Marvel Rivals Review: Why 10M Players Joined in Three Days
Published On: December 10, 2024
Marvel Rivals, the latest hero shooter from NetEase Games, has taken the gaming world by storm since its December 6 launch. Within just 72 hours, the game surpassed 10 million players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, making it one of the most talked-about releases in recent memory. Featuring a 33-character roster with iconic Marvel heroes and villains, the game’s engaging design has drawn players worldwide.
Gameplay
Marvel Rivals delivers smooth, fast-paced gameplay typical of the hero shooter genre, where teams of six compete using unique characters with distinct abilities. Each character’s skill set feels satisfying to use, making battles dynamic and rewarding. A particularly innovative feature is the destructible environment, which allows players to break through walls to alter the battlefield. Another feature is the hero synergies, which encourage players to experiment with new team compositions, adding a fun twist. For example, the Hulk and Wolverine combo allows Hulk to throw Wolverine at enemies, creating exciting gameplay possibilities.
However, some aspects of the gameplay could be confusing for new and experienced players alike. For example, when a character uses their ultimate ability, the game doesn’t make it clear if the ultimate is coming from an enemy or an ally. There are no distinct voice lines or audio cues to differentiate between friendly and enemy ultimates. This can make it difficult to react appropriately during a match, as players may misinterpret an ultimate’s source and make mistakes.
Another point of criticism lies in the character balance. While there are 33 heroes to choose from, the roster skews heavily towards damage-dealing roles, with 19 DPS characters compared to just six supports and eight tanks. This disparity limits the diversity of team compositions and could frustrate players who prefer non-DPS roles. Lastly, the game only offers a few maps, which means players often cycle through the same environments repeatedly. Over time, this lack of variety could hurt replayability if not addressed with new content soon.
Story and characters
Marvel Rivals stays true to its roots by showcasing well-loved Marvel heroes and villains while also shining a spotlight on lesser-known characters. This blend of iconic and lesser-known heroes offers a fresh perspective on the Marvel universe, balancing familiarity with novelty for fans. Characters like Moon Knight and Wolverine add depth to the roster, delighting those eager to see their favorites in action, while heroes like Jeff and Squirrel Girl shine a spotlight on some lesser-known characters.
Graphics and sound
Built with Unreal Engine 5, the game’s graphics meet the industry standards for modern hero shooters. The visuals are sharp, the animations fluid, and the character designs true to their Marvel origins. However, nothing about the graphics feels groundbreaking. Similarly, the sound design is functional but lacks standout moments. Explosions, voice lines, and ambient effects get the job done but don’t leave a lasting impression.
Ultimately, Marvel Rivals is off to a strong start, with smooth mechanics, innovative features like destructible environments, and a rich roster of heroes that draws players in. Yet, the game isn’t without its flaws. Still, with its solid foundation and rapidly growing community, Marvel Rivals has the potential to become a standout title in the hero shooter genre. If NetEase Games can address these concerns in future updates and avoid the mistakes Overwatch made, Marvel Rivals has the potential to become the best in the genre.
With its global appeal, Marvel Rivals has captivated players across multiple platforms, drawing in a rapidly growing community. For those facing regional restrictions, using a VPN can provide access and ensure they don’t miss out on the action.