Summary
- Marvel Rivals takes cues from games like Overwatch 2, creating free-flowing maps for players to battle in.
- Iconic characters like Iron Man and Hulk are featured, allowing for continuous story development in the game.
- Pre-match dialogues in Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals play a key role in fleshing out the story and character interactions.
Marvel Rivals is an upcoming multiplayer game developed by NetEase Games. It’s already showing potential to become the next big hero shooter as it takes some of its cues from older, bigger games in the subgenre, like Overwatch 2, creating free-flowing maps for players to fight each other in while exploring its diverse world.
Some characters in Marvel Rivals are currently among the most recognizable in the world, such as Iron Man, Doctor Doom, and Hulk. By extension, the true benefit of having these characters in a video game, especially in a live-service format that is continuously updated, is that the developers can flesh out the story over the years, introducing more maps, characters, and story arcs. But a big part of what makes Marvel Rivals' world-building immersive is its pre-match conversations between these iconic characters.
Marvel Rivals Reveals Hela Gameplay and Abilities
Marvel Rivals reveals Hela's abilities, and gives players a preview of what the Goddess of Death's gameplay will be like in the 6v6 shooter.
Marvel Rivals' Pre-Match Dialogue Gives It Storytelling Nuance
How Marvel Rivals Uses Dialogues Like Overwatch 2
Similar to Marvel Rivals, the most charming feature that Overwatch 2 boasts is its vibrant cast. Plus, the fact that these characters often have their own interactions and conversations before a match, which form the basis of the franchise’s lore as interactions between key figures in the story like Reaper and Soldier: 76 spotlight the origins of the group. Marvel Rivals follows this example, ensuring that key figures of the Marvel universe interact with each other just as they'd be expected to in the comics.
The Impact of Prematch Dialogue in Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 and its predecessor never had a traditional campaign or story mode. Instead, the games relied on pre-match dialogue between the most important characters in the story, animated shorts, and the occasional expansion that takes players to a specific point in the game’s history. This means that many plot points in the lore are only supported by dialogue between characters, with one such interaction between Ana and Soldier: 76:
Ana: “You can’t take Talon down by yourself.”
Soldier: 76: “You may be right, but I’ve always liked being the underdog.”
This playful interaction provides a lot of background detail of Overwatch 2’s continuing story as Ana and Soldier: 76 are founding members, and Overwatch 2's Talon is the primary threat in the game’s story. It provides a small insight into the latter’s continuing vigilante efforts and Marvel Rivals can flesh out this feature to have a similar impact, allowing character interactions to dictate the story or vice-versa.
Pre-match dialogue is a feature that many games, especially hero shooters, have been including for a while now. Pre-match dialogue has a major impact on any game because having natural, playful, or sometimes serious dialogue can provide details about a vague story, or more background details for a new character as in the case of Overwatch 2. Likewise, it can make the world feel alive in the case of Marvel Rivals.
Fleshing out the world of any video game is important, especially if it’s a live-service title. Pre-match dialogue may seem like a small and easily overlooked feature on the part of any studio such as Blizzard Entertainment or NetEase. Still, its ripple effect is great for anyone interested enough to hear the dialogue shared between each character. A game like Marvel Rivals benefits further from making characters feel real and fleshing out their personalities just as they were in the comics and films.
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
