Preview: Marvel Rivals – A Worthy Competitor to Overwatch?
Marvel Rivals could be the hero shooter we’ve been waiting for. With Overwatch 2 stumbling, Blizzard left a gap that fans are eager to fill. Enter Marvel Rivals, a promising new title from NetEase. Packed with 21 Marvel heroes and a dynamic team-based approach, Marvel Rivals might just become the next big thing in the genre.
A New Hero Shooter on the Scene
In Marvel Rivals, 21 heroes from the Marvel universe go head-to-head in a 6v6 tactical shooter. Fans will instantly recognize popular characters like Spider-Man, Groot, and Hulk, but NetEase also introduces lesser-known heroes such as Peni Parker and Magik. This mix of familiar and obscure characters adds depth to the roster, appealing to both casual fans and hardcore Marvel enthusiasts.
Each hero fits into one of three classic categories: tanks, damage dealers, and support. Characters like Magneto protect teammates with shields, while Punisher deals massive damage with his machine gun. Even Rocket Raccoon can shift from offense to healing with the press of a button. The abilities are carefully tailored to each character’s comic-book origins, making every move feel authentic.
Team Synergy is Key
Like other team shooters, Marvel Rivals rewards players who combine their abilities. For example, when Spider-Man and Venom team up, their shared symbiote unleashes devastating attacks. Namor, paired with Luna Snow, gains enhanced healing powers and elemental buffs for his summoned kraken minions.
However, the synergy system also highlights a potential problem. If you’re playing solo and your teammates don’t communicate or understand the hero combinations, the experience can feel frustrating. In my time with the closed beta, matches were much more satisfying when I played with friends who coordinated strategies. Without teamwork, the game’s balance felt off, and certain characters seemed overpowered.
Destructible Environments and Unique Maps
Marvel Rivals takes a page from classic titles like Battlefield: Bad Company by incorporating destructible environments. The maps are drawn directly from Marvel’s lore, with locations like Yggsgard’s golden palace and the neon-lit streets of Tokyo 2099. Each environment is full of comic-book charm, rendered in a cel-shaded style that fits the Marvel aesthetic perfectly.
The ability to blow holes through walls and floors adds an extra layer of strategy. If an enemy is hiding behind a barrier, you can simply blast through it. While this mechanic might seem like a gimmick at first, it quickly becomes an essential gameplay feature. The only oddity is that these destroyed structures repair themselves after a short time, which can break immersion slightly.
Game Modes in Marvel Rivals: Sticking to the Classics
At this stage, the game offers familiar game modes like payload escort and point capture. While these modes aren’t groundbreaking, the diverse hero roster and destructible environments keep things interesting. NetEase isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; they’re focusing on solid, balanced gameplay.
That said, the game could benefit from a few more creative game modes at launch. The current offerings, while fun, feel a bit too safe for a game with such potential.
Marvel Rivals: A Hero Shooter with Potential
Despite its early stage, Marvel Rivals shows a lot of promise. The synergy between heroes, combined with the destructible environments, offers fresh tactical opportunities. Matches are especially thrilling when played with a well-coordinated team, and the Marvel universe provides endless potential for expanding the hero roster.
However, there are still areas for improvement. The hit feedback, for instance, feels too weak. Often, I didn’t realize I was taking damage until it was too late. Additionally, the game’s lore section is currently underwhelming. Considering Marvel’s rich history, there’s a huge opportunity for Marvel Rivals to incorporate more in-depth character stories, which could help it stand out even more.
Conclusion: A Rival for Overwatch?
Marvel Rivals could easily challenge Overwatch for dominance in the hero shooter genre. Its focus on team synergy, destructible environments, and a beloved comic-book universe sets it apart from the competition. While there are some rough edges, the game’s foundation is strong, and with a few tweaks, it could become a fan favorite. If NetEase continues to build on these strengths, Marvel Rivals may just become the next big thing in team-based shooters.
Get the game here.
