Launching on December 6, Marvel Rivals might herald a new era for multiplayer superhero games. The roster of this online PVP shooter is looking packed, and fans might have spotted a new addition to the team.
Developed by NetEase Games, Marvel Rivals promises to be the ultimate hero shooter in the Marvel multiverse. Marvel Comics celebrated its upcoming release with exclusive variant covers, using in-game artwork to headline characters like Spider-Man, Magik, and Venom. This 6v6 player-versus-player title will involve a yet more impressive line-up spanning 27 playable characters. From Adam Warlock to Loki and Magneto, all will be available from the outset. The studio has hinted at an ever-evolving roster of superheroes and supervillains. During a beta testing phase, gamers battled it out with fan-favorites like Doctor Strange and Black Panther.Recently, the reveal of a brand-new character has fueled speculation as to the inclusion of another Avenger in the cast.
The avatar of the Egyptian moon god, embodied by the mercenary Marc Spector, has been confirmed in the game as a duelist. Viewers of IGN First enjoyed a 5-minute-long exclusive footage, which may have accidentally teased the presence of Hawkeye. One observant Reddit user shared a screenshot of Moon Knight reveal gameplay where Clint Barton shows up in the game’s kill feed after being crushed by the Winter Soldier. Displayed on screen in the same way as the kill feed in Overwatch 2, this feature indicates the Winter Soldier is later defeated by the Hulk.
While the addition of Hawkeye remains to be confirmed, his inclusion in the gameplay footage may not have been as random as meets the eye. Hinting at a rather deliberate endeavor, the account name that belongs to the bow-wielding hero matches the one used during the Psylocke showcase disclosed on IGN in early November. Such a covert yet intentional display may be one powerful way for the studio to rouse hawk-eyed fans and build hype until the game’s official release date. Furthermore, Hawkeye’s popularity has reached new heights following the series’ launch on Disney Plus. The show starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld ranks among the ten most popular Disney originals on IMDb, alongside Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight.
The gameplay details revealed so far indicate that the studio has carefully considered each character’s implementation, working hard to balance their in-game playstyle with the abilities established in the Marvel lore. Last appearing in movie theatres in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, King of the Seas Namor can summon aquatic creatures in the arena. Playing center stage in Marvel’s The Punisher, vigilante Frank Castle wields an arsenal of futuristic weapons. Hence, fans have been asking for other beloved characters to join the squad. Beyond Hawkeye, the game could add X-Men legends to its roster, with Cyclops or Wolverine lending a hand to Storm in an all-mutant alliance.
As anticipation builds up among fans, Marvel Rivals is proof enough that the superhero fatigue taking over cinemas does not extend to the gaming world. While recent movies like The Marvels or Madame Webb have failed to break even at the box office, with the latter being called the worst superhero flick ever, studios and publishers have seemingly found the recipe for success in the gaming medium. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was one of the chart-toppers of 2023 and became one of the best-grossing games on the PS5 with 11 million copies sold. Another PS5 exclusive, Marvel’s Wolverine could even outperform its predecessor. This standalone entry taking place in Marvel’s Spider-Man series is currently under development.
Superhero love is just as prevalent in the iGaming world. Users can find many superhero-themed online slots like The Incredible Hulk or Legend of Loki. These free options can help first-timers grasp the gameplay mechanics before switching to real money slots. A treasure trove of promotions, such as deposit bonuses and free spins, allows players to explore progressive jackpot games and 3D slots. Promoting fairness and transparency, reputable platforms undergo regular testing by independent authorities to ensure their integrity and security. Besides, they offer a variety of safe payment methods, with top websites prioritizing fast transactions and low withdrawal limits.
The wait is almost over for Marvel Rivals, which drops in less than a month on PC and consoles. Ahead of its release, this free-to-play title has disclosed one of its upcoming Thor-centered cosmetics centered around Thor – in line with a recent trailer revealing Yggsgard as one of the game’s main maps.
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