Marvel Rivals is Avoiding One of Marvel’s Avengers’ Biggest…

Generally speaking, Marvel has a really solid track record in the gaming space, particularly in the last decade or so. Insomniac's Spider-Man series has continued to perform exceptionally well, Guardians of the Galaxy was a well-written romp, and the LEGO Marvel titles have offered co-op fun for everyone. But the big outlier of the bunch is Marvel's Avengers.

Released back in September 2020, Marvel's Avengers was met with a pretty disappointing reception from both fans and critics alike. While its story and gameplay were serviceable, Marvel's Avengers live-service loop left many feeling as though the game lacked depth and enough content to justify its lofty price tag. Marvel's Avengers was eventually shutdown just three years later, and it's left fans cautious about any future live-service Marvel games. But Marvel Rivals might be about to break that curse, avoiding one of Avengers' biggest issues right off the bat.

Marvel Rivals is Already Avoiding Avengers' Costume Issues

Marvel's Avengers Focused Too Heavily on MCU Skins

While Marvel's Avengers had more than its fair share of shortcomings, a consistent problem throughout its 3-year lifespan was the overabundance of Marvel Cinematic Universe-inspired skins. By the time Marvel's Avengers shut its servers in September 2023, around 60 MCU skins were in the game, with most heroes having a costume based on every one of their MCU appearances. Thor, for instance, had 9 individual costumes based on the MCU, several of which were alternate versions of costumes such as a helmed and unhelmed version of the Thor 2011 suit.

Though many of these skins became fan-favorites, the sheer quantity of them overwhelmed many players, and the lack of comic-inspired skins only made the issue worse. This was also exacerbated by the fact that when Marvel's Avengers did eventually add more comic-inspired and original suits, they were some of the most detailed in the game, making fans even more desperate to see more in the game.

Marvel Rivals' First Batch of Outfits Strikes a Perfect Balance

Thankfully, it seems as though Marvel Rivals is already avoiding Marvel's Avengers MCU suit issue right out of the gate. In the lead-up to Marvel Rivals' December 6 release, developer NetEase has confirmed over 20 skins coming to the hero shooter:

Hulk - Green Scar (Hulk 1999)
Iron Man - Superior Iron Man (Superior Iron Man 2014)
Magik - Eldritch Armor (New Mutants 1983)
Rocket - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (MCU)
Groot - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (MCU)
Mantis - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (MCU)
Star-Lord - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (MCU)
Adam Warlock - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (MCU)
Thor - Thor: Love and Thunder (MCU)
Peni Parker - VEN#m (Edge of Spider-Geddon 2018)
Moon Knight - Mister Knight (Moon Knight 2014)
Doctor Strange - Sorcerer Supreme of the Galaxy (Doctor Strange 2018)
Jeff the Land Shark - Incognito Dolphin (It's Jeff Infinity Comic 2021)
Black Panther - Bast's Chosen (Marvel Legacy 2017)
Loki - Loki Season 2 (MCU)
Punisher - Punisher 2099 (Punisher 2099 1993)
Hela - Goddess of Death (Thor 1966)
Namor - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (MCU)
Winter Soldier - Revolution (Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty 2022)
Captain America - Captain Gladiator (Planet Hulk 2015)
Storm - Mohawk Rock (Uncanny X-Men 1981)
Psylocke - Vengeance (Uncanny X-Men 1981)
Scarlet Witch - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (MCU)
Magneto - Master of Magnetism (Uncanny X-Men 1963)

Already, it's clear that Marvel Rivals is going to have a wide variety of skins, taken from all corners of the Marvel multimedia universe. Of these 20+ skins, around half are MCU-themed, with most of those referencing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The other half of the roster takes inspiration from a vast range of Marvel comics from throughout history, spanning around 60 years.

And this will just be the tip of the iceberg for Marvel Rivals. Fans can expect to see a wealth of new costumes come to Marvel Rivals every season, and if it matches this pre-launch approach, then those skins will likely come from both the MCU and Marvel's comic history.

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Third-Person Shooter

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%

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Released: December 6, 2024
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence
Developer(s): NetEase Games
Publisher(s): NetEase Games

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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!