Loathe as we (usually) are to throw some straight up marketing in your face, a new Flash-based "interactive guide" to Thor was released this week and it's actually a pretty cool way to learn about the film and its characters, watch video clis and download multimedia like desktop wallpapers. Created by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures, the very high-tech-looking animated gizmo includes a guided tour of a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility as well as a stroll through Asgard itself. The levels of immersion act as achievements which unlock a high resolution image of Heimdall's observatory.

As you can see (if you're reading this post with a proper Web browser), the Universe of Thor interactive guide drops you in the New Mexico desert, site of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s initial encounter with Thor in the film. Walking through all of the guide's content will ultimately reward you with not just a vast and impressive knowledge of Thor trivia, but also this beautiful image of Heimdall's observatory that we've taken the liberty of procuring for you (if you think we just stole it from SuperheroHype, you are WRONG!).


Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson, Thor opens April 27.

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