An adventure game book tied to a franchise is nothing new. Usually these are fairly simple affairs, with he reader needing only to turn to whichever page they choose. The Marvel Multiverse Missions is different, with a level of complexity between those basic game books and the classic Fighting Fantasy range. Though they still feel aimed at children, there may well be enough here to entertain adults as well. Moon Knight: Age of Anubis is one of the range and has been written by Jonathan Green, a seasoned writer of the genre, and one who has produced some of the most fun and inventive books in recent years.
The book quality itself isn’t high. It’s sized at 198mm by 129mm (standard US sizing rather than UK) and has rather badly trimmed edges. The last pages are a list of achievements that can be ticked off by readers, an excellent way to encourage multiple readings, but long-time fans of these kind of books will note no character sheet at the front. This is a shame, as there is a surprising amount to track throughout the journey. There is also little in the way of art inside the book, short of a few very basic monochrome images used liberally to pad out pages. Considering this is a book based on an actual comic character, this feels like a hugely missed opportunity. All of these things make the book seem somewhat cheaply produced, which is a shame as the content is actually rather good.
Green knows his craft well, and delivers an enjoyable, well written tale. As with other books by Green, exploration is rewarded. Without some investment in several key secondary qualities, the important fights need some very lucky dice rolls for you to succeed. Despite this title being one that could be read by a slightly younger audience, no punches are pulled. Some paths are extremely difficult, resulting in unwinnable fights depending on the path you take. Fortunately, these defeats result in a stat drop rather than losing the game entirely, and are possible to avoid in future playthroughs. But it is tough, so the gaming masochists out there will be more than content.
One criticism is that at times the style feels disjointed. The reader takes on the roll of an Egyptologist working with Moon Knight. The story is written entirely in the first person perspective, but at times you make a decision for Moon Knight. The only indication that this is going to be the case being the wording of the choices at the end of an entry, and even then it isn’t always clear if you are making a suggestion to Moon Knight or acting as him. This can be a little jarring, but is a relatively minor gripe.
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Of course this being Marvel, there are several cameos made throughout the story. Mostly these don’t feel too shoe-horned in, and it’s especially fun to see characters pop up who aren’t yet in the MCU, especially those who are now slated for upcoming features. Without revealing any spoilers, it is interesting to wonder if the author was giving specific names to include to whet the appetites of readers.
This is a game book designed to be read and re-read. Unlike some of the best, the reason to do so is less about exploring the world created, and more for the love of the grind. Though this might appeal to some fans of the genre, others will find it an exercise not worth their time. This feels like a book that will become beloved by the young fans of Moon Knight, its pages dog-eared and back pages covered in graphite ticks as they read and reread it, eager to earn every achievement. And there is nothing wrong with that at all.
Moon Knight: Age of Anubis is out on 23rd November from Aconyte Books.
Weird that you had problems with the physical book itself. Aconyte sent me a copy last week and it’s correct uk size and has perfect edging.
Weird indeed. But you can only review what’s sent to you.