Marvel Rivals has recently revealed what its Human Torch and The Thing team-up ability is going to be, and it's an exciting nod to the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters this weekend, and it only makes sense for Marvel Rivals to take advantage of the movie's arrival.
Even more exciting, though, is that the Human Torch and The Thing's team-up move is a direct reference to the movie, and not just because it's literally called "First Steps." This team-up ability is taken directly from a scene in The Fantastic Four: First Steps where the Human Torch lifts The Thing in the air, using him as a flying battering ram. The First Steps- inspired team-up is a fun nod to a fresh MCU offering, but it also makes the case for more team-ups inspired by both past and future MCU movies.
Marvel Rivals Reveals MCU Skins for The Fantastic Four
Marvel Rivals gives players a first look at new MCU skins for The Fantastic Four coming to NetEase Games' popular hero shooter.
Marvel Rivals Has Opened the Floodgates for More Movie Tie-In Team-Ups
- Human Torch and The Thing's "First Steps" team-up move will officially be available on July 24.
Ever since Season 3 of Marvel Rivals kicked off, the game has been promising plenty of exciting things in store, and this tie-in with The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a great way to get excited about the movie's premiere. Beyond that, though, it will be interesting to see if developer NetEase looks to other future MCU films when it comes to team-ups. Of course, not every movie will feature an obvious moment to reference, like The Fantastic Four: First Steps does, but the good news is that there is already a long list of past MCU movies to pull inspiration from.
There are team-ups that definitely scratch that itch for movie references, like Guardian Revival. Star-Lord, Mantis, and Adam Warlock all work together as a trio, which is a fun way to revel in the energy of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but full-blown movie references are hopefully going to be more prevalent with team-ups in the future.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the first introduction of Galactus to the MCU.
The First Steps- inspired team-up is a fun nod to a fresh MCU offering, but it also makes the case for more team-ups inspired by both past and future MCU movies.
After The Fantastic Four Spotlight, Marvel Rivals Has an Exciting New Character on the Way
- Blade is expected to be added to the game on August 8, the start of Season 3.5.
Marvel Rivals has continued to add to its ever-growing roster, with The Fantastic Four being one of the biggest additions this year, so far. The launch of Season 3 saw the arrival of Phoenix, and Blade is expected to be the big mid-season addition. The Fantastic Four has been front and center in Marvel Rivals since the group's members arrived in January and February. With this upcoming team-up move, it will be fascinating to see if the powerful foursome has inspired more fun tie-ins.
Also, on August 1, Magik and Black Panther will each get their own skins inspired by Phoenix.
There are already leaks that potentially reveal Blade's team-up, and while it doesn't appear to be a reference to the movies, there are other ways that Marvel Rivals could pay homage to Wesley Snipes' iconic take on the sword-wielding vampire.
Only time will tell how Marvel Rivals approaches movie tributes with certain moves, but Human Torch and The Thing may be setting a new standard when the team-up officially launches. The MCU shows no signs of slowing down, and whether it's a reference to a brand-new movie or a nostalgic throwback, the door is now wide open for NetEase to have some fun with the MCU's most notable fighting moves.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
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 Roster
Choose 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 Dynamics
With 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 Synergy
Coordinate 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 Destruction
Tear 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 Updates
The 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!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
