Marvel Rivals’ first season has given players even more content to enjoy, expanding the game’s hero, map, and game mode roster before it even had time to get stale. The Midtown map gives players a HERBIE-themed payload to battle over, while a free-for-all experience has been provided through the arcade mode Doom Match, which takes place in Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum. A Darkhold-themed battle pass offers cosmetics to strive for, with players having more Marvel Rivals skins to chase as they take in the story surrounding NetEase’s version of Dracula. The season’s main attraction is the Fantastic Four, with Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman playable now and The Thing and Human Torch coming later.
Fans have wasted no time getting to know Marvel Rivals’ Reed Richards and Sue Storm, bouncing on enemies with the former and using the latter to make allies invisible or enhance Doctor Strange’s devious portal strategies. However, while these two characters make great additions to the Duelist and Strategist categories, they also come with special skins that players can purchase. These outfits, Maker and Malice, highlight two villainous alter-egos of the heroes. Unfortunately, while the characters look the part with these skins equipped, they do not act it, something future “evil” outfits should strive to change.
Related
Marvel Rivals’ Season 1 Buffs and Nerfs Set Expectations NetEase Will Have to Keep Meeting
Marvel Rivals has made a few changes to characters with a Season 1 balance patch, but the buffs and nerfs may be a tough act to follow in the future.
Marvel Rivals’ Maker and Malice Skins Could Be Even Better With Unique Dialogue
While Marvel Rivals’ Galacta may be getting on some fans’ nerves, and not everyone agrees with the game’s portrayal of characters like Moon Knight, a majority of the dialogue delivered by the heroes is fun and interesting. The pre-match conversations are particularly deserving of a listen, as they reveal lore about NetEase’s versions of the characters and detail currently unexplored parts of the Marvel Rivals universe. Whether players are learning about the existence of Krakoa, witnessing Spider-Man and Venom being forced to team up, or discovering the shared respect between Loki and Magneto, there is plenty to take in before the fight begins.
While Marvel’s First Family has dialogue with each other and other heroes in the game, there are no added conversations once Reed dons his Ultimate universe look or Sue gives into the negative side of her personality. This is a genuine shame, as it would have been great to hear the Maker striking fear into the hearts of characters like Loki who are normally unphased, or the normally kind Sue leaving a sweet character like Peni or Luna terrified. Currently, there is a bit of a disconnect between the looks of the characters when wearing these skins and how they sound, as Reed comes off as too nerdy despite being a supervillain and Sue does not come off as unhinged in the slightest. Beyond pre-match dialogue, even some new voice lines when eliminating enemies that are crueler or more foreboding could elevate these skins.
Marvel Rivals’ Maker and Malice outfits do come with special MVP intros and emotes to further enhance the looks, but the lack of new dialogue does still hurt the immersion.
Marvel Rivals’ Maker and Malice Aren’t The Only Skins That Could Benefit From Special Dialogue
Marvel Rivals already has a few other evil looks that would benefit from special dialogue, such as All-Butcher Loki getting Symbiote-themed lines or Superior Iron Man boasting a snootier tone. Potential post-launch skins that could really shine with distinct lines include:
- Hydra Captain America
- Red Hulk
- Danny Rand Iron Fist
- Yelena Belova Black Widow
- Superior and Symbiote Spider-Man
- Allfather Thor
- Daken Wolverine
Skins inspired by a different iteration of the same character, or a twisted take on a beloved hero, would be even more special if the talented actors behind them were allowed to show their range and take them in new directions. With Marvel Rivals’ main competitor Overwatch occasionally adding unique lines to match certain skins, like Vengeance Mercy, it would be great to see NetEase’s game follow suit with similar outfits. Special pre-match dialogue where certain characters react to their ally’s change in aesthetic (and its potential lore implications) would be the icing on the cake, making outfits like Maker and Malice truly marvelous.
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!