Assuming that a Daredevil game does actually happen one day, it should aim to set itself apart from other superhero games. One way to do this is through a Telltale-like story where players make key choices inside and outside the courtroom, placing an emphasis on Matt Murdock’s job as a lawyer. A developer could also go all-in on combat, delivering a Sifu-like Daredevil game. To deliver the best experience, though, a balance between the two sides of Matt Murdock is needed - and Persona’s calendar system map be the way to provide it.
RELATED: Daredevil Series From Marvel Studios In Development For Disney Plus
Persona’s Calendar System Could Help Set Daredevil Apart
Obviously, a Daredevil game would not take the form of a turn-based RPG with hours of dialogue and side activities like batting practice. However, Persona’s calendar system is something that can absolutely be used. Despite being so unique and giving the series its identity, few games have tried to replicate the mechanic, and a hypothetical Daredevil game could change that.
Persona’s calendar system sees players working on a day-by-day basis to not only improve the protagonist’s skillset, but progress the story. In the case of Persona 5, players will watch the story evolve as the days go on, learning about the evildoing of the Phantom Thieves’ next target. Once they find the villain’s palace, they only have a certain number of days to complete it and take them down, forcing them to be careful about how they use their time.
This is something that a Daredevil game could absolutely benefit from, as players could be given a deadline for each case. Players could have a week or so before one of Matt Murdock’s clients ends up on trial, with the hero needing to do everything they can to help clear their name. In the lead-up to this court appearance, players could gather evidence during their crime fighting, figuring out who framed their client and who the true villains actually are.
Finding this evidence could come through activities in an open world, giving players the freedom to fully prepare for the case at their own leisure. With other crime happening in Hell’s Kitchen, gamers could have to decide what to prioritize, as different rewards might be on the line. There could be certain consequences to focusing entirely on the case, as players may accidentally let a gang overtake an area or fail to save an innocent New Yorker since they were busy doing something else. The entire time players are out in the city, they could see a countdown to the eventual court case, reminding them of the deadline. While they could spend every night fighting crime, constant heroism could result in lowered health to make things more challenging, forcing players to consider giving Matt a rest day.
Once the court case takes place, gamers could have an easier or harder time depending on how much evidence they found while suited up as Daredevil. Similar to the investigations in LA Noire, players would need to piece things together when interrogating whoever takes the stand, determining who is innocent and guilty. Failing or solving the case could mean more or less XP, with a different ending for the story arc being seen as well.
Superhero games thus far have not shown every challenge of being a crimefighter, as gamers are able to defeat every villain and save every civilian without fail. A Daredevil game could force its players to make difficult choices about who they help and when they do so, showcasing Matt Murdock’s struggles more clearly. Whenever he goes to confession in the game, he would have actual sins to bring up, as he would be guilty that he could not help everyone. Daredevil is one of the most relatable, human figures in Marvel comics, and a game needs to emphasize that. Using time as a tool to challenge players is a great way to ensure that this is on proper display, and Persona provides an excellent example of how to implement time-focused mechanics.
MORE: Persona 5: The Case for a Solo Goro Akechi Game
