On Dec. 5, 2024, Marvel Rivals was introduced to the world. The game brings characters from the different Marvel universes into one place. In 2 teams of 5, players can choose from over 30 different superheroes and supervillains to compete in various challenges. The game has become very popular due to huge interest in Marvel, as it continues to grow their user base into 2025, while maintaining their original fanbase. The total user base is large with a population of more than 20 million in downloads. Marvel Rivals averages 300,000 players a day just on the online gaming platform Steam. Though the game is still underdeveloped, it is forecasted to become an established name in the gaming industry.
Before the game, I didn’t anticipate Marvel Rivals being too different compared to other team-based games such as Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, Destiny 2 and more, but as I began playing, the mechanics surpassed my expectations. Characters are able to utilize unique abilities to survive against their opponents. These abilities include the “Team-Up” mechanic, where specific hero combinations can grant players special powers and advantages against other teams. An example of a “Team-Up” combination is the “Ammo Overload” as it allows the characters Punisher and Rocket Racoon to get unlimited ammo in their weapons within a vicinity. This feature is unique to Marvel Rivals, and isn’t super typical of team-based games.
Out of all 30 options, I would have to say my favorite character is Spider-Man. This is mainly due to Spider-Man’s wide array of moves and powers. For his basic skill set, Spider-Man has the ability to punch enemy players and shoot webs. His more distinctive abilities include, my personal favorites, the “Spectacular Spin” and the “Get over here!” moves. During the “Spectacular Spin”, Spider-Man spins around and shoots highly damaging webs, while the “Get over here!” brings an enemy to Spider-Man so he can inflict damage up close. Although the mechanics of Spider-Man’s moves can get a bit complicated, the challenge becomes really fun and engaging once you master the proper techniques to kill enemies.
The graphics are controversial as it is, called by many of the Marvel Rivals community members to be similar to another game called Overwatch 2. Additionally, both of these games have a comic book aesthetic and are unique. A huge population of Marvel Rivals players agree that this game is almost like a clone of Overwatch 2, and they will also say that Marvel Rivals is been better than Overwatch 2 from experience. I have personally played both games and they feel really similar. The map format of Marvel Rivals is also similar to Overwatch 2 making it controversial. I agree that the Marvel Rivals map format and graphics are similar to Overwatch 2.
The maps are very brilliantly made. In my opinion, the developers made the maps so well allowing there to be a spot on the map where all the brawls happen so there is consistent fighting most of the time. Everyone runs to the middle and from there, only chaos occurs. You will see Iron Man shooting bullets with Spider-Man in the air throwing punches and ultimate moves being used in different combinations. The names of the maps are like none other as they all have a similar format where they start out slow, and quickly turn chaotic. All of these elements make the game extremely fun as it causes players to make many interactions within seconds.
Overall, the game is top tier for being very new and free to play. As time goes by, I think that the game will develop and the player base will keep increasing with updates. It is beyond impressive for a brand new game like Marvel Rivals to have these statistics. Personally, I had a great experience with this game and I would recommend it for people who want to get into some chaos and action which makes it more engaging. However, the only critique I have for the game is as I played, sometimes it was hard to get back to the battle after you respawn from death. I would give Marvel Rivals a 9 out of 10 as it was a great game. Overall, the game is really fun and I believe many people would like to play it as it continues to gain popularity in the future.
