Marvel Rivals has been shaking up the hero-shooter scene with its robust gameplay, diverse hero roster, and impressive animations. Though it has yet to emerge from its playtesting phase, Marvel Rivals is already showing great potential for long-term success. One notable feature of the game is its storytelling, which unfolds through various elements such as the battle pass, maps, hero lore, and cinematic trailers.
With an abundance of background stories to explore, Marvel Rivals may be setting a new standard for other games in the genre. While other hero-shooters like Concord use weekly in-game cinematics to develop their roster, and games like Overwatch 2 release animated shorts with new heroes, NetEase Games seems to be raising the bar by incorporating storytelling elements into as many aspects of the game as possible. By leveraging recognizable characters and locations, it's clear that Marvel Rivals is already making full use of its story elements.
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Marvel Rivals Is Fully Leveraging Its Rich Lore
Marvel Rivals Maps Are A Stand-Out Feature
Marvel Rivals currently features four maps, with more expected to be unveiled as the game approaches its official launch. The current rotation includes:
- Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya
- Tokyo 2099: Spider-Islands
- Yggsgard: Royal Palace
- Yggsgard: Yggdrasill Path
These maps are more than just locations for battles to occur. For instance, the loading screens for both Tokyo 2099 maps provide a detailed backstory explaining how the Master Weaver is attempting to strengthen the Web of Life and Destiny using energy from a temporal rift caused by the Timestream Entanglement. At the same time, his apprentice, Spider-Zero from Earth-19166, has launched her own mission to stitch the rift closed despite being banished from the Shrine. As a result, on Tokyo 2099 maps, attacking players are tasked with either rescuing Spider-Zero from a Force Field prison or assisting her in repairing the Web.
In contrast, Yggsgard maps depict a rebellion brewing against Loki, who has usurped Odin's throne and declared himself King of Asgard. On the Domination map, Royal Palace, teams fight in a king-of-the-hill style environment in a best-two-out-of-three format to capture locations such as the Bifrost Garden, the Throne Room, or Odin's Archive. Similarly, in Convoy, teams are either allied with Thor to destroy Loki's Yggdrasil Tapping Device or aligned with Loki to protect it. According to the information available before a Yggsgard match begins, Thor's chariot-pulling goats, Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder, are heading toward the roots of Yggdrasil to summon Thor's hammer and restore balance to the Ten Realms.
Marvel Rivals Seasonal Storytelling Shows Great Potential
While not explicitly mentioned on in-game maps, the cataclysmic Timestream Entanglement event was orchestrated by the infamous Doctor Doom. This revelation is clear to those versed in Marvel Comics, who have delved deep into the battle pass lore, or who have watched the Marvel Rivals cinematic trailer, 'No One Rivals Doom.' As the mastermind behind the cosmic chaos, Doom is poised to be a central antagonist in the game's overarching narrative. This cosmic catastrophe has forced heroes and villains from across the multiverse into uneasy alliances, each vying to defeat Doom before he masters all realities.
Interestingly, NetEase Games has announced that Marvel Rivals will feature extensive post-launch content and updates. With future maps, seasonal storytelling, and new characters set to advance the game's plot, Marvel Rivals' narrative prospects are quite vast. Furthermore, the game’s vast pool of lore generates anticipation for map-specific stories, and knowledge of these storylines could be exciting for comic book fans eager to see familiar elements come to life.
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
