Marvel Rivals has made waves in the gaming world with its addictive gameplay, iconic characters, and free-to-play-friendly system. After Marvel Rivals surpassed 10 million players within just 72 hours of its launch, its player base has grown to a staggering 20 million. Other factors contributing to the superhero shooter’s rise in popularity include, but aren’t limited to, its familiar formula, distinctive artistic style, and careful attention to sound design.
When Marvel Rivals‘ first Alpha playtest arrived in May, it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary hero-shooter. With its destructible environments, Team Up abilities, and a recognizable roster of heroes, it’s evident that NetEase Games has put a lot of thought and effort into the game. Notably, the team has gone so far as to weave vital callouts into its character’s voice lines, which could be the difference between winning or losing a fight.
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Marvel Rivals Streamlines Its In-Game Communication With Important Voice Lines
Like Overwatch, players have noticed that characters frequently make remarks about the fight, each other, and their backstories. Though some players choose to silence Galacta and other characters to reduce audio clutter, this isn’t recommended due to the importance of audio cues in the game. Taking note of specific voice lines when different characters are taking damage can be a vital step in improving one’s game sense.
Due to Marvel Rivals being a team-based shooter, with twelve players on the field simultaneously, it’s essential to communicate and synergize with one another. While some players prefer to avoid voice chat, using the in-game ping system for healing and strategy is important. For instance, a Vanguard character pushing a point and frontline damage may not always know that an enemy is diving their Strategists. This can lead to frustration, as the Vanguard may criticize the lack of healing and potentially lost fight.
Fortunately, even if players aren’t using their microphones or pings, the built-in communication from their characters can be a helpful resource in protecting Marvel Rivals‘ healers. Strategists often alert their teammates with a quick line of dialogue when taking damage. For example, when being attacked, Loki announces, “Your god is suffering,” and “Oh, I’m fine, don’t mind me,” whereas Rocket Raccoon cries, “Ow! That flarkin’ hurt,” or “Don’t mind me, I’m just dying here.”
These voice lines are reminiscent of support heroes in Overwatch, who also have automated voice lines that relay to their teammates when they are under attack. In Marvel Rivals, listening to these audio cues is essential, though it can be difficult in the heat of battle or an overtime situation. Regardless, peeling for a teammate, providing a shield, or even healing them when this dialogue plays can save them in critical moments. In a game where eliminations are crucial and maintaining a numerical advantage over the enemy team is key, protecting each other is just as crucial as dealing damage or securing picks.
The aforementioned voice lines play regardless of the amount of damage a character has taken, meaning a player might have only received minor damage and not be in critical danger. These voice lines are not exclusive to Strategists but vary depending on the hero.
Other voice lines worth remembering include each character’s ultimate and cool-down-based dialogue. This extends to Mantis’ Sleep Spore voice line, “Take a nap,” or “You look tired,” which alerts the team when she has put an enemy to sleep. For players who like to track abilities beyond ultimates, this can notify them when an ally Mantis has already used Sleep Spore and is vulnerable again before the 14-second cooldown is over. Between all these different voice lines, it’s clear that Marvel Rivals makes the most of its audio design for communication.
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