Having spent over 1000 hours in Overwatch, transitioning to Marvel Rivals with just a dozen hours has been intriguing. Marvel Rivals, the latest game from the comic book giant, aims to tap into the successful formula Blizzard created. In the game’s beta, I’ve played numerous matches as Star-Lord from the Guardians of the Galaxy, alongside other Marvel heroes and villains. I frequently use Overwatch terminology during these matches.

Escort missions are still referred to as “payloads,” and Star-Lord’s “Blaster Barrage” feels remarkably similar to Reaper’s ultimate due to the dual-wielding gunfire in a confined area. When new players joined, my friends and I used Overwatch comparisons as a quick way to explain how different heroes operate. Marvel Rivals seems to embrace these comparisons, but I can’t help but wonder what NetEase’s interpretation of the genre can offer if it constantly reminds me of another game. Perhaps its lack of a decade’s worth of drama and fan debates is part of its charm.

Overwatch hasn’t quite lived up to its initial promise since its reveal a decade ago, and this has become more apparent since the release of Overwatch 2 in 2022. The sequel has stripped away many features that made it feel like a new game, including the promised PvE suite and story mode, which have been canceled. Blizzard now appears to be struggling with the game’s identity crisis. In contrast, Marvel Rivals feels unrefined but unburdened by such baggage, which can be refreshing.

Marvel Rivals doesn’t hide its inspirations from Overwatch. The game features similar objective structures, such as escorting carts and capturing points, and the heroes’ abilities seem designed with Overwatch characters in mind. Star-Lord, for instance, combines Tracer’s agile hit-and-run tactics with Soldier: 76’s aimbot ultimate. Rocket Raccoon blends Baptiste’s dual healing and damage capabilities with Orisa’s original ultimate, which boosts allies’ abilities within a certain range. Adam Warlock’s abilities bring to mind Mercy’s team-resurrecting ultimate. For some players, Marvel Rivals captures the essence of what made Overwatch enjoyable, elements that have been altered or removed over the years. The game hasn’t yet been fine-tuned for competitive play or adjusted to eliminate frustrating metas, offering a high-energy, chaotic experience with the potential for impressive team play and some quirky, endearing elements like including Jeff the Land Shark. While it may not be as polished as Overwatch, it offers a refreshing alternative for those disillusioned by Blizzard’s recent missteps.

As more players dive into Marvel Rivals, tier-list heroes, and establish a meta, the importance of each patch will grow. If Marvel Rivals endures as long as Overwatch, it will likely undergo significant changes. Currently, it offers a fast-paced, Marvel-multiverse-inspired version of a game that hasn’t lost its way. Whether NetEase can learn from Blizzard’s mistakes remains to be seen. While I’m too invested in Overwatch 2 to completely switch, I can see Marvel Rivals’ appeal for those who have stepped away from pushing payloads. Hopefully, some healthy competition will encourage Blizzard to address its shortcomings. Perhaps, one day, Marvel Rivals will teach Overwatch a lesson or two.

The community’s response to Marvel Rivals has been generally positive, though mixed. Players appreciate the fresh take on familiar gameplay mechanics and the opportunity to play as beloved Marvel characters. However, concerns about game balance and potential pay-to-win mechanics linger, given NetEase’s history. The developers have pledged to listen to player feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Marvel Rivals also introduces unique gameplay mechanics and characters that set it apart from Overwatch. For example, Thanos can alter the battlefield with his Infinity Gauntlet powers, and Scarlet Witch uses hex abilities to debuff enemies, adding new strategic layers. The game’s visual design and map aesthetics, drawing from iconic Marvel locations, offer a rich experience for fans. Moreover, NetEase has hinted at future updates that will include more story-driven content, potentially filling the void left by Overwatch 2’s canceled story mode.

In summary, Marvel Rivals stands as a promising new entry in the hero shooter genre. While it borrows heavily from Overwatch, it also brings unique elements and a fresh perspective. Whether it can sustain its initial momentum and grow into a lasting success will depend on how well NetEase balances innovation with lessons learned from Overwatch’s journey. For now, it offers a nostalgic yet refreshing experience for players seeking an alternative to Overwatch’s established but troubled legacy.