Summary
Thanks to the MCU, Marvel projects seem to be everywhere these days. Not only has it dominated the movie and TV industries over the past decade, but there have also been a plethora of video games taking fans on exciting adventures. Fans have been treated tothe likes ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, andMarvel’s Midnight Suns. And now, they will get their hands on a brand-new hero shooter in the form ofMarvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivalswill be putting players in the shoes of some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes in a 6v6 shooter. It is being developed by NetEase Games and looks to share a lot of similarities with genre kingpinsOverwatch 2andValorant, but with a Marvel skin attached. While it remains to be seen if that blend succeeds, there is a ton of potential for a title like this. However, if the studio is not careful, then the game might never be able to have the impact that it could.
Marvel Rivals Might Need to Do a Lot to Impress Hero Shooter Fans
Marvel Rivals is Entering a Crowded Market
One of the toughest challenges facingMarvel Rivalsis the fact that it is currently entering a very competitive market.Since the release ofOverwatchin 2016, Blizzard has been one of the biggest names in the genre. Even thoughOverwatch 2may have proven controversial with the fanbase, it is seemingly still pretty popular, and with its consistent updates, that franchise does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Overwatch 2is not the only hero shooter on the market, as Riot GamesValoranthas also proven to be extremely successful with shooter fans.AlongsideLeague of Legends,Valorantseems to be virtually unstoppable, raking in millions of dollars from cosmetics alone. Just like withOverwatch 2, it too receives steady updates with no sign of slowing down, giving players a reason to keep coming back for more.
Along with that,Respawn’s battle royaleApex Legendsis extremely popular,Rainbow Six Siegeseems to be going nowhere, and popular IPs likeCall of Dutyhave also adopted similar mechanics. While all of those successes do show a healthy and profitable genre, it also means that there is a lot of competition in store forMarvel Rivals. If the game does not offer something slightly new or unique, then players may have little reason to jump over.
Marvel Rivals Approach to Content Will Make or Break the Experience
Marvel Rivalssuccess will also be determined by the way NetEase handles its post-launch content and microtransaction model. Much like other entries in the genre, this title will be free-to-play, and since the developers also need to support the game somehow, it will likely be filled to the brim with microtransactions. The exact extent of these transactions has yet to be revealed. However, it will probably follow in the footsteps of similar games by letting players buy skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items.
If NetEase prices these microtransactions reasonably, then players will be more inclined to buy into them. But, if the game is oversaturated with them, and they are extremely expensive, then players might just turn their back on the game. Additionally, ifnewMarvel Rivalsheroesare locked behind a paywall, fans may have less of a reason to check it out.
Along with that, NetEase needs to ensure that it is able to keep up a consistent post-launch update schedule. New content gives players a reason to keep playing, so if that support comes at a steady stream, then they will have less of a reason to go to other games. These updates have to actually introduce substantial content including heroes and maps, but withthe decades of characters and storiesMarvel Rivalscan pull from, that should not be much of an issue.
Marvel Rivalshas a chance to be the next big hero shooter, especially since it is attached to the Marvel brand. As long as the game offers something different from the crowd, is not oversaturated with microtransactions, and has quality post-launch support, then it could have some real staying power. Time will tell if that ends up being the case, or if the game simply ends up in the same boat as Square Enix’s ill-fatedMarvel’s Avengers.
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!
