First playthrough thoughts and opinion.

I just finished the game for the first time and I must say, some clunky mechanics aside, and the challenge missions being a beast, I really enjoyed this game and I'm really not sure why it didn't do better than it did. It's a shame too because a 2nd chapter of that where Caretaker and the family go in search of the Hunter and Lilith hopping dimensions could have been fun to experience. Warning: Spoiler for the last battle in the following paragraph (kinda). You have been warned.

The twist in the end I was 50/50 on. I thought maybe Chthon would take over Lilith when she refused to harm Hunter and you'd have to purge the darkness from her just like you did everyone else... but I'm not dissatisfied with the ending as-is. True to form there's even a mid credits cutscene, it's almost like an interactive MCU using earlier versions of the characters mixed with some of the MCU. Venom in particular is one of the best Eddie Brock iterations IMO, and third movie aside, I liked Blade. All the voices were well done, save maybe Deadpool, but I think that's Ryan Reynolds' fault because he did it well enough to be ingrained (just saw the new movie too, it was a hoot).

Also glad I took the time to be a resource collector and social butterfly. Maxing those friend meters to get the shiny gold armor and those special moves was clutch. "World breaker" ended the first phase of the final battle in one card play. It was clever tying those systems together but also a bit diabolical, you pretty much have to make nice with everyone if you want to see them at their best. Personally I'm fine with that but it did take a while. I stretched this game out to around 110 days (in game) just making sure I got everyone to max friend level. There should be more ways to make some points here or there, or some hints with regard to gifts, havens, etc. I guessed pretty well, only got one or two "didn't like the gift" responses, but I did it without cheating*.

My Hunter for this run was light path, though I did use that dark strike ability freely, and I finished at level 22 using Bladestorm. I think next playthrough I'll choose the female Hunter, perhaps go a little darker, and bring Charlie to the final battle. She deserves to be there. She helped you beat the other gods challenges and even tracked the Barghest. Charlie was an MVP and unexpected surprise. That freakin cat though... leveling up your whole crew randomly when you pet her... I was shocked first time that happened.

The "clubs" were a little cheesy but also endearing. It's kinda fun watching how super powered beings spend their downtime watching 80s movies and playing what looks for all the world like that banned porno cowboy game for the Atari 2600. Oh and occasionally sitting at the edge of the weird witch-pool thing.

*: I did actually look up some of the challenge missions but nothing else. They were a beast and I kinda wanted to see the story without getting frustrated by some fairly well designed puzzles.

What did you guys think the first time through? The end credit scene was likely going to set up the sequel that isn't happening now but Dr Doom with the Darkhold? That's a bit scary to consider.

Favorite moments? Least favorite missions? I want to see what others thought. They made this group so obviously someone else really likes this game.