Summary
NetEase Games’Marvel Rivalsis more than just another hero shooter — it’s a narrative-driven experience that gives a host of Marvel characters, including villains, some time in the spotlight as each of them either cooperate or clash to see the multiverse saved or their own plans succeed.Marvel Rivals' narrativecenters around the Timestream Entanglement, a catastrophic event triggered by a clash between Doctor Doom and his 2099 counterpart. This event has caused multiple timelines to merge into Chronoverses, which is ultimately why the game features such a diverse roster of characters. This is also what allowsMarvel Rivalsto truly distinguish itself as a Marvel game, as players can step into the shoes of the Marvel universe’s most villainous and experience what it’s like to be them on the battlefield firsthand.
WhileMarvel Rivals' roster primarily consists of the Marvel heroes and heroines fans have grown to love, there are a handful of anti-heroes and villains included who are beloved as well, though not necessarily for the good they’ve done. Nevertheless,Marvel Rivals' willingness to include playable villains ultimately gives the game a unique dynamic, where players can explore the villainous side of the Marvel universe in a way that isn’t often seen in traditional superhero games.
Marvel Rivals' Inclusion of Anti-Heroes and Villains Sets It Apart
Superhero Games Tend to Focus Solely on the Heroes
As expected, traditional superhero games have both thrived and merely survived by putting players in the role of iconic heroes, thereby allowing them to live out the fantasy of saving the world. To be fair, there’s certainly an undeniable appeal to filling the shoes ofheroic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Avengers, as these characters have long been the driving force behind offering fans hope as they face impossible odds in the worlds of their own. Overcoming adversity is often the theme in these games, which almost anyone can relate to on account of life’s curveballs and roadblocks, so they succeed in their ability to connect with players on a deeply emotional level that not just any game can.
However, despite the merits to this approach to superhero games, just as the MCU has proven within the last few years, it risks growing stale, especially as so many superheroes seem to have a similar character arc. Any complexity their arcs might have had on an individual basis is ultimately overshadowed by everyone else’s, as it tends to feel like the same story that’s been told hundreds of times already. This is whereMarvel’s anti-heroes and villainscome into play, whose nuanced character arcs have a tendency to contrast the one-dimensional nature of born superheroes, andMarvel Rivalsgives players a chance to see a side of the villainous that not many games allow.
Marvel Rivals Gives Players a Chance to Walk a Mile in a Villain’s Shoes
Marvel Rivalsis a special hero shooter simply due to its heavy reliance on lore and narrative, but its narrative is the very reason it is so special in another way — that it allows players to walk a mile in the shoes of a villain. Despite the story not being positioned at the forefront of each match inMarvel Rivals, the underlying currents created by the playable anti-heroes and villains in the game nonetheless create dynamic waves throughout the game’s story, which will affect thelive-service game’s future in both a narrative and a gameplay way, whether players like it or not.
As these characters are used on the battlefield inMarvel Rivals, players get the chance to experience a power that isn’t conventional to the hero genre of video games.Marvel Rivals' villainsbring a level of chaos to the table that its heroes simply can’t match, and this is largely due to the goals, intentions, and stubborn will for self-preservation told through their character arcs. Most of their abilities reflect their ruthless and violent nature, altering the playstyle from something heroic to something more devious, begging the players controlling them to acknowledge the stories that made them this way.
Despite the story not being positioned at the forefront of each match inMarvel Rivals, the underlying currents created by the playable anti-heroes and villains in the game nonetheless create dynamic waves throughout the game’s story, which will affect the live-service game’s future in both a narrative and a gameplay way, whether players like it or not.
By allowing players to step into the roles of villains like Hela, Loki, and Magneto (and even anti-heroes like the Punisher and Scarlet Witch),Marvel Rivalstaps into a depth of storytelling that mostsuperhero gamessimply can’t, on account of their characters being somewhat one-dimensional and their narratives relying primarily on a “save the world” premise. With their unrivaled and unorthodox power and abilities, these characters bring a complexity and unpredictability to the table that traditional superhero games are unable to, lest they sacrifice their face. This is whereMarvel Rivalsstands out, as it asks players to question the boundaries between good and evil for a fresh experience in the genre of hero-based games.
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!
