There is an argument to be made that hero shooting games are a genre that has already been played. It’s a trend that started with Overwatch, and since then there have been many imitators. All of which give diminishing returns. It takes something truly extraordinary. To break free from this fear And it looks like NetEase Games will do just that with Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals inadvertently borrows Overwatch’s one-note formula, however, it’s the way that heroes are designed to be played individually and alongside other characters that makes it such a captivating entry into the genre. quite bloated
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NetEase combines traditional lore with fun comic book ideas. As for Marvel Rivals’ narrative, the story is that Doctor Doom was caught in a confrontation with his counterpart in the year 2099. Their conflict led to the creation of a new world. Which is naturally ripe for a variety of game modes, with heroes (and villains) from different universes battling each other in these worlds with the idea that a showdown with Dooms is inevitable. Although there is no single player component to the game yet.
While single player is expected to be good in future timelines, Marvel Rivals is currently a multiplayer celebration that pits teams of six against each other. At first glance It plays like any other hero shooting game. There will be 33 starting characters with the roles of Duelist (DPS), Vanguard (Tank) or Strategist (Healer). There are no strict requirements for team composition to have a certain number of roles. This could lead to some fun lineups. That’s because there are some characters that blend the two roles a bit, like original character Luna Snow, who works as a healer who can freeze her enemies.
Part of the fun of Rivals is learning what everyone can do. and how it fits your specific playstyle. In fact, you can spend hours here because all 33 playable characters are available for free right out of the gate. There’s even a feature that allows custom settings for each character. This includes special options for characters with unique movement styles, such as Spider-Man. As a result, the game presents complex concepts rather than straightforward movement sequences.
The most interesting concept is Team-Ups, where certain characters work together with specific teammates to unlock additional buffs and effects. For example, Hela can give Thor and Loki extra juice. With her siblings, Luna Snow can help Iron Fist make the most of his chi. by unlocking buffs for both of them Rocket can ride Groot or unlock special firepower with his spiritual brother, The Punisher. Discovering these collaborations and seeing what they do goes a long way in setting Marvel Rivals apart, and the only downside is that There is no way to guarantee that you will see those bonuses from match-to-match matches. In the end You can’t force the rest of your team to choose characters that are compatible with your main character. In this sense, Marvel Rivals is a game where sometimes it’s better to hang out with friends and just follow the game plan. Especially when the game’s competitive playlist is unlocked.
Traveling in copyright
Marvel Rivals may feature dozens of playable characters at launch. But the variety doesn’t extend to all match types and maps. There are three ways to play through Quick Match: Convoy, which is a basic payload mode, Domination, which has teams fighting for control points in a best-of-3 scenario, and Convergence, which has offensive teams looking to capture different control points on the map. This also has an arcade style mode called Conquest which uses a different set of rules. For those who want to slightly modify the formula. Finally, there is a mode that allows users to practice with bots. This is a godsend for anyone learning skills with various heroes.
Marvel Rivals is expected to grow over time, though. But when it launched, there wasn’t much variety in terms of terrain. Players will encounter versions of Tokyo 2099, Yggsgard, Wakanda, Hydra Charteris Base, and the similar world of Klyntar, and that’s pretty much it. Between the limited modes and the small number of maps Much of Marvel Rivals’ variety comes from its heroes and beyond. While the worlds are picturesque, anyone can see the same Tokyo 2099 attractions multiple times before they get bored.
One good thing about the game’s map is that They can be destroyed. Built with Unreal Engine 5, buildings, platforms, and walls are collapsible. Because apparently there’s no damage control in this universe. So it forces the player to be constantly moving and try very hard to reduce their camping behavior. Yes, I was the one who thought I could get away with camping from above after using Moon Knight to fight a high ledge. and shot at the unfortunate target below. When they understand me They fired at my position. And even though they didn’t attack me They destroyed the ledge. This means I have to jump to the ground and engage in a fairer fight. It also worked another way for me. I was able to take out sniper characters like Hawkeye and Black Widow from their hideouts. Just shoot at their location and destroy the terrain around them.
What’s interesting about destructible terrain is that some parts will regenerate over time. There’s a reason for telling this story. Because it is explained that Galacta, daughter of Galactus the World Eater, is helping to bring the world back together again. It’s a feature that enhances longer sessions by making it easier for players to keep an eye on new advantageous positions that might be created. And it also guarantees that there will be other things. Always keep it exploding. In the end That’s part of the comic book experience, which takes the battlefield to the realms indiscriminately.
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Marvel Rivals is a game that doesn’t do much new when it comes to superhero shooters. But it’s enough of a little something to elevate it above its contemporaries. The art style is like a real-life comic book. It’s a nice change from Marvel’s recent gaming efforts that have aimed for a more cinematic style. All the characters are fun to learn about. And it was great to see them interact during the match.
What makes Rivals feel refreshing is that There doesn’t seem to be any microtransactions. This is usually the kiss of death for a free-to-play game like this. as specified All 33 game characters are free from the start. There is no pay-to-win mechanic in Battle Passes, offering only cosmetics. The main problem with Battle Passes and cosmetics right now is that there is no cross progression. No matter what platform you are on. At least for now There is cross-platform play for all modes. Except for competitive playlists So let’s hope cross-platform advancements happen one day.
For now, Marvel Rivals is a nice foray into the realm of hero shooters. It’s hard to imagine splashing water in such saturated waters, but NetEase has managed to pull it off with its diverse hero list. Income generation model and the use of a world that can be destroyed This will be a fun game to watch develop over time. And I’m excited to see where next year takes us. But for now This is a stellar debut.
This review is based on time played on private pre-launch servers on PC to which the publisher has provided access. It is also based on post-launch public server times played on PlayStation 5. Marvel Rivals is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and is free to play. The game is rated T.
