Back in July 2024, I had the chance to spend some time with theMarvel Rivalsbeta. I said then that the experience left me wanting, and that it might be more fun with friends. Afterwriting up my feelings, I did spend some time playing with a buddy and the beta left a more favourable impression on me. Now, the game is out for everyone and after playing all weekend, I have to say I was wrong.Marvel Rivalsis kind of brilliant.
NetEase
Advert
Advert
Of course, it’s suffering from the same issues asOverwatchdoes; rarely is there a competent healer on the team - everyone wants to be Spider-Man or Venom - and for the love of God get on the damn objective. It would be great to see more incentive to push players into choosing support roles, but this is an issue that so many games have struggled with, I’m not surprised to see it here.
NetEase
Advert
Advert
Speaking of. What intrigues me the most is how much work they’ve put into the characters. The Marvel universe is vast and filled with literally hundreds of heroes and villains. 33 of them have shipped with the launch of the game, bringing a huge variety, from big names like Wolverine, to lesser known characters like Cloak and Dagger. The variety is awesome and pulls the game out of the realms of ‘it’s Overwatch but with Marvel characters’ not only because each superpower is based off comic books, but because they combo each other.
NetEase
Advert
Advert
After switching over to Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier (to give him his full name and pay respect) I found my main. He strikes a nice balance between precision, due to his gun only having three shots before reloading, and traversal abilities. There was nothing more satisfying than dancing around an Iron Fist, peppering them with shots, before unleashing a dashing uppercut to wipe out their health.
NetEase
Advert
Advert
I’m excited to see where this goes, and to see if Marvel brings in crossover stories. It would be great to read comics as part of an event in-game, and vice versa. The potential is huge, and I hope NetEase and Marvel ride the wave and don’t get complacent, or I’ll have to write another article going back on what I’ve said again.
Topics:Marvel,PC,Xbox,PlayStation
