In the realm of competitive gaming, there exists an intimidating hierarchy, where the top players reign supreme and the rest of us mere mortals strive to catch up. I’ve had my fair share of humbling experiences in this arena, and one that continues to haunt me is my encounter with Overwatch.
It was during a fateful day when a friend, a devout follower of Overwatch, invited me to join his competitive crew. Armed with a casual understanding of the game, I eagerly loaded into a match, Bastion in hand. However, my enthusiasm was swiftly crushed by the opposing team, their superior skills reducing me to a mere footnote in the carnage. As the final score flashed across the screen, one of my friend’s comrades couldn’t resist a passive-aggressive jab at my abysmal damage output. It was at that moment that I realized the chasm between my meager abilities and the heights achieved by the game’s elite.
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself once again grappling with feelings of inadequacy, this time while playing Marvel Rivals at the Summer Game Fest. Developed by NetEase, Marvel Rivals is an impressive superhero shooter that boasts a vast roster of Marvel characters, each with unique abilities that promise diverse strategies and captivating gameplay. However, as someone who typically approaches games like Overwatch with a casual mindset, I can’t help but feel like I’m already out of my league. My apologies to my future teammates for any inconvenience I may cause.
At its core, Marvel Rivals is a game that unapologetically borrows from the Overwatch blueprint. From its game modes to its user interface and in-game announcements, it feels like a game that has been carefully crafted by studying Blizzard’s notes. And why not? Overwatch has established an incredibly solid foundation, albeit one that has struggled with consistency. With NetEase’s expertise and the treasure trove of Marvel characters at their disposal, Marvel Rivals has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience.
On paper, it’s a winning combination. Each character I played during my brief time with the game felt distinct and engaging. Magneto’s ability to summon a protective shield, Spider-Man’s agility to swing through buildings and pummel enemies up close—these playstyles offer a wide range of options that blend seamlessly into the hero shooter formula. There’s an undeniable thrill in taking control of beloved characters and witnessing how NetEase has brought them to life.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the steep learning curve that Marvel Rivals presents. Compared to its peers, the game can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially in its early stages. The sheer diversity of hero powers can make it difficult to grasp what’s happening on the battlefield, a challenge compounded by the constant banter between characters during matches. The gameplay systems can also be confusing at first. Healing, for example, is so prevalent that it often feels like enemies can regain their health in an instant, rendering my attacks ineffective.
These factors made for a frustrating first two matches. In my first attempt, I chose Hela, but I struggled to understand how to inflict meaningful damage. After a dismal 0-7 record, I switched to Spider-Man, whose playstyle seemed more straightforward at first glance. I could swing around and sneak up on enemies, but I soon encountered another learning curve. The game’s incredibly fast pace, coupled with Spider-Man’s punches lacking real impact, made it difficult to move effectively or deal significant damage.
It’s important to emphasize that these challenges are not necessarily flaws in Marvel Rivals itself. Hero shooters are inherently complex, rewarding players who dedicate themselves to mastering the intricacies of each character. For dedicated fans, Marvel Rivals promises to be a gold mine of team strategy and character interplay. However, I can’t help but feel a sense of intimidation as I witness the daunting skill ceiling that the game presents. This may not deter me from playing it altogether. After all, I’m eager to see my favorite Marvel heroes brought to life in this new setting. However, it does suggest that I may have to resign myself to the casual playlists, leaving the ranked mode to those with the time and dedication to truly excel. I’m sure my future teammates will appreciate my self-awareness in this regard.
Marvel Rivals will enter closed beta this July for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC players. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how NetEase addresses the concerns of players like myself who are struggling to keep up with the game’s high skill ceiling. Will they implement features that make the game more accessible to casual players, or will they double down on the complexity that appeals to the hardcore crowd? Only time will tell.
