Summary
- Former Blizzard President accuses Marvel Rivals of copying Overwatch, specifically with Black Widow.
- The similarities between Black Widow and Widowmaker drew attention, but Black Widow predated Widowmaker by 50 years.
- Notable differences between Black Widow and Widowmaker include unique abilities like Infra-Sight and Electro-Plasma Explosion.
Former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra recently had some choice words for the upcoming Marvel Rivals ahead of its full launch later this week. NetEase Games’ multiplayer superhero shooter has drawn comparisons to fellow hero-shooter Overwatch. What sets Marvel Rivals apart is, naturally, the fact that its roster is built from a list of established characters from the Marvel comics, be they household names like Wolverine or lesser-known figures like Luna Snow.
One Marvel character that has drawn the most comparisons to those of other hero shooters is Black Window, whose gun-based combat and penchant for long-distance sniper kills have called to mind Widowmaker from Overwatch. Of course, there are a few key differences between the two characters when it comes to particular attacks, but the similarities are apparently striking enough that even a former member of Overwatch publisher Blizzard is taking notice.
Marvel Rivals: Crossplay and Cross-progression Explained
Players on different devices can still enjoy playing Marvel Rivals together.
On the eve of Marvel Rivals’ December 6 release date, former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra took to Twitter to claim that NetEase is copying Overwatch 2 through its use of Black Widow as a playable character. He was quick to note that Black Widow’s name is similar to Widowmaker’s, and even went as far as to compare Marvel Rivals to Light of Motiram, an upcoming title that has been accused of trying to replicate Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series.
Former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra Accuses Marvel Rivals of Ripping Off Overwatch
Of course, the character of Black Widow predates Overwatch’s Widowmaker by over 50 years, a fact that Twitter’s Community Notes was quick to point out shortly after Mike Ybarra’s post. Even the MCU version of Black Widow came before Widowmaker, as Iron Man 2 (Natasha Romanoff’s cinematic debut) was released in 2010, a good six years before the original Overwatch launched in 2016.
Assuming that Mike Ybarra was comparing Black Widow’s Marvel Rivals gameplay to Overwatch’s Widowmaker, there are plenty of notable differences between the two characters’ move sets. For example, Widowmaker’s Infra-Sight Ultimate ability allows her and her teammates to temporarily see opponents through walls, while Black Window’s Electro-Plasma Explosion can slow down enemies with a damaging minefield. Still, Ybarra isn’t the first Blizzard alumni to comment on Marvel Rivals’ similarity to Overwatch 2, as lead hero designer Alec Dawson and game director Aaron Keller noted that their development team could learn how to make their own game better by studying “Overwatch clones” like Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
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!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Limited - console crossplay, no PC crossplay
- Cross Save
- No
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Number of Players
- 1-6
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 7.5 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 20 GB
