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Balancing Marvel and Spider-Verse Characters in Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals should carefully integrate Spider-Verse characters to maintain a diverse Marvel roster.
Balancing Marvel and Spider-Verse Characters in Marvel Rivals

Highlights

  • Marvel Rivals should aim for a diverse roster that includes iconic Marvel characters beyond the Spider-Verse.
  • Finding a balance between Spider-Verse characters and other Marvel heroes is crucial to avoid overshadowing the game's overall Marvel crossover essence.
  • Incorporating classic Spider-Man villains like Venom and Green Goblin can add depth to the roster and prevent the game from being perceived as solely Spider-Verse focused.

Exciting times lie ahead for Marvel game enthusiasts, with the recently revealed Marvel Rivals adding to Marvel's impressive array of upcoming titles. The game's character lineup boasts popular figures like Hulk, Iron Man, and Black Panther, alongside lesser-known heroes such as Luna Snow, Magik, and Mantis. Although Marvel Rivals features two Spider-Verse characters – the traditional Peter Parker Spider-Man and Peni Parker – it must strike a balance to avoid over-reliance on these characters.

While Spider-Man is a must-have in any Marvel crossover, Marvel Rivals risks losing its essence if it delves too deeply into Spider-Verse characters. Peni Parker's addition, resembling Overwatch 2's D.Va with her SP//dr mech, is promising. While other Spider-Verse characters could offer fun gameplay, Marvel Rivals must use them judiciously to maintain its Marvel crossover identity.

Marvel Rivals Should Avoid Overusing Spider-Verse Characters

Despite featuring a diverse Marvel character lineup, Marvel Rivals has drawn attention for omitting iconic figures like Captain America, Black Widow, Ant-Man, and Deadpool. This absence leaves the roster feeling incomplete. While Spider-Man and Spider-Verse characters are popular, focusing excessively on them may sideline other deserving characters.

Marvel Rivals should ensure roster diversity to represent various classes and archetypes without redundancy. While characters like Spider-Man 2099 could be engaging, similarities with other absent heroes like Wolverine might hinder their inclusion. Overusing Spider-Verse characters could exclude iconic Marvel heroes, disappointing fans uninterested in the Spider-Verse.

How Spider-Verse Characters Could Impact Marvel Rivals

Overemphasizing Spider-Verse characters risks steering Marvel Rivals towards being a Spider-Verse game rather than a broader Marvel crossover. While a multiplayer Spider-Verse game may have a market following the cancellation of Insomniac's Spider-Man: The Great Web, Marvel Rivals should represent characters across the Marvel universe. While characters like Spider-Ham and Ghost-Spider offer unique gameplay, other franchises can provide similar roles.

Instead of heavily relying on Spider-Verse characters, Marvel Rivals can honor Spider-Man's popularity by introducing iconic villains like Venom, Green Goblin, and Doc Ock. These additions would diversify the roster while maintaining a Marvel-centric focus, sidestepping the risk of becoming a Spider-Verse exclusive. Many of Spider-Man's adversaries also challenge other Marvel heroes, offering broader gameplay possibilities.

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