Summary
Marvel Rivalsis only a couple of weeks away from being revealed in full with its closed alpha test in May and it’ll be interesting to see how the Marvel property is being adapted to meetOverwatch’s 6v6 hero shooter template. There is much to discern about which characters have already been announced and how they’ll all meld in a mixing pot of abilities, kits, and playstyles, and whenMarvel Rivalseventually launches it’ll be interesting to see how post-launch or perhaps seasonal content will be doled out.
Beinga Marvel game,Rivalswill presumably have access to a wealth of source material lore to adapt while telling its original multiverse story. Hopping to different realities as set pieces givesRivalsan infinite number of intriguing plots to deliver or versions of characters and storylines that are familiar and beloved, too, and several comic book arcs would already make for phenomenal content if NetEase wished to adapt them as in-game events.
Possible Marvel Comics Events Marvel Rivals Could Adapt
As a 6v6, Marvel Rivals Inherently Limits Itself Regarding Team-Ups
Marvel Rivalsisn’t necessarily going to need to come up with a reason for traditionally friendly characters to battle each other. Still, the fact thatRivalsis a 6v6 gamemeans that battles in the comics ordinarily composed of hundreds of characters could feel a bit stifled or underwhelming comparatively.
Civil War as a potential event would have immediate issues if adapted to a 6v6 hero shooter for this reason becauseRivalswould be subjecting itself to the same problem theMCU’sCaptain America: Civil Warhad, which was a two-sided war consisting of far fewer fighters than its source material had depicted. Plus, ifRivalswas to adapt both Civil Wars faithfully, it would mean Iron Man is a team leader twice and that could put undue importance on him as a character while others fall by the wayside.
If faithful, these events would also seemingly need the most prolific characters featured in them, andneither Captain America nor Captain Marvelwill seemingly be in the game at launch.
This gives NetEase something to work toward in the future if it wants to, though, where these characters’ introductions in post-launch content could be part of a Civil War event debut. Otherwise, events would probably be more ideal if they allowed players to compose teams however they’d like instead, even if boons were granted for playing as particular characters during certain events.
It’s ultimately unknown at the moment howRivalswill choose to structure content, but tapping into Marvel lore is a unique opportunity it has that shouldn’t be squandered. Skins inspired by Marvel media would be appreciated and expected, for instance, but fully fledged events influenced by stories where characters took sides and engaged in battles already make perfect sense in a game likeRivalsand Battleworld seems like a shoo-in for a multiversal worldplayers could inevitably visit as a result.
Regardless, only having six characters on either side might not ever seem as epic or cinematic as Civil War or Secret Wars’ large-scale battles were. Instead,Rivalscould create its own canon and new reasons why heroes are fighting one another to make 6v6 fights intimate and spectacular on their own. Until then, May’s closed alpha test will hopefully be a revealing insight into what these battles will look like asRivalsis quickly becoming one of the most anticipated Marvel games around.
Marvel Rivals
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 RosterChoose 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 DynamicsWith 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 SynergyCoordinate 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 DestructionTear 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 UpdatesThe 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!
