The setup here is brisque and simple enough.
It isn’t reductivist to just say this really is Marvel Overwatch.
I should preface all this by saying I really haven’t had a terrible time with Marvel Rivals.
The problem is it just fails to ever, really, be particularlyenjoyable.
I’ve experienced something while playing Marvel Rivals.
But none, when I really think about it, that ever really landed on fun.
Let’s get into it then.
Which is this: a sense of ongoing, organic, ever-changing tactical narrative.
For one, Marvel Rivals' visual, environmental, and level design has some issues.
A separate point really, but many areas of many maps are also just far, far too dark.
Compounding this is a similar lack of visual clarity and identity to the heroes' abilities.
It’s his catchphrase!
- but that’s another separate point I’ll get to).
The Asgard team-up is a nice example.
When switched on and playing with the team in mind, the combination can be lethal.
The battle isconstant, no moments of ebb and flow, no waiting to pounce, no respite.
Crucially, I reckon: no chokepoints.
Gosh, how I miss a good chokepoint here in Marvel Rivals.
My mind keeps darting to that big, horrible wall in the first Overwatch’s Hanamura.
How well can you coordinate, and stay organised with this group of strangers?
How well can you time and aim your ultimate?
This extends to much of Marvel Rivals' too-many heroes.
Take the aforementioned Jeff the Land Shark.
This is too many things!
It’s also not just Jeff; it’s a clear design philosophy across the roster.
Unfortunately the little issues don’t end there.
Marvel Rivals' writing, performances and general characterisation are sadly quite poor.
I punish criminals".
Talk about a conversation killer, Magik!
Separate audio sliders for sound, music, etc.
Subtitles and voiceover tweaks.
Frankly I could go on.
I’ll leave it at that.
I should emphasise, one last time, that I don’t really mind Marvel Rivals.
I like the invention of special character team-ups, which feels perfectly Marvel in itself.
I like the enduring sense of competition it inspires.
I just don’t truly like much else.
Making a truly brilliant one is perhaps even harder.
A copy of Marvel Rivals was independently sourced for review by Eurogamer.
