After the inevitable downfall of the gaming community’s least favorite first-person shooter video game, “Overwatch,” a new hero emerged from the mist. A hero that started its release with 33 different playable characters compared to its predecessor which launched with a measly 21. “Marvel Rivals” is a brand-spanking-new third-person shooter centering around “Marvel” superheroes and its preseason (season 0) has been a success for both players and developers.
Launching on December 6, 2024, “Marvel Rivals” gained 20 million players after two weeks. Garnering fans from similar games such as “Overwatch” and “Valorant,”“Marvel Rivals” quickly shot to the top of the Steam trending page. The game balances its large character count with a wide range of abilities and unique “ultimates.”
Ultimate abilities are a power-up players can use after a significant amount of damage has been dealt by the character they’re currently playing. For example, Scarlet Witch’s ultimate allows her to take to the sky before unleashing a powerful outward attack that will instantly kill anyone within her semi-large radius. While the concept of a large attack is not a new one within gaming, the variation of the “Marvel Rivals” is a unique aspect of the game.
One of the most prominent features of “Marvel Rivals” is the different abilities each character is able to use when fighting off the opposing team. Each individual character is given three abilities to use while in battle, these can be either healing or damage related, and some even offer an ability that works without the player even pressing a button. The common factor of all these abilities being both useful and character related is a standout feature of the game for those who are prior “Marvel” franchise fans.
The most used game modes are currently quick play as well as competitive, but the game also offers a practice range and A.I mode for players looking to practice their skills before hopping into a game with other players. Differences between the quick play and competitive modes are things like queue waiting time, a new leveling system, and more serious gameplay. Those who are looking to play the game casually will find themselves more often choosing quick play, while those who are interested in playing ranked will fit into the competitive game mode well.
The pre-season of “Marvel Rivals” has gained the game popularity and a steady fanbase in preparation of its first official season, welcoming two new heroes with more to come. With the arrival of the first two members of fan-favorite team “The Fantastic Four,” “Invisible Girl” and “Mister Fantastic,” the game’s future looks promising. As a whole, “Marvel Rivals” offers an experience that will have gamers playing again, and again, and again.
