Summary
For the most part in recent years, few Marvel characters have managed to capture and hold the attention of audiences like Wanda Maximoff, otherwise known as the Scarlet Witch. While she might have once been nothing more than asupporting character in the MCU, her increasingly emotional storylines and incredible power have allowed her to rise to the top of the list of Marvel’s most beloved characters. Now, NetEase Games' hero shooterMarvel Rivalshas chosen to include her in its roster of playable characters, and her prominent role in the game’s story proves even more the mark she has left on the Marvel universe and its fans.
While the Scarlet Witch is far from the only notable character to be included inMarvel Rivals' roster — as others like Iron Man and Spider-Man are also playable in the game — her power on the battlefield and the complex backstory she brings with her into the game’s narrative make a compelling argument for her future in the gaming space. More specifically, after her appearance inMarvel Rivals, there is little reason why the Scarlet Witch wouldn’t eventually receive her own standalone game, especially as superhero games are becoming more popular once again after the meteoric rise of Insomniac’sMarvel’s Spider-Manseries.
Marvel Rivals Proves It’s Time for a Scarlet Witch Game
Scarlet Witch Has Skyrocketed in Popularity in Recent Years
Anyone who has been even lightly steeped in the Marvel universe over the last several years likely knows just how popular the Scarlet Witch has become, which is interesting in and of itself given the massive number of other Marvel characters who could have achieved the same level of fame. Nonetheless, in recent years, theScarlet Witchhas evolved from a secondary character in the MCU to a cultural phenomenon, making her one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
After her inclusion in several mainline Marvel films, she then led the Disney+ seriesWandavision, where the complexity of her character was significantly increased as she was presented to audiences as an ethically-challenged but relatable anti-hero, contrasting with the heroine she had previously been portrayed as. This somewhat surprising development of her character, alongside the innovative storytelling ofWandavision, catapulted the Scarlet Witch into the mainstream spotlight, making her one ofMarvel’s most talked-about characters.
Her arc continued to evolve in the emotionally chargedDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where her morals were challenged even further, eventually bringing her to a considerable breaking point.
Marvel Rivals' Scarlet Witch Shows What She’s Capable of in the Gaming Space
Given her emotional backstory and complex character arc, a standalone adventure featuring the Scarlet Witch as its lead would likely make for an incredibly memorable narrative. However, narrative aside, the Scarlet Witch’s performance onMarvel Rivals' battlefieldshows what she would be capable of on a battlefield of her own. Scarlet Witch is undoubtedly one ofMarvel Rivals' most powerful characters, which is fitting, considering her ability to wield chaos magic with ease. Speaking strictly from a DPS standpoint, Scarlet Witch is arguably one of the best, but her ability to cloak herself and move around the arena with ease can make her nearly unstoppable at times.
Even more than how powerful she is inMarvel Rivals, she is simply a fun character to play. In her own standalone adventure, she would likely be even more fun to play, especially if a developer like Insomniac Games was behind the wheel. This, coupled with what would most likely be a very memorable story, would make a great Marvel game starring one of the brand’s most beloved characters. As the Scarlet Witch’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last few years, her seamless inclusion inMarvel Rivals' rosteris just further evidence that she is more than deserving of a standalone game.
