Summary
- Marvel Rivals impresses with 34,000 daily players in Beta.
- Select few experience 23 heroes and first-person gameplay.
- Third-person perspective adds uniqueness to gameplay.
While its final release date still hasn't been confirmed, Marvel Rivals has just hosted its second major playtest, and the game's already looking rather impressive. On just Steam alone, Marvel Rivals manged to bring in around 34,000 players a day during its Beta period, which is particularly impressive considering the recent playtest was limited to a select few.
In its second major playtest, the lucky few chosen to participate were able to get their hands on 23 of Marvel Rivals' playable heroes and villains, and a limited number of game modes and maps. Though fans are unclear when the game will release fully, Marvel Rivals already feels like the complete package in several key ways, boasting a swathe of complex and enjoyable mechanics. That being said, there are sure to be plenty of changes to Marvel Rivals before its eventual release, and one could already be hiding in plain sight.
Marvel Rivals Could Offer a First-Person Mode When it Launches
Marvel Rivals Has Already Teased First-Person Gameplay
Currently, Marvel Rivals uses a third-person perspective during its gameplay. From Iron Man to Rocket Raccoon to Magneto, every playable hero and villain in Marvel Rivals is controlled with the camera stuck firmly behind their back, and a little to their side. This allows players to see their iconic character in all their comic-accurate glory, firing out repulsor blasts, smacking foes with Mjolnir, and webbing enemies together all in front of the player's eyes.
But Marvel Rivals also features two brief moments of first-person gameplay. The first of these can be found when The Punisher uses his turret ability, which switches the camera to a first-person point-of-view, allowing the player to more accurately aim down the turret's sights. The second instance of first-person gameplay in Marvel Rivals comes when Hela uses her Ultimate ability, which sees players take to the skies and launch an array of powerful Nastrond Crows at opponents below, all from a first-person perspective.
This topic of perspective is also brought up in Marvel Rivals' playtest survey, which briefly questioned players on how they feel about third-person games in general. While this could all mean very little, it does seem as though developer NetEase is testing the waters somewhat for first-person gameplay in Marvel Rivals. While it's unlikely the whole game would go first-person, an FPS mode for some of Marvel Rivals' heroes could be a possibility for the game's future.
A First-Person Mode Could Be a Double-Edged Sword for Marvel Rivals
Initially, some fans were disappointed by the news that Marvel Rivals would feature third-person gameplay, and thus some kind of first-person mode coming to the game would be a boon for them. But Marvel Rivals' third-person perspective has become a core part of its identity, and one of its biggest selling points. The vast majority of hero shooters currently on the market – and those set for release in the coming months – use a first-person perspective, putting their shooting mechanics at the forefront of the experience. Marvel Rivals is able to stand out from the crowd immediately thanks to its third-person perspective.
According to NetEase developers, Marvel Rivals' third-person perspective is intended to make players really feel as though they're controlling these larger-than-life comic characters, which is easier to do when the player can see all of the game's character-specific animations and visual designs. It's also important to note that some of Marvel Rivals' character abilities simply wouldn't work from a first-person perspective, such as Spider-Man's web-swing and Star-Lord's air dodge, both of which would easily pose motion-sickness problems.
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
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
