- Marvel 1943 Rise of Hydra playable characters include four heroes: Captain America, Black Panther, Gabriel Jones, and Nanali.
- Azzuri is the WWII-era Black Panther and grandfather of T'Challa.
- Each hero has a distinct playstyle: shield melee, stealth, ranged, and espionage.
- The campaign alternates between characters as the Hydra conspiracy unfolds.
- Voice cast includes Drew Moerlein as Steve Rogers and Khary Payton as Azzuri.
Meet the Four Playable Characters
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is a third-person, narrative-driven action adventure from Skydance New Media, written by Amy Hennig of Uncharted fame. Set in 1943 during World War II, the campaign follows four protagonists whose paths cross as Hydra's influence spreads through the war. Unlike typical Marvel games that lean on one headliner, this roster pairs the iconic Steve Rogers with a period-specific Black Panther, a Howling Commando, and an MI6 agent.
Steve Rogers / Captain America
- Role: Super Soldier, Allied Forces
- Vibranium shield combat and ricochet throws
- Peak-human strength and agility
- Tactical frontline leadership
Azzuri / Black Panther
- Role: King of Wakanda, WWII era
- Kinetic energy-absorbing vibranium suit
- Stealth, acrobatics, claw-based melee
- Grandfather of T'Challa
Gabriel Jones
- Role: Howling Commando, US Army
- Expert marksman and ranged combat
- Demolitions and fieldcraft
- Covert infiltration specialist
Nanali
- Role: MI6 Agent, British Intelligence
- Espionage, surveillance, and disguise
- Intelligence gathering behind enemy lines
- Pistol and close-quarters takedowns
Azzuri is an original addition to the game's WWII setting — he is not the T'Challa Black Panther fans know from the MCU. His storyline ties Wakanda's fate directly into World War II for the first time in a Marvel game.
Character Abilities and Combat Styles Compared
Each playable character in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is built around a distinct combat identity, and missions are designed to play to each hero's strengths. The table below breaks down how the four playstyles compare.
| Character | Combat Focus | Signature Abilities | Playstyle Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain America | Direct melee, shield throws | Vibranium shield, ricochet strikes, peak-human strength | Aggressive: ★★★★★ |
| Black Panther (Azzuri) | Stealth predation, fast takedowns | Kinetic suit, claws, enhanced acrobatics | Stealth: ★★★★★ |
| Gabriel Jones | Ranged gunplay, infiltration | Marksmanship, demolitions, fieldcraft | Tactical: ★★★★ |
| Nanali | Espionage, close-quarters | Disguise, surveillance, pistol takedowns | Covert: ★★★★ |
The game is narrative-driven rather than open-world. You cannot freely swap between all four characters at any moment — the story missions determine which hero you control, alternating as the plot unfolds.
How Character Switching Works in Missions
The campaign is structured like a cinematic adventure in the vein of the Uncharted series. Progression follows the unfolding plot rather than an open world, keeping tight, film-like pacing as perspectives rotate between heroes.
Learn Each Character's Playstyle
Missions are built around each hero's strengths: shield combat for Steve Rogers, fast stealth takedowns for Azzuri, ranged weapons for Gabriel Jones, and espionage tools for Nanali.
Master Stealth and Infiltration
Occupied zones are patrolled by Hydra soldiers. Use hiding spots, silent takedowns, and distractions — the Black Panther and Nanali sections emphasize thinning enemy ranks before open combat.
Combine Combat with the Environment
Open encounters mix melee combos, ricocheting shield throws, and gunplay. Use cover, verticality, and environmental objects against Hydra squads.
Team Up in Key Story Moments
At pivotal points, heroes converge and fight side by side — such as Captain America and Black Panther battling Hydra together, coordinating abilities against larger waves and bosses.
The four-perspective story lets players experience the war from four vantage points: the super soldier, the king, the ground-level soldier, and the spy — with plotlines converging as the Hydra conspiracy unfolds.
Voice Cast and Character Background
| Character | Voice Actor | Background Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Rogers | Drew Moerlein | The peak-human super soldier leading Allied efforts in 1943 |
| Azzuri / Black Panther | Khary Payton | WWII-era Panther, protector of Wakanda's secrets |
| Gabriel Jones | Revealed January 2024 | Member of the famous Howling Commandos |
| Nanali | Revealed January 2024 | MI6 operative embedded in occupied territory |
The emotional core of the story is the alliance between soldier and king — Steve Rogers and Azzuri begin on separate paths, drawn together by the Hydra threat, with tension and mutual respect as they learn to fight as one.
The game unfolds across Allied battlefields, occupied cities such as Paris, and the hidden nation of Wakanda, as Hydra develops technologies that threaten to turn the tide of the war.
Prepare for Launch: Character Checklist
As of November 2026, industry reports indicate the game is close to completion ahead of its planned launch window (2027 at the earliest). Use this checklist to stay ready.
Before Launch:
- Watch the gamescom 2024 gameplay demo for each character in action
- Review the official story trailer introducing all four heroes
- Follow Skydance Games for release date announcements
- Read up on Azzuri's comic background and Wakanda lore
- Wishlist the game on Steam or your platform of choice
| Platform | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam / Epic) | Wishlist open | Steam store page live now |
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation Store | Optimized for PS5 SSD and controller |
| Xbox Series X | S | Microsoft Store |
FAQ
Q: How many playable characters are in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra?
Four: Steve Rogers (Captain America), Azzuri (the WWII-era Black Panther), Gabriel Jones (a Howling Commando), and Nanali (an MI6 agent). The campaign alternates between them as the story unfolds.
Q: Who is the Black Panther in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra?
The playable Black Panther is Azzuri, the WWII-era Panther and grandfather of T'Challa. He wears a kinetic vibranium suit and emphasizes stealth and acrobatic claw-based combat.
Q: Can I freely switch between characters during missions?
No. The game follows a narrative-driven mission structure, and the story determines which character you control at any given time. Key moments bring heroes together to fight side by side.
Q: Who voices the playable characters?
Drew Moerlein voices Steve Rogers and Khary Payton voices Azzuri, the Black Panther of 1943. The cast was revealed alongside the official title announcement in January 2024.