Summary
The announcement trailer forMarvel Rivalswas just released, showcasing an upcoming 6v6 Marvel-themed hero shooter that looks to be coming forOverwatch’s throne. One of the biggest draws to this reveal is that very theming, with both niche and iconic entries onMarvel Rivals' roster—including the ever-popular Iron Man.
With rumors about aMarvel shooter going around for a bit, the recent announcement ofMarvel Rivalshas finally confirmed fan suspicions. The upcoming hero shooter, set for a closed alpha in May, will involve 6v6 fights where heroes and villains will throw down in a multiversal gauntlet.Marvel Rivalswill see a battle between Doctor Doom and his 2099 counterpart, with many of Marvel’s iconic characters caught in the crossfire. These variants will duke it out in destructible environments to stop either Doom from dominating the multiverse.
How Marvel Rivals' Iron Man Differs To His MCU Iteration
Though never an unpopular character, it was undoubtedlyRobert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Manthat catapulted the character into stardom. The MCU version of the suited superhero is a cultural powerhouse, leaving any and all future interpretations with big shoes to fill. Videogames are no stranger to falling short of that ideal, with 2020’sMarvel’s Avengersfalling into an uncanny valley between MCU Stark and an original take—seemingly trying to have its cake and eat it too. However, with the MCU’s Iron Man having completed his character arc, the stage is now set forMarvel Rivalsto have a crack at the character.
Marvel Rivals' Iron Man Has A Wildly Different Look
Marvel Rivalsdefinitely looks to be playing with its animated medium, giving Stark a far more exaggerated suit when compared to theMCU’s Iron Man armors, even if the arc reactor slot and capabilities of the suit resembleInfinity War’sMark 50. Barring exceptional circumstances, such as with his Hulkbuster suit, Stark’s MCU armors keep to his human build.Marvel Rivals’trailer presents an armor that exaggerates the shoulder area a bit, giving the character more of a ‘V’ shape. He’s also much bulkier overall, emphasizing just how armored the Avenger is. On the subject of exaggeration, Stark definitely has more of a saturated palette here; his colors are mostly the same as those in the MCU, but he sports a brighter red and more use of light blue throughout.
It’s unclear as to whether there’ll be additional Iron Man suits, as the one seen throughout the trailer is always the same. While the game will almost undoubtedly sport a fair share of cosmetics that might represent these,Marvel Rivalsis sure to focuson adding more new characters with its content updates as opposed to giving out more Iron Man suits that could change how Stark plays.
Stark’s Gamma Redirection Will Be Familiar To MCU Fans
That’s not to sayMarvel Rivalsisn’t taking any inspirationfrom the MCU. One big way that this can be seen is in the team-up attack between Iron Man and Hulk, where the former sends some Gamma energy to Stark—which is refocused into a single beam using six laser cannons springing from his back. This feature is eerily familiar to something the character showed off inAvengers: Endgame, where Stark also uses lasers that spring from his back to refocus energy into a laser attack. The only difference there is that the energy stems from Thor’s lightning instead.
With the closed alpha still some ways off, there’s a lot fans don’t know yet about this version of Iron Man.WhenMarvel Rivalsreleasesthat alpha test in May, players will get a proper chance to see just how different this iteration of the character is—as well as if it’s an interpretation they can take a liking to.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
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 RosterChoose 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 DynamicsWith 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 SynergyCoordinate 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 DestructionTear 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 UpdatesThe 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!
