Over the last few years, cosmetics have gradually become an ingrained part of the gaming world, especially in the live-service multiplayer genre. Cosmetics are often the best compromise between letting the developers maintain a consistent flow of income while not interfering with the actual mechanics or balancing of a game, thus being completely optional purchases.Marvel Rivalshas more than its fair share of optional,paid cosmeticsat launch.
Developer NetEase is fully embracingMarvel Rivals' premise, particularly when it comes to the multiplayer game’s bevy of alternate costumes. On launch day, players can discover a wealth of cosmetics inspired by all corners of the Marvel multimedia universe, from beloved comic runs to MCU movie appearances. It’s a really great start, but it’s going to be tricky forMarvel Rivalsto keep all of its fans happy when it comes to cosmetics, something thatOverwatch 2has learned over the last two years.
Marvel Rivals' Cosmetics Need to Stay on the Right Track
Marvel Rivals' Roster Is Being Treated Equally When It Comes to Cosmetics
At launch, each one ofMarvel Rivals' 33 playable heroeshas at least two alternate skins (aside from Moon Knight) that players can unlock from either the Season 0 Battle Pass, the in-game store, or by completing specific achievements. While every character has an alternate outfit that’s a fairly simple color palette swap, the other day-one cosmetic(s) is much more distinct, often being inspired by a specific Marvel comic book appearance or by an MCU design.
Of course, some characters have another one or two additional outfits, such as Spider-Man, Hela, and Hawkeye, but for the most part, everyone on the roster is treated equally on launch day. This approach is great to see, as when it comes toMarvel characters, every fan has their favorite. Ensuring everyone on the roster has at least a handful of skins each means every fan’s favorite character is catered for, and every player is thus incentivized to keep grinding to unlock their alternate outfits.
Marvel Rivals Can’t Fall Into Overwatch 2’s Cosmetic Pitfall
ButMarvel Rivals' roster might not stay equal for long if it falls into the same trap thatOverwatch 2has frequently found itself in. SinceOverwatch 2’s launch in October 2022, it’s become apparent that Blizzard seems to prefer creating cosmetics for a certain handful of heroes. This is especially evident when looking atOverwatch 2’s last few crossovers.
Reinhardt has been one of the most obvious examples of Blizzard’s favoritism. Reinhardt was front and center of theTransformers,World of Warcraft, andMy Hero Academiacollaborations. Kiriko is often cited as another main offender, with her receiving multiple new skins recently. In the recently leakedOverwatch 2xAvatar: The Last Airbendercrossover, Kiriko is set to receive another skin, which is already drawing criticism for potentially appearing in place of a Katara-inspired outfit.
While heroes like Kiriko, Reinhardt, Mercy, Widowmaker, Ashe, and Genji all receive new high-rarity skins at a frequent rate, much of the roster is left in the dust. Naturally, if a player’s favorite character is one of those unlucky lot who have been left behind, it’s not going to incentivize them to keep playing, as they’ve likely already unlocked all the outfits available to them.Marvel Rivalsneeds to make sure it’s not favoring the same handful of heroes every season.
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!
