Two Tokens Gaming

Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals was released with much anticipation and has not disappointed early into its life. Just weeks into its release it has rocketed to the top of player counts, subsequently sucking life out of its contemporaries. 

Created by NetEase (known for Naraka: Bladepoint) with support from Marvel Games, Rivals is a fun and fast-paced take on the Hero-Shooter genre. It is not without its influence from the genre’s OGs, with many comparisons to Overwatch and Paladins. However, the game thrives in its own unique aspects and has impressed not only me but many.  

Character Design

A good Hero-Shooter starts with its heroes, luckily Marvel Rivals has iconic reference material for its fighters. Releasing with an impressive 33 different characters, Rivals digs through all different parts of the Marvel universe. From early creations like Namor, and icons like Spiderman or Iron-Man, to recent inceptions like Luna Snow. 

Marvel flexes their discography with a variety of skins and takes on the iconic looks of their heroes and villains. From color palettes to hairstyles, there is little to critique when it comes to their aesthetics. Fitting skill sets and flashy animations further punctuate that aesthetic.

A strong cast of voice actors compliments the diverse cast of characters. Many of them are reprising their previous roles as Marvel personas. Yuri Lowenthal returns as Spiderman, previously acting in Insomniacs spidey games. Fred Tatasciore adds to his deep credits and appears again as Hulk (voiced Hulk in ‘The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’). Voice acting legends Troy Baker and Nolan North also joined the star-studded cast as Loki and Rocket Racoon respectively. 

Imbalanced Chaos and Overpowered Fun

Marvel Rivals leans fully into its unbalanced nature, taking what might be a flaw and turning it into one of its most entertaining features. Every hero feels hilariously overpowered in their own right, creating a delightful chaos where battles are as much about spectacle as strategy. The lack of role queues or class restrictions means players can wild out with wild team compositions leaning into the madness of mismatched groups where every character can shine. This lack of balance might frustrate those seeking a more traditional competitive experience, but for players looking for bombastic fun, it’s a refreshing and chaotic treat.

Destructible Maps and Polished Chaos

Marvel Rivals utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver destructible environments that feel both polished and dynamic. These maps aren’t just backdrops—they’re part of the action. Players can destroy buildings to eliminate sniper nests or collapse walls to disrupt enemy cover, adding a layer of strategy to the mayhem. The sharp graphics and attention to detail make sure explosions, crumbles, and landslides feel impressive, dropping players into the chaos. Destructible environments give rise to unforgettable moments, such as taking out an entire wall of a cliff in the middle of the battle to leave both teams scrambling in a heap of rubble. It’s one of the features that make Marvel Rivals different, along with being a placeholder for what Unreal Engine 5 is capable of.

Team-Up Mechanics: Innovation in Synergy

The most innovative and delightful element of Marvel Rivals is its team-up mechanic, forcing players to think about their rosters in terms of synergy rather than individual power. Teaming certain characters up unlocks new abilities, a few examples include Rocket Raccoon riding Groot’s shoulders and Luna Snow amplifying Jeff the Land Shark’s icy projectiles. Such team-ups are both nods to Marvel lore and an extra veneer of creativity layered on top of gameplay. It also leads to some truly iconic, hilarious moments, like the Fastball Special, where Hulk launches Wolverine into enemies for unique tactics and wild distractions. As the roster expands, inventive combos will only continue to grow, making sure no match feels the same. This in itself is a system that separates Marvel Rivals from other hero shooters, making it as much about team chemistry as it is individual skill.

Conclusion

Marvel Rivals is a thrilling blend of the familiar and the new, carving out its own niche in the hero-shooter genre while paying homage to its predecessors. It masterfully combines chaotic, overpowered gameplay, innovative mechanics like destructible environments and team-up abilities, and a deep respect for Marvel’s legacy to create something truly unique. While it borrows elements from games like Overwatch and Paladins, it reinvents them with a Marvel twist, offering a fresh experience that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking. Marvel Rivals isn’t just another hero shooter; it’s a bold step forward that showcases the genre’s potential for innovation and fun.

Rating

7.5/10

An 8/10 feels right, however, PC players consistently deal with lag and connectivity issues along with errors and stutters. Until that gets solved with simple patches, a half-point deduction is needed.