Narrative is always a tricky thing to get right in a multiplayer game, especially a hero shooter, and especially a live-service title that's ever-changing. These live-service games need to have a strong premise that explains why the cast has come together to fight one another, but that premise can't be too complex or overwhelming as it might put off players jumping in for the first time. Thankfully, Marvel Rivals strikes a nice balance with its narrative.
While it's still early days for Marvel Rivals and things can easily change, its core premise is a really strong one that fully embraces its comic book universe. Suitably high-stakes and over-the-top, Marvel Rivals' story is a great backdrop for its chaotic action, and it's only just beginning.
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The Story of Marvel Rivals Explained
The Catastrophic Clash of Two Doctor Dooms
The inciting incident of Marvel Rivals' main story sees two variants of Doctor Doom clash. During their experiments with the laws of time, Doctor Doom and his 2099 counterpart create a catastrophic event known as the Timestream Entanglement, in which multiple timelines are suddenly fused together.
Now called "Chronoverses," these timelines each contain different versions of iconic Marvel heroes and villains, some of whom have slightly different motivations and personalities to the usual characters fans know and love. But regardless of what universe they originally came from, any hero and villain caught in Dooms' Timestream Entanglement must now fight for their lives in a never-ending battle that will see sworn enemies turn into reluctant allies and vice versa.
The Chaotic Life Inside The Timestream Entanglement
The Timestream Entanglement has caused chaos to erupt in all of its trapped universes. Some characters have decided to seize this opportunity to further their own gains, such as Loki and Hela, who have teamed-up to stage a coup in Yssgard, or Black Panther, who has taken the already-prosperous nation of Wakanda and turned it into a galactic empire.
But while the Timestream Entanglement has been advantageous for some, the vast majority desperately seek a way to return the universes to their natural state. The Avengers have converted their tower into a fearsome stronghold, and heroes like Iron Man attempt to use a new substance called Chronovium to reverse the Entanglement.
Though he's trapped in the Mirror Dimension and can only break free for short bursts of time, Doctor Strange works alongside Scarlet Witch and her connection to chaos magic to keep the realities from collapsing in on themselves. Meanwhile, Spider-Man and his Web-Warriors try to protect the Web of Life and Destiny from Dooms' forces.
This Is Only The Beginning of Marvel Rivals' Story
As a live-service game, Marvel Rivals' story is designed to evolve over time, and its core premise sets the stage for that perfectly. The concept of multiple universes and timelines converging means there's no shortage of possibilities when it comes to future storylines and roster additions. With each new season of Marvel Rivals, fans can likely expect to see a bevy of new story content, from new character bios that shed more light on their respective universe, to special events that begin a new chapter in the Timestream Entanglement's journey.
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
- 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
