I’ve been playing Overwatch since it first launched on console in 2016. I had a lot of fun with the title, but it was starting to get stale after the years. Following Overwatch, I also played Overwatch 2, a new 5v5 style mode with added characters, more maps and a new playing style. Throughout the years, I’ve also tried other hero shooter-style games like Apex Legends, Valorant, Paladins, Gigantic, Concord (RIP) and now Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals is incredibly fun, and it brings back the 6v6 style of playing, similar to Overwatch at conception, with heroes being a ‘Vanguard,’ ‘Duelist,’ or ‘Strategist,’ fancy names for tanks, DPS and healers. But it also includes the fun lore and dynamics of Marvel superheroes. You have your original Avengers cast, including Black Widow, Iron Man, Captain American, Thor, The Hulk, Hawkeye, and even their antagonist, Loki. There are also a lot of Guardians of the Galaxy members, including Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and Mantis. And there are random characters you might have never heard of, like Jeff the Land Shark, Psylocke and Squirrel Girl. For those who only know the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these characters are coming out of Knowhere but showcase some of the rich lore of the Marvel Universe that’s been included in comics, TV series, cartoons and movies.
It’s fun hearing the characters talk to one another, such as when Magneto talks to his daughter, Scarlet Witch, or when Peni Parker and Venom talk with one another. It’s interesting and pulls from so much lore and context that only some may understand, but those interested can learn. Because the title draws from Marvel characters, there’s also a ton of potential for future character additions. For instance, I’d love to see Blade, Mister Fantastic, Miles Morales’ Spider-Man, War Machine, and maybe even Blue Marvel.
Aside from the Marvel of it all, gameplay is enjoyable. You have your classic hero shooter abilities, such as a character who uses their ultimate ability to lock on to other characters when shooting, other characters who can create turrets, and, of course, Loki can go invisible. But there are other fan aspects like Spider-Man and Venom being able to swing on their webs, Storm and Iron Man flying around the map, and we have to talk about the team-up abilities.
Marvel Rivals has fun team-up abilities depending on the characters you play. For instance, Rocket the Raccoon can climb on Groot, shoot, and heal from his shoulder. Hela can revive her two siblings if she gets a kill, and Spider-Man and Peni Parker can access the symbiote powers if they’re playing with Venom on their team. I find this a nice touch, and it brings more synergies to the game and stuff to play around. Instead of only going after the healers, you might also want to kill Hela because otherwise, she could resurrect the enemy Thor.
Currently, the game needs more maps—it only has eight—but hopefully, we will see more soon. This is probably my biggest gripe about the game: seeing the same maps repeatedly. On the other hand, one of the things I love most about the title is the art style. Creative Director Guangyun Chen, Art Director Dino Ma, and Artist Peach Momoko all worked incredibly hard on the title, and a lot of them look painted with hand brush strokes that give the game character and make it look like you’re playing comic book characters — which I assume is the point. And though some of the skins are expensive, they look fantastic.
I’m enjoying Marvel Rivals and can see myself replacing my love for Overwatch with this title. I can’t wait to see what’s next regarding characters, maps, events and if there are potentially new game modes.
Marvel Rivals is free to play on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.
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