Isn’t this is a little late? That was the question at the forefront of my mind having had the chance to sit down and play Marvel Rivals at Summer Games Fest earlier this month. Developer NetEase, the upcoming title aims to combine the thrill of Overwatch with the iconic characters of the Marvel universe. But amid a saturated genre and an ebbing wave of Marvel mania, I have doubts as to whether Marvel Rivals will prove anything more than a flash in the pan.
There’s no doubt Marvel Rivals borrows heavily from Overwatch, mimicking its core mechanics almost to a fault. Players engage in 6v6 matches, battling over objectives with a roster of characters each equipped with unique abilities. The primary difference is the third-person perspective, offering a slightly altered gameplay experience but not enough to feel genuinely novel. This shift might appeal to those who prefer a broader field of view but ultimately, the gameplay feels eerily similar to Overwatch’s first-person action.
Of course, Overwatch was a monumental success upon its release, but it’s fair to say the brand has seen a decline, especially with the sequel’s lackluster reception. Marvel Rivals feels rather like it’s chasing a trend that has already peaked. Moreover, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen its cultural dominance wane post-Avengers: Endgame, with recent movies and shows failing to capture the same magic. If I hadn’t made it obvious enough already, this convergence of a fading gameplay style with a waning franchise certainly raises some red flags in terms of timing.
None of this is to say Marvel Rivals can’t be a success, though. When you copy popular trends with a baked-in audience, you’re always likely to find a player base. And to be fair, during my play session, Marvel Rivals did impress with its smooth performance and polished graphics. The character models are nicely detailed, and their abilities feel true to their Marvel origins. Spider-Man swings around the map with agility, while Iron Man flies and unleashes devastating ranged attacks. Storm’s weather-based powers and Hulk’s brute strength are all faithfully represented, offering an authentic Marvel experience.
The gameplay, however, felt predictably familiar. The verticality and traversal options certainly do add a layer of excitement, particularly with aforementioned characters like Spider-Man and Iron Man. Yet, despite these elements, the overall experience didn’t stray far from the Overwatch formula. The matches are fast-paced and chaotic, but they lack the innovative spark I like to see from newcomers to a genre (see Fragpunk). Perhaps that’s not what the team is trying to achieve here, but I do feel like the lack of major iteration might prove a detriment.
As you’d expect, Marvel Rivals promises an extensive roster of Marvel heroes and villains, spanning various teams like the Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy. These will presumably be added to further down the line, but there’s already a solid roster to choose from. Elsewhere, the game’s environments are destructible and dynamic, which does add some freshness to the gameplay experience — though I can’t honestly say this was a major takeaway for me during my preview.
NetEase has been keen to highlight the combination of character powers to create unique Team-Up skills, and it’s these utility combos that will determine the meta as they do in other hero shooters. I couldn’t really get a proper feel for that given everyone in the play session was a newcomer to the game. Still, there’s no doubt combining Spidey’s webs with Star Lord’s blaster is going to make for some fun gameplay whether you’re a Marvel fan or not.
The real challenge for Marvel Rivals will be maintaining player interest post-launch. Games like Overwatch thrive on consistent updates and community engagement. Whether NetEase can keep up with the demands of a live-service game remains to be seen. The initial buzz might draw players in, but long-term success will hinge on robust support and fresh content.
Marvel Rivals is a polished, competent hero shooter that capitalizes on the Marvel brand. However, it feels more like a reskin of Overwatch than a revolutionary new game. Its success will likely depend on the enduring loyalty of Marvel fans and the developer’s ability to sustain engagement with new content and updates. In a genre and franchise both past their prime, Marvel Rivals may find it tough to carve out a lasting niche.
Marvel Rivals has potential, especially for those who have been longing for a hero shooter with their favorite Marvel characters. But for others, it may feel like a case of too little, too late. The game’s ultimate fate will rest on its ability to offer more than just a familiar experience in a new skin.
If you’re keen to jump in and try it yourself, a Marvel Rivals beta is coming later this month.
