Marvel Rivals Feels Like Classic Overwatch, For Better and Worse

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As a long-time Overwatch fan who played the game since its early beta days, I must admit that the launch of Overwatch 2 and its free-to-play model didn’t quite capture the magic of the original game for me. Don’t get me wrong, there were some improvements in terms of Quality of Life features and new characters, but the change to a 5v5 format and the removal of the RNG loot boxes felt lackluster compared to the unpredictability of the original.

When Blizzard introduced Overwatch 2 with the aim of reigniting interest in the hero shooter and welcoming new players who hadn’t experienced the original game, the unparalleled feel of Overwatch in 2016 remained unforgettable. The randomness of loot boxes and forming a well-balanced team were among its elements that made it a top competitive shooting game, despite certain imperfections.

1. The free-to-play launch of Overwatch 2 introduced numerous enhancements and new characters, yet it failed to rekindle the original spark. With Overwatch 2’s Season 10, players can now unlock every hero without having to grind the current battle pass, but the shift to a 5v5 game format continues to be a source of debate between players and developers.

Although Marvel Rivals‘ launch could hinder Concord’s growth, it might decrease Overwatch’s player numbers significantly. Previously, several Overwatch fans were considering switching to Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games’ new hero shooter, due to its promising beta results. The latest playtest suggests that Marvel Rivals could surpass Blizzard’s FPS offering.

1. Ever since I started playing Overwatch during Blizzard’s initial testing phase for their hero shooter game, I played it quite a lot until around 2019. Despite occasionally returning to the game, the excitement and charm seemed to fade. The announcement of Overwatch 2 was thrilling, but it didn’t resonate with me as much as I expected. However, with the upcoming launch of Marvel Rivals and the ongoing beta testing, the original Overwatch feelings are resurfacing once more.

Marvel Rivals has some flaws. Characters such as The Punisher and Luna Snow are too strong in certain situations, and advancing through the battle pass takes an excessively long time. Additionally, there are concerns about the reported MultiVersus-style character introduction at launch. Despite these drawbacks, Marvel Rivals bears a striking resemblance to Overwatch’s successor.

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An obvious comparison can be drawn to the successful 6vs6 structure of the original Overwatch game. This classic team setup with two tanks, two supports, and two damage dealers generally holds up in various situations. Although Marvel Rivals features classes that deviate from Overwatch’s straightforward format, the fundamental concept remains consistent.

You’ll find an impressive collection of both famous and lesser-known Marvel characters in the roster. Iconic figures like Spider-Man, Storm, and Hulk are present, while learning about newcomers such as Jeff and Luna adds to the experience. For fans of Overwatch lore, Rivals offers a rich Marvel-inspired backstory.

Nevertheless, the primary explanation for Marvel Rivals resembling early Overwatch gameplay is the disorder caused by players figuring out character abilities, experimenting with optimal teams, and enjoying themselves immensely. Witnessing Scarlet Witch eliminate our team with a single ultimate isn’t disappointing; instead, it’s thrilling to explore each hero’s potential. Moreover, Marvel Rivals’ distinctive synergy mechanics will maintain team compositions engaging for the upcoming period.

I’m excited to observe Blizzard’s response to Marvel Rivals in upcoming Overwatch 2 improvements. Regardless, discovering this game has revived the enchantment of Overwatch for me. I can’t guarantee it will remain my go-to forever, but at least Overwatch’s unexpected end created room for a top-notch hero shooter to thrive.

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2024-07-30 13:58