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- Marvel Rivals feels like an uninspired Overwatch clone despite featuring Marvel characters.
- Characters like Magneto and The Hulk felt underwhelming and failed to stand out.
- The beta showed balance issues and missed opportunities, falling short of expectations.
When I first heard about Marvel Rivals, I was excited about a fast-paced, team-based game featuring Marvel heroes. However, the game’s demanding Unreal Engine 5 causes it to run at 1440p on the Xbox Series X and PS5 and as low as 540p on the Xbox Series S.
Despite these impressive visuals, the closed beta disappointed me, as it didn’t quite meet my high expectations. Marvel Rivals mimics Overwatch in a third-person perspective, featuring characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Panther in team-based superhero action.
One of the biggest letdowns was how familiar everything felt, closely meeting Overwatch in characters and game modes. The similarities make it feel less like a unique Marvel experience and more like an uninspired clone.
Familiar Heroes
Some moments made me smile. The first time I picked Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, from the roster, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. But as I started playing, instead of feeling like a powerful mutant, I felt like an imitation of Sigma and Zarya from Overwatch.
It is similar to Sigma with explosive attacks, a deployable shield, and a similar ultimate. Like Zarya’s bubble, he also can power up his other attacks when allies take damage.
It wasn’t just Magneto. Every character I tried felt like a version of someone else’s idea. The Punisher, who I had high hopes for, ended up being a standard “point and shoot” hero, lacking the gritty, no-nonsense edge that makes Frank Castle so compelling.
People feel disappointed with the Hulk, who should be a wrecking ball of destruction, felt lacklustre. Sure, he can “Hulk out” as his ultimate ability, but until then, he’s just Bruce Banner with a gun. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly unique gameplay experience.
Overwhelming Visuals And Balance Issues
The visuals, while initially stunning, quickly became overwhelming. Many people liked the comic book-inspired art style. But instead of feeling immersed in the action, I felt detached, as if I was watching a chaotic fireworks display rather than playing a game.
It was hard to focus on the important details, like my health bar or the position of my enemies. The result was a gameplay experience that was more frustrating than fun.
Balance issues also plagued my time with Marvel Rivals. More often than not, matches were either complete blowouts or unreasonably one-sided. I either steamrolled the opposing team or was crushed by them.
The idea of a close, competitive game seemed distant. Certain heroes felt overpowered, while others were practically useless. This inconsistency made it difficult to develop any strategy, and I relied more on luck than skill.
Glimmers Of Fun Amidst Missed Opportunities
Despite all these shortcomings, there were still moments of fun. I’ll admit, taking down a group of enemies with Magneto’s ultimate ability, launching a metal meteor at them, was satisfying.
The in-game banter between characters was a nice touch, adding a bit of personality to the otherwise sterile atmosphere. But these moments were few and far between, and they weren’t enough to outweigh my overall disappointment.
As I wrapped up my time with the beta, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Marvel Rivals was a missed opportunity. The game has potential. There’s no denying that. But as it stands, it feels more like a reskin of Overwatch than a truly innovative hero shooter.
Marvel Rivals could become something special with more polish, better balance, and a stronger focus on making each hero feel unique and powerful. But for now, it falls short of the mark.
Will I keep an eye on the game as it continues to develop? Absolutely. I want to believe that NetEase can turn things around and deliver the Marvel hero shooter we all hoped for. Here’s hoping that by the time it officially launches, those moments will be the norm rather than the exception.
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Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
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