Summary
- Marvel Rivals combines Marvel characters with Overwatch-style gameplay in a 6-v-6 hero shooter experience.
- Players in the closed alpha test are already discovering creative strategies, like using Doctor Strange's Portals for epic takedowns.
- NetEase may tweak Doctor Strange's ability in response to its power, but leaked info suggests more characters and even a console release.
A crafty Marvel Rival player recently made creative use of Doctor Strange’s Portal ability to take out an entire enemy team in just one move. In late March, NetEase Games and Marvel Games announced that they would be teaming up for Marvel Rivals, a 6-v-6 hero shooter that combines the gameplay of titles like Overwatch with the heroes and villains of the Marvel universe. So far, 19 playable characters have been confirmed, each with their own unique skills and abilities pulled from the comics and MCU films.
Select players have had the chance to try out these abilities for themselves during the recent Marvel Rivals closed alpha test, which began on May 10 and is set to run until May 20. In addition to a packed roster of fan favorites and lesser-known Marvel heroes like Luna Snow, this alpha test gives participants access to numerous game modes, ranging from the more digestible “Quick Match” games to customizable lobbies. There are also three maps available, letting gamers battle it out in the Yggsdrasill Path and Royal Palace of Yggsgard as well as Tokyo 2099’s Shin-Shibuya.
Marvel Rivals Apologizes Following Alpha Banning Controversy
The developers of Marvel Rivals apologize for including some controversial requirements in order to access the game's Alpha test.
Players who were lucky enough to get into the Marvel Rivals closed alpha test have been sharing cool moments from their playthroughs, including Reddit user MrGergoth. While playing as Doctor Strange, they activated the Sorcerer Supreme’s Portal ability, which allows them to spawn two portals to transport friend and foe alike across the map. MrGergoth cleverly placed one portal right at the enemy spawn point and another right above a ledge overlooking an endless drop. As soon as the round started, the entire opposing team was instantaneously transported through the first portal and fell to their deaths on the other side.
Doctor Strange’s Portals Are A Force To Be Reckoned With In Marvel Rivals
Other Reddit users have expressed amazement at how powerful and versatile Doctor Strange’s Portal power is in Marvel Rivals, with both MrGergoth and other players quickly pointing out that it has a lengthy cooldown timer as a trade-off. Still, it’s being speculated that NetEase will find some way to nerf the portals in the future, with some players suggesting limiting their range or having the second portal make a louder noise.
This month’s closed alpha test is just a small taste of what Marvel Rivals has to offer, and there are already leaks and rumors suggesting even more playable characters and a possible console release as the game continues through development. In the meantime, eager players can check out some of the shared clips of Marvel Rivals already circulating the internet, including a clever portal trick worthy of the Sorcerer Supreme himself.
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
