Summary
- Marvel Rivals, a 6v6 hero-shooter, is causing a stir with its similarities to Overwatch, particularly in terms of its map design and character abilities.
- The Tokyo 2099 map in particular is coming under fire, as several sections look as if they were ripped right from Hanamura in Overwatch 2, which was a popular 2CP map.
- Despite these clear similarities, Marvel Rivals has a chance to distinguish itself through third-person gameplay and features like destruction, whichw will hopefully allow it to stand out from its competition.
NetEase Games' Marvel Rivals has drawn attention lately as a fresh take on the third-person shooter genre. Expectations are steadily rising with the Marvel Rivals Alpha test set to debut on May 10. Interestingly, as developers reveal more details, several comparisons between the upcoming game and Overwatch 2 have begun to emerge.
Similarities between Marvel Rivals and Blizzard's hero-shooter, particularly with characters like Peni Parker and D.Va, were already a topic of discussion. However, the latest map reveal from April 29 was what truly garnered the interest of Overwatch 2 players. While Marvel Rivals' newest map, Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya, seamlessly blends traditional Japanese architecture with a futuristic twist, some are calling it a blatant copy of an Assault map from Overwatch prime.
Marvel Rivals' Latest Map Shares Several Similarities to Overwatch's Hanamura
Marvel Rivals May Have Indirectly Taken Inspiration From Hanamura
Hanamura, a map introduced alongside the original Overwatch in 2016, swiftly attained iconic status within the game. Its popularity stemmed not only from its setting as the ancestral home of the Shimada clan, but also from its role as the featured location in the animated short "Dragons." As such, when Overwatch 2 debuted without the Assault game mode, fans of Hanamura were unsurprisingly disappointed to find that the cherry blossom-themed map was missing.
With Hanamura, and its subsequent Hanaoka rework, still a significant part of Overwatch's identity, fans of Blizzard's shooter are expressing strong concerns that there are too many similarities with Marvel Rivals' map. This sentiment is reflected in a viral tweet by @mizliz_ with the caption "when they ask to borrow your homework and you say 'just don't copy it exact--' but they already hit CTRL + C." In addition to a post by @OW_SVB that has gained over 1.5 million impressions.
Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 Have Innate Differences
Notably, while Tokyo 2099 and Hanamura share a futuristic Japanese setting, their overall themes and gameplay differ significantly. For instance, Tokyo 2099's Neo-Japan is a reference to the Marvel Comics imprint Marvel 2099, a dystopian future where society is ruled by megacorporations. Alternatively, Hanamura features a more traditional Japanese village that once housed an omnic manufacturing facility.
Compared to Hanamura, Tokyo 2099 appears significantly larger and more open based on the teaser. Additionally, the map incorporates destructible environments reminiscent of The Finals, which should create a more dynamic and evolving world. This stands in contrast to Hanamura, a map designed specifically for the 2CP game mode, which features two smaller capture points in a predefined environment.
"Notably, while Tokyo 2099 and Hanamura share a futuristic Japanese setting, their overall themes and gameplay differ significantly."
Gameplay-wise, Marvel Rivals offers a third-person perspective with 6v6 player battles, while Overwatch 2 focuses on a first-person view with 5v5 matches. Due to the big perspective change, some might even theorize that NetEase Game's upcoming game shares more similarities to games like League of Legends or Smite. Fortunately, with the Alpha test beginning in May, fans can expect more details about Marvel Rivals to be unveiled, which should further solidify or dispel these comparisons.
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
