Marvel Rivals Alpha Test Review: Is it Good?

Is Marvel Rivals good? Alpha test gameplay gave us the answer.

Marvel Rivals has launched the limited-time period of its alpha test, and selected players around the world have been given the opportunity to try the game out. With the word ‘Marvel’ on the name of the game, obviously, it brings out the hype of fans. But is Marvel Rivals good? Is it worth the hype? Will it be good when it officially launches? Here’s our early review.

Marvel Rivals Alpha Test Review

From the moment we entered the game, we were captivated. Developed by NetEase, this hero-shooter game promised an immersive experience filled with actions, stunning visuals, destructive environments, and of course, Marvel characters.

After spending hours fighting in the battle of superpowers, we are here to share our thoughts on whether Marvel Rivals lives up to the high expectations. Is it good? Does it have potential in the future?

To be able to answer those questions, we need to break down all aspects of the game. First of all, let’s talk about the gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics: Abilities and Controls

If we are talking about Marvel heroes battling it out, we will expect destruction, iconic abilities, etc. Well, in Marvel Rivals, you can get what you expect.

One of the standout features of Marvel Rivals is the inclusion of a bunch of iconic characters, each with unique abilities. This aspect alone brings a fascinating layer to the gameplay and is one of the game’s biggest wins.

Given Marvel’s massive fanbase and rich history, seeing beloved characters in action is a real treat. Whether you’re enchanting Doctor Strange’s Eye of Agamotto or unleashing Spider-Man’s web-slinging skills, the game does a fantastic job of making each character feel true to their comic book roots. This dedication to authenticity not only enhances the gameplay but also keeps long-time fans engaged and excited.

In terms of controls, Marvel Rivals keeps things simple and intuitive. The controls are typical of other shooter games, making them easy to understand and use. Employing the various abilities of the characters is also straightforward, ensuring that players can jump right into the action without a steep learning curve.

This thoughtful design means that both hardcore and casual gamers can enjoy the game, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, from a control standpoint, Marvel Rivals is very promising.

Graphics and Art Style: Blend of MCU and Marvel Comics

The graphics of Marvel Rivals live up to the developers’ promises, delivering a vibrant and distinctly Marvel-esque experience. The game is visually stunning, making it incredibly enjoyable to play. Even with its high-definition quality, the game retains a ‘comic’ feel through slight outlines on characters and other elements, which adds a charming touch of authenticity.

The art style does a marvelous job of capturing the essence of Marvel. From the introductions on each character’s page to the variety of skins and costumes available, Marvel Rivals stays true to the comic book styles, making it feel familiar and beloved by fans.

This attention to detail in both graphics and art style ensures that players will continue to love the game. Overall, the graphics and art style are truly praiseworthy and enhance the immersive experience of stepping into the Marvel universe.

Sound and Music: Great but Somehow… Empty

Marvel Rivals offers great voice lines and sound effects, but there’s a slight hollowness that leaves room for improvement. The voice lines are excellent, featuring plenty of quips that are true to the characters from the comics. For instance, when Spider-Man meets Doctor Strange, their quirky conversations add a delightful touch of authenticity.

However, the sound effects of the skills and the music feel a bit off. The melee sounds, such as Magik’s sword swings or Black Panther’s claw scratches, lack the impactful feeling they should have. These actions should feel more devastating and immersive. While not bad, there’s definitely room for enhancement here.

As for the music, the menu soundtrack is good, but in-game, there are moments when the music stops unexpectedly. Although it’s normal for music not to play constantly to avoid annoyance, sometimes it fails to start at crucial moments. For instance, when you’re on the brink of winning or losing, there should be more epic music to pump up the adrenaline.

Overall, the SFX and music in Marvel Rivals are good but could benefit from some fine-tuning to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Maps: Design and Destructible Environments

The available maps in the alpha test, Yggsgard and Tokyo 2099, are truly captivating. Each map brings out the essence of the Marvel universe, immersing players in its rich, detailed environments. However, what truly sets Marvel Rivals apart is the destructible environment system.

This system makes the game unique and exciting. Players can create their own paths and angles, a feature that is crucial in shooter games like Marvel Rivals. This aspect not only enhances gameplay but also opens up endless strategic possibilities. Imagine how in the future, pro players could develop and alter their own metas using this system, it’s intriguing and adds a layer of depth to the game.

Overall, the maps and the destructible environment system are a big win for Marvel Rivals, promising a dynamic and engaging experience for all players.

Performance and Technical Issues: Smooth but with Minor Hiccups

Surprisingly, Marvel Rivals is quite clear of bugs, making it enjoyable to play even in its alpha state. The only performance issue we encountered was occasional FPS drops in certain parts of the maps.

For example, on the Tokyo 2099 map, there is an FPS drop at the first capture point, which can make gameplay challenging. However, given that the game is still in the alpha phase, we are confident that this minor issue will be addressed soon.

Overall, despite these minor hiccups, Marvel Rivals performs smoothly and is largely free from bugs, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Characters: Easily a Big Win

Reviewing the characters in Marvel Rivals is simple, they’re the game’s biggest win. Just imagine stepping into the shoes of your favorite superhero or villain, battling it out in epic showdowns. Aside from the already great gameplay, the inclusion of famous characters from the Marvel universe is a massive win for this game.

Even in alpha access, we’re treated to a total of 19 characters (that’s a lot!), an impressive roster that adds depth and variety to the gameplay. With such a diverse lineup already available, we’re eagerly anticipating the official release date to discover which other characters will be featured. We hope to see a ton more iconic names added to the roster, further expanding the possibilities and excitement of Marvel Rivals.

Verdict: Promising Marvel Adventure

Marvel Rivals impresses with its captivating gameplay, vibrant graphics, and iconic characters. Despite minor performance issues and room for improvement in sound design, the game shines in its alpha state. So yes, Marvel Rivals is a good game.

With a promising lineup of features and updates on the horizon, we’re confident that Marvel Rivals will continue to deliver quality entertainment upon its official release and into the future.