Marvel Rivals
- December 5, 2024
- NetEase Games
- 16h median play time
Get on Steam"Marvel Rivals" is a team-based PVP shooter where players can choose from a variety of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains to form a squad and battle in destructible environments. The game offers fast-paced action with ever-changing game dynamics and encourages players to coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills.
PC
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- optimization5,063 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 32 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Marvel Rivals" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from players, with many citing severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and long loading times, particularly on lower-end systems. Despite some players reporting smooth experiences on high-end rigs, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, often requiring significant adjustments to settings just to achieve playable frame rates. Many reviewers express hope for future patches to address these critical optimization problems, as they significantly detract from an otherwise enjoyable gameplay experience.
“Extremely fun game that is pretty well optimized.”
“The game itself is fun but has serious optimization issues.”
“The game is fun, it is good, and I recommend it, but it is not competitive and it has so many performance issues that contribute to that.”
“The current downside of it is game optimization; sometimes you will get stutter issues and unresponsiveness even though your hardware is good.”
“The game is horribly optimized, and as of the latest update, it is very difficult to even get into a game, let alone have it run smoothly.”
“This game is very poorly optimized; I'm using a system that isn't good but also isn't bad, and I'm stuck at 5 fps. It's not like I haven't lowered the resolution; it's at 720p.”
- gameplay4,720 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Marvel Rivals" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its addictive and fun mechanics, vibrant character designs, and the unique team-up abilities that encourage strategic play. However, criticisms often focus on issues such as poor optimization, unbalanced characters, and a chaotic gameplay experience that can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Overall, while the game offers a fresh take on the hero shooter genre, it faces challenges in performance and balance that could impact its long-term appeal.
“The gameplay is well-designed and offers a variety of playstyles, making it engaging and versatile.”
“With its polished, well-rounded gameplay and engaging design, it stands out as a near-perfect entry in the genre.”
“The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic—in a good way.”
“The gameplay is clunky and yucky.”
“The overall gameplay of rivals is very meh.”
“From the jankiness of the gameplay, lack of optimization, and use of bots in PvP modes, I don't see myself playing this game for the foreseeable future.”
- graphics3,351 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Marvel Rivals" have received mixed feedback from players. Many praise the vibrant, comic-inspired art style and detailed character designs, highlighting the game's visual appeal and smooth animations. However, numerous users report significant performance issues, including low frame rates and crashes, even on high-end systems, indicating that the game is poorly optimized for its graphical demands. Overall, while the visuals are often described as stunning, the optimization challenges detract from the gaming experience for many players.
“The graphics and art style are insane, to the point it really stands out against its competitors.”
“The vibrant, comic-inspired art style and flashy animations make every battle a spectacle.”
“The graphics are stunning, capturing the essence of the Marvel universe with incredible detail and artistry.”
“This game is very poorly optimized; I'm using a system that isn't bad but I'm stuck at 5 fps even on the lowest settings. The graphics are mediocre at best, and it doesn't excuse the performance issues when I can run other games smoothly.”
“Even on the lowest graphics settings, I still get the occasional moment where my frames drop into the negative integers. It's frustrating to have a modern high-end computer and not be able to play with decent graphics.”
“The graphics are laughably bad for a game released in 2024. I shouldn't be struggling to get above 130 frames with a 3080 on all low graphics.”
- monetization770 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The monetization model in "Marvel Rivals" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its focus on cosmetic-only microtransactions and the absence of pay-to-win elements. The battle pass system is generally viewed as fair, allowing players to complete it at their own pace without the pressure of expiration, although some criticize the pricing of skins and the complexity of in-game currencies. Overall, while some players express concerns about potential future greediness, many find the current monetization practices to be a refreshing change from other titles in the genre, particularly compared to "Overwatch 2."
“The monetization seems fair and the earnable in-game currencies feel valuable.”
“The never-expiring battle pass is amazing, and I hope Netease can keep their monetization the way it is... overall 12/10 amazing.”
“Monetization is purely for cosmetics and collectibles.”
“Monetization is horrible; there's almost no way for free-to-play players to earn skins from the shop.”
“The worst kind of 'grind now, or regret later' monetization.”
“It's just overflowing with passion and care, the gameplay is balanced, the monetization model is fair... I can't praise it enough.”
- story759 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect has received mixed feedback, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a traditional narrative or campaign mode. While some appreciate the character lore and the integration of Marvel's rich history into missions, others criticize the mission-based progression system that feels disconnected from a cohesive story. Overall, players are eager for more substantial storytelling elements and a dedicated PvE mode to enhance their experience.
“The story modes are fun and compelling, drawing you into epic Marvel storylines with twists and turns that keep you invested.”
“What truly sets Marvel Rivals apart is its dedication to storytelling.”
“Packed with lore, customizable characters, and epic storylines, it’s a love letter to Marvel fans and a must-play for anyone craving competitive, superhero-driven excitement.”
“The game lacks a coherent story, making it feel like an empty shell—a pretty one, maybe, but hollow nonetheless.”
“Marvel's characters are ripe for dynamic storytelling, yet the game fails to leverage this incredible resource, delivering a shallow, action-only experience that feels utterly disconnected from the Marvel universe's spirit.”
“The battle pass progression is frustratingly slow, as it is tied almost entirely to missions, leaving players feeling like they are grinding for rewards rather than enjoying a narrative experience.”
- character development706 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Character development in "Marvel Rivals" has received widespread acclaim for its stunning character designs that are both visually appealing and true to the source material. Players appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of the character roster, with many noting that the designs enhance gameplay and provide a strong sense of identity for each hero. However, some critiques highlight concerns over the oversexualization of female characters and the complexity of certain designs, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
“The character designs are not only visually stunning but also distinct in their playstyles, making every match feel unique and exciting.”
“The character designs are a highlight, capturing the essence of each hero while adding a modern, cohesive aesthetic that fits the game's tone.”
“The character designs and animations are insanely well done, the presentation and aesthetics are top notch and the art style is everything you could ask for.”
“The character designs are so bad too.”
“The worst aspect of the game is the class/hero/character design.”
“Some character designs miss the mark.”
- stability555 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 87 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and significant frame rate drops, particularly during intense gameplay moments. Many users have experienced issues such as getting stuck on loading screens, character models failing to load, and overall poor optimization, even on high-end systems. While some players have managed to enjoy the game without major issues, the consensus is that the game is currently plagued by bugs and performance problems that hinder the overall experience.
“It looks great, runs great, plays fine, is fun, and has battle passes cheaper than a drink at a coffee shop.”
“For a game to be so smooth and polished and relatively bug-free on release should not be surprising, but it is.”
“This game is amazing, smooth, not buggy, plays well.”
“I have experienced freezes and insane stuttering almost every single game I've tried to play, which results in getting disconnected 99.999% of the time; occasionally I can reconnect (although sometimes it takes multiple attempts and/or I may reconnect and immediately crash again), but most of the time I just get stuck staring at a frozen screen, not even able to close the game or launcher, until the entire game crashes, which has resulted in me dropping several ranks and going from a 5 minute penalty straight to a full damn hour...so, you know, I've given up on ranked for the time being.”
“The game freezes and crashes constantly.”
“Game freezes constantly while playing and I'm running on ultra performance mode!”
- humor403 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Marvel Rivals" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's chaotic and unpredictable nature as a source of laughter. The character interactions, witty voice lines, and absurd scenarios—such as Jeff the shark's antics—add a layer of charm that enhances the overall experience, especially when playing with friends. While some players note the game's balance issues and technical shortcomings, the comedic elements keep the gameplay enjoyable and engaging.
“The chaotic mix of powers and personalities makes every match feel unpredictable and hilarious.”
“Whether it’s Spider-Man’s quick-witted banter, Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking quips, or Tony Stark’s sarcastic one-liners, the hilarious exchanges add another layer of charm and personality to the gameplay.”
“I find myself actively smiling and laughing, and those are things I'm hard pressed to even come close to in hero shooters nowadays.”
“The only complaint I have right now is that some of the voice lines are hilariously bad or cringey, but you can always turn those off.”
“You're not funny, didn't laugh. The audacity of some of the humor is just cringe.”
- grinding245 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 66 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Marvel Rivals" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate that all characters are unlocked from the start, allowing for immediate gameplay without extensive grinding, the process of earning cosmetics and battle pass rewards is often described as tedious and time-consuming, with some players suggesting it requires a significant time investment. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable mechanics and a fun experience, the grind for cosmetics and rewards can feel overwhelming and detracts from the overall enjoyment for some players.
“No grinding or paywalls here—just pure fun.”
“There are no paywalls, no grinding to unlock your favorites—just immediate access to the full roster.”
“You can jump in and have fun with every character at default, no grinding required.”
“You can get the cosmetics for free with in-game currency, but they make it intentionally slow and tedious to naturally afford the cosmetics with the in-game currencies. Given the circumstances, the only way you can get certain cosmetics is by outright buying them with real money because there just isn't enough time to grind enough blue coins to buy them.”
“The gameplay loop can feel quite grindy after a while, with many missions and objectives requiring you to repeat the same actions over and over.”
“They claim you don't need to pay for skins and can unlock them all, and that's technically right, but they don't tell you it's 30-50 hours of grinding to unlock them.”
- music231 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack as epic and engaging, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, some players find the music to be repetitive or lacking in variety, with a few expressing frustration over audio mixing issues that drown out important sound effects. Overall, while the soundtrack is often described as enjoyable and fitting for the game's theme, there are calls for more memorable and diverse musical elements.
“The soundtrack amps up the epic vibes, and the voice lines—oh boy, they’re a riot.”
“The sound design is equally impressive, with iconic character voices and an action-packed soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline pumping.”
“The music is engrossing and the art for everything is just incredible.”
“The song from the trailer for this does not fit the game at all in my opinion, and I hope they give us an option of what we'll hear playing song-wise at the launch video or turn it off entirely.”
“I also find the weird lack of music during 90% of the gameplay to be a strange choice that adds to the dull feeling.”
“The music is well-made, but forgettable; it lacks enough personality to make it memorable.”
- emotional119 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with players expressing feelings ranging from nostalgia and joy to frustration and heartbreak. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotions through its storytelling and character interactions, while others note the emotional volatility of competitive play, which can lead to both rewarding and disheartening experiences. Overall, the game seems to resonate deeply with players, making them feel connected to its world and characters, despite some criticisms regarding balance and gameplay issues.
“I want to cry.”
“A game that has a beautiful story, and even made me cry just a little bit.”
“It’s a testament to the developers’ storytelling prowess that you can be laughing at Deadpool’s antics one moment and emotionally invested in a dramatic showdown the next.”
- replayability94 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
Overall, "Marvel Rivals" is praised for its high replayability, attributed to its diverse roster of characters, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the absence of paywalls for character access. Players appreciate the strategic depth and variety in matches, although some express concerns about optimization and potential repetitiveness in content. Continuous updates and the ability to play with friends further enhance the game's replay value, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
“Fun game with lots of replay value.”
“The roster is diverse, and every hero/villain feels unique, so there’s a lot of replay value.”
“Marvel Rivals offers excellent replayability, thanks to its diverse roster and competitive gameplay.”
“I don't see it having much replay value unless they actually spend time developing it instead of using copy and paste code from similar game titles.”
“Hopefully they add more playable content because it's starting to get repetitive and boring.”
“Already waiting to charge your wallet with a flurry of micro-transactions for cosmetics and pay-to-win options, this game is a simple clickfest with no real outcome or replayability that is worth mentioning.”
- atmosphere28 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the Marvel universe, appealing to fans of the comics and films with its comic book art style and engaging environment. Players appreciate the fun, casual vibe and the dynamic interactions enabled by destructible elements, although some note that the competitive atmosphere may not suit everyone, particularly casual players. Overall, the game successfully creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience, despite some criticisms regarding audio design and monetization practices.
“The game’s atmosphere nails the Marvel tone—fans of the comics and films will feel right at home.”
“The visual style resembles comic books, which creates an authentic atmosphere and attracts attention.”
“Overall, the game feels good, the characters 'pop out' in a comic-book style sense, the atmosphere of the game is incredible, there is destructible stuff that can be cleared out to reveal new paths, and enable new angles in the game.”
“Improved audio design could enhance the overall atmosphere and immersion.”
“A casual atmosphere in a type of game like this is hard to achieve.”
“I think I was overly harsh because I am a big comic book guy and I can't stand the MCU's constantly corny atmosphere, which is clearly this game's biggest influence in art direction and theme.”
