Marvel Rivals has just launched after an extensive testing period. I found the game interesting during the playtest, though not particularly exciting. However, the addition of new playable characters, maps, and the buzz on social media convinced me to give it another shot on launch day. I wasn’t disappointed. With a wealth of characters, fun mechanics, and fantastic style, Marvel Rivals has quickly become my favorite hero shooter.
When I say that, keep in mind that hero shooters aren’t a genre I’m usually drawn to. My biggest Overwatch phase was back when the game launched in 2016. While I initially invested a lot of time into it and returned periodically over the years, my interest in Overwatch—and hero shooters in general—gradually faded. I tried other titles like Paladins, but they never quite captured what I wanted in an online game.
That said, Marvel Rivals has ultimately captured my attention. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes it stand out among other hero shooters, but I’ll do my best to break it down in this review. First, though, I’ll say this: if you’re considering trying the game, you absolutely should. Marvel Rivals is entirely free-to-play, and all 30+ heroes are available without cost, so there’s no barrier to entry.
Right from the start, using the Marvel IP for a hero shooter is a brilliant concept.
The main appeal of a hero shooter is its characters, and Marvel already has a vast library of iconic ones. With over 30 characters available at launch, Marvel Rivals gives players an impressive variety to choose from. Better yet, these are all established comic book characters with built-in fanbases, so there’s likely someone you already love.
One thing I really appreciate is how the game avoids over-relying on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, every character and map has its own distinct style and setting. That aesthetic, by the way, is phenomenal. While I’m not in love with every single character adaptation, most of them are fantastic, and the ones I don’t prefer often have alternate skins that look amazing. While spending money on a free game shouldn’t be necessary to enjoy it, those options are there for players who want to customize their characters.
Speaking of customization, the third-person perspective in Marvel Rivals is a game-changer. It not only makes battles easier to follow but also allows you to fully appreciate your character’s appearance. Gone are the days of spending $20 on a skin in Overwatch just to see it briefly in the character select screen or end-game lobby.
I quickly gravitated toward Wolverine—because, of course, I did. While his default look isn’t my favorite, I’ve always loved the character, and he’s a blast to play. Marvel Rivals cleverly shakes up the hero shooter formula by making melee characters not only viable but incredibly satisfying to use. Every character has a well-thought-out set of abilities that not only make them competitively viable but also stay true to the power fantasy of their comic book personas.
The level design in Marvel Rivals is equally impressive. I can’t speak to whether the maps are optimized for competitive balance, but they’re undeniably stunning. Each map has a cinematic theme, like a Wakandan palace or a Hydra bunker mid-Eldritch summoning, complete with opening cutscenes and character-specific lore dialogue. The environmental storytelling is top-notch, with the Hydra base being a personal favorite.
That said, skins in Marvel Rivals can be pricey. Most premium skins—those that go beyond simple recolors—cost around $18 if purchased with premium currency. However, everything in the game appears to be obtainable with free-earned currency, though the drop rate for these “Units” is understandably low.
I’d love to see the game expand its offerings with more cosmetics and heroes. While the current roster is impressive, I can’t help but feel the absence of some of my favorites, like Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Doctor Doom, and Deadpool. Hopefully, the developers add them sooner rather than later.
One potential concern is the possibility of roster overload. While I haven’t yet experienced “ability fatigue”—the confusion that comes from not knowing what every character does—I can see how a growing roster might intimidate new players. That said, League of Legends has over 200 playable characters and manages just fine, so why not let Marvel Rivals go all-in with its comic book roster? At the very least, give us Ghost Rider!
The Final Word
Marvel Rivals has hooked me back into the hero shooter genre with its huge roster of characters, exciting gameplay, and excellent sense of style.
Marvel Rivals was reviewed on the PC. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! Marvel Rivals is available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
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