Unleash the Ultimate Team Brawler: Marvel Rivals Review Exposes the Good, the Bad, and the Overlooked

A Marvelous Disappointment: Marvel Rivals Review

The Not-So-Magical Reality of Team Battlers

As I stepped into the world of Marvel Rivals, a spin on the hero battler genre, I was met with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The iconic Marvel characters, the fast-paced action, and the competitive spirit all combined to create a thrilling prospect. Alas, my experience was more akin to a drag than a symphony. Unfortunately, Marvel Rivals, despite its potential, falls short of expectations, becoming a complex and dull experience.

A Tale of Good Intentions Foiled

The setup is straightforward: two teams of six heroes face off in a battle for supremacy. You can choose from a wide range of Marvel characters, from iconic figures like Iron Man and Wolverine to lesser-known characters like Squirrel Girl and Jeff the Land Shark. A variety of modes are available, including a practice arena and an arcade mode. However, the main event is the eternal 6v6 competition, and it’s where the game truly struggles.

The Devil in the Details

Marvel Rivals’ problems are not born from a single major issue but from a multitude of smaller, albeit critical, oversights. The lack of strategy and clarity are major contributors to this dearth of fun. The game’s lack of fundamental character archetypes, supporting character designs, and shrouded environmental design create a sense of disarray. The absence of a narrative thread or clear communication between abilities further dilutes the experience.

A One-Two Punch of Frustration

Frustration is amplified by the mismatched power levels, mercilessly punishing your team for even the slightest misstep. The matches are often lopsided, with one team dominating the other, rendering the game unenjoyable. The lack of a surrender option, the arduous walk back from each death, and the burden of frequent team deaths only exacerbate the issue.

A Lesson in the Power of Attention to Detail

In the end, I must admit that I don’t outright dislike Marvel Rivals. I appreciate the innovative special character team-ups and the enduring competitive spirit it inspires. However, I cannot help but contrast it unfavorably with the success of other team-based games like Overwatch or Heroes of the Storm. The Valorant team at Riot Games and Blizzard’s work on character design stand out as exemplary examples of the genre done right.

The Verdict

Marvel Rivals, for all its potential, falls short of being a truly enjoyable experience. The poor design choices, lack of strategy, and punishing gameplay mechanics combine to create a game that fails to capture the magic of its genre. As a fan of team-based games, I find myself appreciating the rivals that do it better, and Marvel Rivals serves as a lesson in the importance of attention to detail.

Accessibility Features

For those who prefer to play with accessibility in mind, Marvel Rivals offers: