Marvel Comics and NetEase Games will take their first step in the realm of hero shooter games on Friday, December 6 with the release ofMarvel Rivals. Playable on PC, the PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms, this latest third-person Marvel game will have players embody some of Marvel Comics’ most iconic heroes, villains, and creatures, such as Black Panther, Magneto, and the comical Jeff the Land Shark.Marvel Rivals’ gameplay and art design is similar to fellow hero shooter gameOverwatch, with the two games both featuring dozens of characters, 6v6 game modes, and are both free-to-play. While it remains to be seen ifRivalswill reach the same heights asOverwatch, it may inspire DC Comics to develop a hero shooter of its own.
The Setup for Marvel Rivals
Initially announced in March,Marvel Rivalsis the result ofDoctor Doom meeting Doctor Doom 2099, which causes several universes from across Marvel’s multiverse to merge. Here, heroes and villains from universes of all kinds will fight each other for a chance to defeat the multiverse-tampering Latverian. Doctor Doom isn’t the only existential threat facing Marvel’s heroes, however, as the estranged daughter of Galactus known as Galacta will oversee each conflict and world during this crisis. InRivals’ Cinematic Trailer, five distinct worlds are shown, though it’s expected that most of the playable heroes come from as-yet-unseen Earths.
In terms of gameplay, most if not all characters are equipped with both melee and ranged attacks, such as Hulk’s iconic smash ground pound and his ability to grant some of his gamma radiation to Iron Man for a gamma supercharged laser attack. Each character additionally utilizes their own unique abilities, such as Moon Knight being able to summon the arms of Khonshu to pummel foes and Illyana Rasputina, otherwise known as the mutant Magik, being able to transform into the demonic Darkchylde. So far, nine maps have been confirmed to appear inRivals' first season, includingthe Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, Tokyo 2099, Yggsgard, and the Charteris Base: Hell’s Heaven to name a few.
Marvel Rivals’complete roster of fighters so far includes:
The Potential of a DC Comics Hero Shooter
The numerous heroes and villains from the expansive multiverse of DC Comics have great potential to launch a hero shooter game similar toMarvel Rivals. The game’s story could be structured similarly toRivals, with the Anti-Monitor and the Batman Who Laughs possibly serving as great villains to threaten the multiverse and bring heroes together, much like Doctor Doom and Galacta.Rivals’ story is already structurally similar to the famousDC Comics storylineCrisis on Infinite Earths, so Warner Bros. could easily adapt that storyline into a hero shooter game of their own. This game could have maps set on multiple different Earths, such as the Russian-dominated world of Earth-30, or on other planets, such as the Green Lantern’s headquarters of Oa.
Multiple stand-out heroes and villains can fill this hypothetical DC hero shooter game in several unique ways.Green Lantern Kyle Raynercould serve as a tank by operating one of his many mech constructs based on popular Japanese manga and anime. Meanwhile, Green Arrow could play as a sniper with each of his unique arrows offering different damage types, such as his boxing glove arrow dealing more damage in close quarters, while his kryptonite arrow could deal more damage against Kryptonians.
Many fighters could come from alternate Earths and display new abilities. For instance, Deathstroke could be based on his Viking-like appearance fromDark Knights of Steel,while Wonder Woman could be based on her Princess of Hell incarnation from the Absolute Universe.
Possible Hurdles of a DC Comics Hero Shooter
WhileMarvel Rivals’ looks to be a promising new entry in the hero shooter genre, like any game, it’s not guaranteed to be an instant financial success or popular release. In the lackluster wake ofOverwatch 2, hero shooters have steadily been on the decline and become less popular in multiplayer arenas. Even recent hero shooter games heavily supported by industry giants, such asConcordfrom Sony, have failedafter release. A DC Comics hero shooter game may need to make breakthroughs in the genre to stand-out such as an in-depth campaign or dedicated PVE mode to achieve some modicum of success in the ever-changing gaming market.
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!
