Marvel Rivals may still be in its development stage, but that hasn't stopped developers from moving at lightning speed with major announcements. With the game currently set to release in December of this year, the spotlight has especially turned towards new characters. The official roster is off to a great start, and the supposed leaked roster is even more robust, but both are lacking a major hero that would take Marvel Rivals to the next level.
As a hero shooter, Marvel Rivals' alternate skins are a huge appeal for each character, and for the game as a whole. There are plenty of characters within the expansive Marvel Universe that could be included as alternate skins of existing characters. While some may think that Miles Morales could fall into this category, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Marvel Rivals Tease Confirms Previously Leaked Character
The latest character trailer for Marvel Rivals also teases the next announcement, seemingly confirming a previously leaked hero.
Miles Morales Could Inspire a Unique Moveset in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals Could Turn Some Characters into Costumes
It's not hard to imagine that Marvel Rivals may turn certain characters into alternate costumes in order to bolster its skin library. Likewise, one could argue that certain characters aren't necessarily distinct enough to warrant their own spot on the roster. Few superheroes have as many alternate versions as Spider-Man does, so it's understandable why he would come up in this conversation. However, Miles Morales easily dodges both of the major obstacles that may stand in the way of other characters.
One great example of a character that Marvel Rivals could leverage as a potential skin is Red Hulk. Red Hulk's abilities are similar enough to his green counterpart, and the character doesn't otherwise carry enough importance to land a spot on the roster. Red Hulk will appear in Captain America: Brave New World next year, which makes this window of opportunity seem all the more obvious. Coincidentally, it also goes to show why Miles Morales is a completely different case.
Miles Morales Couldn't Be More Different from Peter Parker
One might think that Miles Morales is similar enough to Peter Parker in order to fall under the Spider-Man umbrella in Marvel Rivals. After all, Miles Morales and Peter Parker are both Spider-Man in more than name alone. They both crawl up walls, swing around New York City, and embody responsibility for their powers. Despite this, Miles has plenty of additional powers that could easily be crafted into a unique design.
Thanks to the Insomniac games and Spider-Verse films, it's common knowledge that Miles Morales has two primary abilities in addition to the traditional Spider-Man suite. Miles can turn invisible at will by camouflaging with his environment, and he can discharge electricity in what's referred to as a Venom Strike. These two powers already distinguish Miles a great deal from Peter's standard abilities, but they also happen to be the tip of the iceberg.
Miles Morales has taken his electrical abilities to new heights in recent years. Most impressively, Miles has shown the ability to create bio-electric constructs, including but not limited to a sword known as the Venom Saber. Miles Morales is a version of Spider-Man that often far exceeds Peter in terms of sheer power, and he hasn't shown any sign of slowing down. Miles unleashed a Super Saiyan-like transformation earlier this year, and he is set to receive a Vibranium Spider-Man suit in late October.
Marvel Rivals Can't Afford to Pass Up Miles Morales
Miles Morales Has Surpassed His Humble Beginnings
Thanks to his ever-expanding suite of distinct powers, Miles Morales is evidently unique enough for Marvel Rivals' developers to craft a creative moveset for him. However, that only accounts for why Miles could become playable, not why he should become playable. Miles Morales isn't simply unique -- he is important.
Miles Morales made his debut in 2011 as part of the Ultimate Marvel imprint. Miles was conceived of as the successor to Peter Parker in the Ultimate Universe, but he has since evolved into so much more. Not only is Miles now a part of Marvel's main continuity, he is arguably one of Marvel's most important characters in the modern age.
Miles Morales Means the World to Many Marvel Fans
While Peter Parker introduced many of the ideas that are essential to Spider-Man, Miles Morales has always beautifully built upon this foundation. Spider-Man's popularity has always hinged on the fact that anyone could be beneath the mask, and Miles proves that this extends beyond straight white men. Miles Morales has allowed many more kids around the world to see themselves in Spider-Man, and it's no coincidence that he remains one of Marvel's most popular superheroes in recent years.
Miles is the lead hero of a film franchise, with the Spider-Verse films serving as most people's primary interaction with the character. Furthermore, Miles Morales stars in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 alongside Peter. Both of these adaptations have proven that Miles' popularity extends beyond his symbolic importance. If Miles can lead and co-lead multiple huge projects, surely he can land a spot alongside Peter in Marvel Rivals.
Peter already isn't alone, as Marvel Rivals features Peni Parker as a playable character. Peni is another alternate version of Spider-Man, and one that was largely popularized thanks to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This shows the game's willingness to double-dip into Spider-Man's source material, although Miles exists as so much more than an alternate costume. Miles Morales wields unique powers and is uniquely important, both of which prove that he deserves his own spot on the Marvel Rivals roster.
Marvel Rivals
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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
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
