A Review Of Marvel Rivals

“Marvel Rivals” arrived hot on the scene over winter break, amassing 20 million downloads in its second week according to co-developer NetEase via X. Despite being another microtransaction-plagued multiplayer shooter game, the download is free and players have praised it for diverting from the typical pay-to-play model that killed its Avengers predecessor.  

This has not stopped “Marvel Rivals” from still making bank, with Chinese Outlet, GameLook, estimating over $130 million spent on player cosmetics in its first month. It’s hard to blame players for their spending, as the game is steeped in style, offering gorgeous adaptations of comic and movie costumes for purchase.  

“Marvel Rivals” is already close to my heart as it introduced me to the Montview Game Room after my PC crashed twice trying to process this game’s vibrant visuals. But is the game all flash?  

The roster constitutes an impressive 35 characters from tank-like vanguards to quick, offensive duelists and supporting healing strategists. Once assembled, your team must survive death matches in “Conquest” or “Doommatch,” secure checkpoints in “Convergence,” escort a package in “Convoy” and defend your zone in “Domination.” 

While “Convoy” and “Domination”  require some strategy, neither fit the superhero genre. Escorting a giant symbiote blob from one place to another never felt particularly heroic to me. However, the game’s villains vs. heroes mode, or the time trial where characters fight over a power-enhancing infinity stone seem more suitable.  

Maps are a multiversal mash of Marvel-centric locations such as the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda or the Spider-Islands of 2099. Each has dazzling views and are lovingly packed with comic and film references.  

The main appeal of this game is the roster, which ranges from icons like Wolverine or Thor to lesser-known heroes like Luna Snow or the menace of Jeff the Land Shark.  

Duelists are the most abundant class which can devolve matches into constant offensive attacks, however, it is possible to switch characters midgame, meaning adjustments and coordination are key to success.  

I found strategists and vanguards more versatile, with characters like Cloak and Dagger and Groot being highlights. While Cloak somewhat drains health, Dagger is a pivotal healer able to create regenerating bubbles and lock on to targets while firing. Pairing this with Groot’s ability to construct root walls and his partnership with Rocket and Jeff creates a dynamic defense.   

The kinetic gameplay, anime-inspired art style, massive cast and unique hero mechanics provide substance for experienced players while inviting Marvel fans to play as their favorite characters.  

So is the game just another Overwatch rip-off? Yes, but it’s also incredibly fun. It builds on the best of the superhero genre through the careful craftsmanship and evident passion that the NetEase team has for the source material. 

Simply put, the game is riveting chaos, and despite an imbalanced roster, some underdeveloped mechanics and the inevitable microtransactions, the game can be freely enjoyed and lets you escape into a love letter to Marvel.  

Glass is a feature reporter for the Liberty Champion. 

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