NetEase Gamesnew hero shooter Marvel Rivalscould not have kicked off its Closed Beta Test at a better time.
It was then almost immediately shown up by Marvel Studios, which dropped a Robert Downey Jr.-sizedbombshell.
How does Marvel Rivals play?
Marvel Rivals can be inconsistent in the way it translates iconic Marvel heroes to gameplay.
Rocket Raccoon has Torbjorns original kit, down to throwing out armour packs for his allies.
), and the list goes on.
It actually never ends.
More to the point, having these iconic Marvel heroes play like Overwatch characters cheapens their very appeal.
Almost every one of these characters is more fun to play somewhere else.
Thats the last time Ill mention Overwatch, I promise.
What Marvel Rivals gets right
Theres a lot to like about Marvel Rivals.
The games cosmetics seem to range from emotes to skins, and they all look pretty fantastic.
Without a doubt, Marvel Rivals biggest draw is its massive playable roster.
Flying, for example, is a little strange in this game.
Interestingly, Marvel Rivals also has level destruction - a key differentiator in its genre.
Combat animations are a noticeably mixed bag.
Granted, animation work can be difficult in a fast-paced game like this.
The latter seems to be the main problem here, especially in melee combat.
Melee characters simply dont have enough onscreen feedback to make them satisfying to use.
Instead, his punches and thunderclaps feel airy and aimless, like he cant quite land a direct hit.
