With eight maps at launch, three game types, a bevy of amazing cosmetics, and a bombastic premise that perfectly suits a comic-inspired hero shooter,Marvel Rivalshas made quite the impression on launch day. But the biggest highlight ofMarvel Rivals' launch is undoubtedly the game’s extensive roster, letting players take control of 33 iconic Marvel heroes and villains.
Though some have been criticized for borrowing a little too heavily from the competition,Marvel Rivals' 33 charactersare all worthwhile additions to the roster, with each one bringing a wealth of fun and useful abilities to the table. Thanks toMarvel Rivals' post-launch plans, this roster is going to get even better with age, but even now,Marvel Rivalsis already achieving something few hero shooters can; it has genuinely fun melee heroes.
Marvel Rivals' Melee Heroes Are a Real Highlight
Melee Plays a Much Larger Role in Marvel Rivals Than In Other Hero Shooters
Marvel Rivals' current rosteris home to at least seven heroes whose movesets could be considered melee-focused. Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Magik, Black Panther, Iron Fist, and Wolverine all have primary fire attacks and abilities that revolve around close-quarters combat, or at least heavily encourage it. Having so many melee-focused inMarvel Rivalsat launch gives the hero shooter two clear advantages.
The first advantage is that it offers hero shooter fans a playstyle that they rarely get to experience in the genre.Overwatch 2– arguably the leading hero shooter in the current market – has just two heroes whose movesets could be regarded as truly melee-focused. Whilecharacters like Junker Queen and Doomfisthave melee abilities, only Brigitte and Reinhardt have a melee-focused primary fire and ability set.Marvel Rivalshaving six melee-focused heroes off the bat gives hero shooter veterans quite a bit of variety in a playstyle they’re already not too used to.
The second advantage is that this infrequently-seen playstyle results in some rather unique combat scenarios and strategies that simply aren’t present inMarvel Rivals' competition. For instance, there’s a meta starting to form right now aroundIron Fist and Wolverine, and the best ways to stop them from unleashing devastating close-quarters strikes. While it might be frustrating to deal with Iron Fist and Wolverine’s unrelenting barrages, that new obstacle is invigorating for long-time hero shooter fans who desire a new kind of gameplay challenge.
Marvel Rivals Should Maintain Its Balance of Melee-Focused Heroes
Launch is only the beginning forMarvel Rivals.Developer NetEasehas already confirmed thatMarvel Rivalswill receive new heroes in its coming seasons, alongside new maps, modes, cosmetics, and battle passes. It’s currently unclear how many new characters will be added with eachMarvel Rivalsseason, or when the next new hero will drop. But when they do start to roll out, it’d be great to seeMarvel Rivalstry its best to maintain its balance of melee-focused and ranged heroes.
There are still plenty of beloved Marvel characters who could joinMarvel Rivals' team of melee heroes as well.X-Men brawlers like Colossus or Juggernautwould be great to see inMarvel Rivalsas new tanks. Daredevil is an obvious melee-focused inclusion that still needs to happen. Even some lesser-known Marvel characters like Hercules would be a worthwhile addition if it meantMarvel Rivalskept its current balance of melee and ranged heroes.
Marvel Rivals
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 RosterChoose 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 DynamicsWith 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 SynergyCoordinate 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 DestructionTear 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 UpdatesThe 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!
