are stacked against them, the Guardians never back down.

Finally, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy wouldn't be complete without a killer soundtrack to rock out to while soaring through space in the Milano. There's Iron Maiden, KISS, New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley and more. But it doesn’t stop there and Square Enix/Eidos-Montréal will have more to say about the music in our game soon! The game is jam-packed with classic 1980s hits and kicking original tracks.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy launches on Nintendo Switch (Cloud Edition) PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC on Oct. 26, 2021.


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