Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (London ExCel) – Review

After successful runs in New York, Seoul, Paris, Singapore, Beijing, Taipei, and Las Vegas, London Marvel fans now have a chance to see the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Science Training And Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) ‘immersive experience’.  Essentially what this means is that there are displays and interactive elements from the Marvel films, mainly up to Age of Ultron, but with a few new additions, where you can become a member of the Avengers support team.

Entering the facility in small groups, you are invited to begin your training by a S.T.A.T.I.O.N. operative.  From here you are left to your own devices until the final test, with helpful operatives guiding you if you need it.  These operatives also help keep up the experience by talking to you as use/view the exhibits.  On my visit I found them to be exceptionally helpful, personable, and improved the immersion, keeping it fun and enjoyable.

(This Photo Courtesy of Strike Media)

As you go through, there are sections for all the major Avengers, although there are some odd omissions.  There were no in-depth areas on Spiderman, Dr Strange, or the Guardians of the Galaxy for instance, and although Black Panther is there, that section isn’t as extensive as I would have liked.  The possibilities for a wide ranging Shuri area, for example, are vast, and need to be added.

In the areas we do get, there are some interesting exhibits.  Each Avenger has detailed personnel files and histories, with their suits on display, and some interactive elements.  In the Iron Man section for instance, there is a training game, where you can take part in a battle, via motion sensing; in this case utilising Kinect.  Bruce Banner’s laboratory on the other hand, has interactive touchscreens, and Thor’s Observatory has the Mjölnir simulator.

Aside from those, the S.T.A.T.I.O.N. has a number of photo opportunities, which should please fans and non-fans alike.  This isn’t a museum like environment, and generally, you are encouraged to get involved.  It’s just too tempting to get that photo of you struggling to lift Thor’s hammer after all!

Spread out in a nice space, the different exhibits should be easily enjoyed, even when it is busy, and the whole experience will probably last about 60 to 90 minutes.  With a number of things to read, try, and photos to take, you could fill the 90 minutes with no trouble.

Despite the fact I would have liked to see more Black Panther material, and maybe even some Captain Marvel teasers, there is much to enjoy, and not just if you’re a die-hard fan.  It’s also a family friendly exhibition, with the S.T.A.T.I.O.N. accepting recruits from age 4 upwards!  If you’re looking for some superhero fun before Captain Marvel comes out, this could be just the thing.

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is at ExCeL London from 30th November 2018 until 31st March 2019.  Details available HERE.