Marvel Rivals has released its highly anticipated Season 1 update, titled "Eternal Night Falls" which brought new characters, maps, modes, skins, and more.
Season 1 Launch and Initial Hype
Marvel Rivals entered the scene in a huge way that surpassed expectations while setting new standards within its genre with a large amount of new content. Season 1 introduced four new playable characters of the Fantastic Four. Also they added many skins in a brand new battle pass all which will challenge other studios standards and also keep new interest in the franchise. It brought the game into a positive spot showing that " hero shooters " can still be very successful when properly executed.
Content Volume and Fan Reception
Season 1 is unique because of how much content was introduced all at once setting a higher bar than other franchises with 3 new maps 4 characters and a full ten skins. All this together creates a full playing experience and gives those who play more for their investment. NetEase has since indicated that other seasons may be different from the current one which had a goal to pack in a lot for the opening season. The goal of combining two seasons into one allowed a bigger and longer run that had everyone playing it from the start.
New Heroes: The Fantastic Four
The main part of the new content includes the introduction of the Fantastic Four. All 4 heroes are included as part of the Season 1 line up, split across two waves.
Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman
The first half of the season will showcase Reed Richards AKA Mister Fantastic as a Duelist, and Sue Storm AKA The Invisible Woman , who is designated as a Strategist with all that is included with the class which adds healing and also stealth to this line up. With the mix up between both the main characters the roles and capabilities will continue to evolve through game play.
Human Torch and The Thing
The latter half will include the characters Johnny Storm who is AKA the Human Torch, is also categorized as a duelist, while Ben Grimm who is known as The Thing is noted as a Vanguard creating balance for both damage output and tank style damage control. Having these roles in these two positions show how diverse characters can be within the same hero groups making a well balanced set of hero interactions.
New Maps and Game Mode
Along with the four characters, three new maps which are located in New York City were added such as Sanctum Sanctorum, Midtown, and Central Park. The show also introduced a new game mode called "Doom Match" that allowed a variety of different game play dynamics.
The Doom Match and Map Designs
The Doom match pits a multitude of characters ( 8-12 ) across various factions against one another and a large map. The scoring comes through knock outs with the top half being winners with unique mechanics for game play. The map was chosen to continue to highlight a theme while creating many areas of game design to explore and enjoy.
Balance Changes and Hero Adjustments
In an attempt to improve game play Marvel Rivals made hero balance changes with the new update including mobile-type Vanguards like Captain America and Venom getting some enhancements along with buffs to heroes like Wolverine and Storm. The changes are a part of continuing the gaming experience to be ever improving and something all levels of players can enjoy with as level playing ground.
The Intricacies of Character Balance
Many see how much the Invisible Woman may potentially overpower due to her complex abilities. Other times characters can seemingly be a little more lacking. Each character was intended to be unique but as times progress these differences may prove to make one overpowered while having others as more weaker picks.
Invisible Woman: Abilities and Strategies
Invisible Woman’s skills include healing and invisibility as her support qualities. She utilizes force fields and her ability to become hidden all of which assist allies from a distance. This is great for a player that enjoys the Strategist route which often requires staying out of the battle front.
Gameplay Approach for Invisible Woman
Some key techniques include the following: her primary fire which is an orb that damages and heals depending on the player’s positioning along with making great use of a strong Psionic Vortex skill for enemy disruption. You can take advantage of Force Physics which move characters around as needed or use her shields to help allies and gain some time as needed. Her invisibility grants both protection and time to readjust her overall place during combat to be a useful member of the team.
Skins, Limited-Time Events, and the Battle Pass
Season one includes two unique skins from a limited time. In addition players will have a lot to keep working toward with 10 battle pass skins, as well as other rewards by partaking in daily challenges which helps those continue engaging within the season. There is an added new season challenge "Midnight Features" event in addition to twitch drops.
Malice and Blood Shield Skin
The Invisible Woman has gained another unique skin called "Malice". There is also a new free skin called “Blood Shield" by hitting the rank of Gold or higher while in the ranked competitive setting during Season 1. Players are eager to test their skill while working to obtain all unlockables for these special items that will be going away when season 2 is introduced.
Ongoing Conversations
Since these new additions, discussions continue regarding what a successful hero shooter game can be. Many compare the game to other popular games that have gone before and the current view point will determine its future.
Concerns and Future of Marvel Rivals
Fans have some concerns on certain designs such as the Invisible Woman due to her complexities while others look forward to other additions based on their original design to make for compelling unique characters. Some view this as an inspiration and positive as a new step for hero shooters.
Key Takeaways
- Marvel Rivals Season 1 "Eternal Night Falls" includes the entire Fantastic Four and new locations in New York.
- Players will experience the arrival of new maps with unique game play modes along with dynamic and innovative character design choices for a unique hero shooter style game play.
- Balance adjustments have been made for several heroes as the game continues to update and change for user accessibility.
- Unique content can be unlocked throughout the game whether by ranked game play, regular time challenges or with money investments through micro transactions, all making a diverse method for engaging with its audience.
- NetEase is aiming to deliver a uniquely fun player experience and many continue to watch with anticipation what will happen in their future developments with future game expansions and additions.