The following is an interview with Jeff Hardy, the founder of F84 Games and the creator behind the new video game app, Stan Lee’s Hero Command. In this interview, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor Barbra Dillon chats with Hardy about the premise of the new game, his creative partnership with Stan Lee, what fans can anticipate form the gameplay, and more!
Barbra J. Dillon, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor: Congratulations on the recent launch of the new video game app, Stan Lee’s Hero Command! For our readers who may be unfamiliar with the game, how would you describe its premise?
Jeff Hardy: At heart of Stan Lee’s Hero Command is a casual, isometric action brawler. As the game starts, the player selects from one of three superheroes, each with unique attacks. The action takes place when the player is deployed by Stan Lee to various hot spots on the level map, where they must fight villains of increasing difficulty. The player can then upgrade their hero’s stats and learn new superpowers as they progress through the game. This all ends with a final battle against the heroes’ arch nemesis.
BD: The game was created in partnership with Stan Lee himself, and players will have the chance to play as the legendary comic book creator. How would you describe your experience in collaborating with Lee?
JH: Being able to collaborate with Stan Lee is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Through the creative process, we are able to benefit from his legendary insight and sensibilities. Currently, players are only able to engage Stan in game while in protection missions. In these missions, they provide cover for Stan as he moves to the end level extraction point. As we continue to update the title, we have a playable version of Stan scheduled. We are very excited about the future content that will be coming online for the game.
BD: As the game’s creator, did you begin the project with a specific vision for the gameplay, and what did you find most challenging about the creative process?
JH: Our initial thought was to make a fun game with an art style that would work well across a wide array of mobile devices. We also wanted to create a simple and approachable hero experience for all ages. We didn’t want the game to be taken too seriously and focused more on the silly and comedic side of heroes and games. It was the sum of these thoughts that landed us on the classic isometric brawler.
As an indie studio, our biggest creative challenge is the constant juggle of our client development responsibilities and our internal studio initiatives, such as Hero Command . . . It keeps us grinding a lot of long hours! Also, the association as a Stan Lee product comes with preconceived notions as to what people think the game should be, hardcore, which is the contrary to what our goals were while creating the game.
BD: What do you hope that players will find most intriguing about the game, and how does it differ from other games available through Android and iOS systems?
JH: What we hope for players to find most intriguing is our overall potential for what the game can be. Our new universe, its cast of heroes, and the simple button-mashing gameplay are what really make the game fun and give it a future. Other known hero games have a predetermined backstory for their characters to abide. Since our universe is just beginning to evolve with the help of Stan Lee, we have unlimited possibilities to develop new and exciting content in the future.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Stan Lee’s Hero Command and your other work?
JH: F84 Games & Stan Lee’s Hero Command has a Facebook page where all of the latest news is posted. You can also check out F84games.com for other related news, updates, and work from our studio. Stan Lee’s Hero Command is currently available on iOS app store and launching soon on Android. You can download for free here.
