Summary
- Marvel Rivals' unique hero kits and rich lore set it apart from other hero shooters in the genre, though it could end up running into some of the same controversies.
- Adam Warlock's controversial ultimate ability draws comparisons to Mercy's mass resurrection from Overwatch. NetEase will have to keep an eye on the response to this mechanic as well as other features.
- NetEase can leverage comparisons to Overwatch to highlight positive features like lack of immortality abilities and passive healing, but it has to be careful to avoid other issues that have plagued the genre.
The second playtest of Marvel Rivals is well underway, with many gamers trying out the title despite some players experiencing difficulties redeeming their Twitch Drop rewards. While the game's fast-paced action, distinctive superhero cast, and 6v6 format have captured the hero shooter community's interest, not all of this attention has been positive. For instance, NetEase Games' controversial decision to make Marel Rivals a third-person shooter, coupled with early signs of mirroring issues from Overwatch, has raised concerns.
Regardless, Marvel Rivals stands out from other games in its genre for its diverse roster and impressive hero kits. Unlike other emerging hero shooters that must build character identities from scratch, Marvel Rivals already has rich pre-existing lore from its comics, stories, and cinematic universe. While it's still uncertain if the game will sustain its initial hype, it's clear that NetEase Games is walking a fine line between greatness and disappointment.
Game-Breaking Marvel Rivals Exploit Allows Jeff to Stop Enemies From Playing The Game
A Marvel Rivals exploit involving Jeff the Land Shark essentially restricts enemy players from being able to do anything during matches.
Marvel Rivals Must Learn from the Mistakes of Other Studios
Marvel Rivals' Adam Warlock May Be A Cause For Concern
The Marvel Rivals Closed Beta introduced new heroes like Adam Warlock, Jeff the Land Shark, Thor, and Venom. Though each of these characters has an intriguing skill set, players were quick to realize that Adam Warlock's ultimate is reminiscent of Mercy's controversial mass resurrection ability from 2017. Dubbed "Karmic Revival," Adam Warlock can bring back multiple deceased teammates within a certain radius of his scepter.
"Adam Warlock can bring back multiple deceased teammates within a certain radius of his scepter."
When it was active, Mercy's original ultimate, Resurrect, was criticized for being overpowered because it could significantly alter the outcome of a fight and made her a must-pick character. Additionally, some argued that it encouraged players to let teammates die for more dramatic revivals. NetEase Games seems to have taken inspiration from Blizzard but added its own twist: revived allies come back with reduced health.
Spawning into a fight with lower health helps prevent Adam Warlock from reviving their team without considering the stakes. In many cases, revived teammates quickly die again due to insufficient healing or excessive pressure from the opposing team, making it crucial for Strategists to carefully weigh the circumstances. On the other hand, mass resurrection provides teammates with a brief period of invincibility. If Adam Warlock manages his cooldowns effectively, he can restore his team's health to full relatively quickly.
Although Marvel Rivals does not currently have role-lock in any of its modes, teams frequently adopt a 2-2-2 format on their own. Consequently, Adam Warlock may not be the sole Strategist on his team, which means additional support for healing revived teammates is likely to occur.
While Rocket Raccoon offers another resurrection mechanic with his Rebirth Beacon, mass resurrection, if not given proper attention, could greatly affect Marvel Rivals' balance. Furthermore, Adam Warlock can self-revive using his passive ability, Regenerative Cocoon, and resurrect Star-Lord and Mantis via their Team-Up Ability. In addition to his hitscan damage output and healing potential, NetEase Games must be cautious about avoiding power creep in the Strategist role.
Marvel Rivals' Comparisons to Overwatch Could Be Beneficial
Though Marvel Rivals has been frequently compared to other hero-shooters like Overwatch 2, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Most notably, the developers could leverage these comparisons to their advantage by highlighting features such:
- 6v6 gameplay
- The absence of immortality abilities
- Lack of passive healing
- Lack of one-shot characters (other than ultimate abilities)
Currently in its playtesting phase, Marvel Rivals is less focused on meta strategies and character balancing as players familiarize themselves with the game. However, as the game evolves, acknowledging the mistakes of other titles in the genre will be essential for long-term success. This includes avoiding issues like unfulfilled PvE promises, overbuffed tanks, and excessive crowd control abilities. Hopefully, when Marvel Rivals makes its official debut, it will do its best to learn from the controversial issues that have plagued other hero shooters.
Marvel Rivals
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot's back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man's armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
