The Marvel universe spans an incredible array of stories, filled with thousands of characters, various superhero teams, iconic storylines, legendary settings, and countless alternate universes, each giving its unique flavor to this grand tapestry. Even though Marvel Rivals is just starting on its journey, it’s already showing great promise in honoring the expansive Marvel universe in all its glory.
In its first season, Marvel Rivals features 35 playable characters, with two more expected to debut soon. These characters hail from every corner of the Marvel multiverse—from the Avengers and X-Men to the Brotherhood of Mutants and the Fantastic Four—creating a truly inclusive Marvel experience. However, there’s a hint of nostalgia in its current lineup, serving as a reminder of a Marvel project that met an untimely end.
Marvel Rivals provides fans with probably the closest experience to a Spider-Verse video game adaptation. Originally introduced in 2010’s Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, the Web of Life and Destiny is a crucial element in the Spider-Verse narrative, connecting all the Spider-Totems—individuals bitten by power-granting radioactive spiders—throughout the multiverse. This concept finds its place in Marvel Rivals too.
Set against the backdrop of two Tokyo 2099 maps, Marvel Rivals uses the Web of Life and Destiny as a pivotal part of gameplay. Players have the choice to either help Spider-Zero fix the temporal rift caused by the Timestream Entanglement or assist the Master Weaver in harnessing the rift’s energy for the Web of Life and Destiny.
Moreover, players can step into the shoes of Peter Parker’s Spider-Man and Peni Parker, two key Spider-Totems. Venom, though not a traditional Spider-Totem, can join the team as well, adding a unique dynamic. These characters engage in various interactions, some of which nod to the wider Spider-Verse, adding another layer of depth to the game.
Yet, the joyous celebration of the Spider-Verse in Marvel Rivals stirs up some old feelings for Spider-Man enthusiasts. Back in December 2023, a major leak revealed Insomniac Games was working on a Spider-Verse multiplayer spinoff, reportedly called “Spider-Man: The Great Web.” However, it soon surfaced that this project had been canceled some time ago. Initial reactions were mild, as the game’s existence had just come to light. But in March 2024, leaked trailers stirred up longing for what could have been in this multiplayer Spider-Verse world.
Insomniac Games is known for its strong single-player, story-driven titles, so the decision to cancel a large-scale multiplayer Spider-Man game might have been wise. Still, the potential of a multiplayer Spider-Verse concept was tantalizing, and it leaves fans wondering about the directions Insomniac’s Spider-Man series could have taken.
Marvel Rivals is a dynamic 6v6 team-based PVP shooter filled with fast-paced action and continuously evolving gameplay. Players can assemble a team of Marvel favorites from the Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and beyond. This game offers unique character synergies, allowing unexpected strategic maneuvers, like teaming up Rocket Raccoon riding on Groot. Players can also destroy environments creatively, using superpowers to reshape the battlefield to gain an advantage.
With each season bringing new heroes and maps, Marvel Rivals promises ongoing excitement and innovation in its immersive universe. Developed and published by NetEase Games, it harnesses the power of Unreal Engine 5, offering a visually captivating experience. Released on December 6, 2024, it’s available on PlayStation, Xbox, and more, promising a thrilling multiplayer adventure for Marvel fans everywhere.
