As an Overwatch player, it felt natural to give the newest hero shooter, a try—especially with the hype branding it as the potential successor to the genre’s throne. And yes, the moment I jumped into the game, I understood why the hype was justified.

The game undeniably has its strengths and weaknesses, but it’s evident that the developers did their homework, learning from the mistakes of their predecessors.

First off, yes, there are bugs. But, for a game of this scale, it’s easily one of the most polished titles I’ve seen on day one.

Some bugs I’ve noticed include the camera occasionally pulling too far back before snapping back into place (common for a third-person perspective) and noticeable FPS drops when Doctor Strange’s portal ability is activated during chaotic matches.

That aside, the idea of using Marvel heroes in a hero shooter is, quite frankly, genius. It’s a perfect fit, and the developers leaned into that concept well.

The game’s resemblance to Paragon is apparent, especially since it was also built on Unreal Engine. But this isn’t a bad thing—it actually gives Marvel Rivals a significant edge over competitors, as the powerful engine supports its ambitious design.

As a third-person shooter, the aiming mechanics bring a unique challenge. The right-hand side feels more accurate when shooting due to the camera’s positioning. While this isn’t a dealbreaker in the short term, it could frustrate more competitive players over time if not addressed.

Environmental destruction is a double-edged sword. It’s strategic and fun when used wisely, allowing players to block enemy progress with debris. But it can also be frustrating, as the scattered debris sometimes obstructs movement, especially for players still adjusting to the mechanic.

Lastly, the game clearly borrows elements from other hits. The battle pass system has strong Fortnite vibes, while its HUD and some in-game interactions are reminiscent of League of Legends. These influences aren’t a bad thing, as they blend well into the game’s overall identity.

In conclusion, Marvel Rivals has the potential to dethrone Overwatch, which has been on shaky ground. However, the next few months will determine whether this game is here to stay or just a flash in the pan.

As an Overwatch player, it felt natural to give the newest hero shooter, a try—especially with the hype branding it as the potential successor to the genre’s throne. And yes, the moment I jumped into the game, I understood why the hype was justified. The game undeniably has its strengths and weaknesses, but it’s evident that the developers did their homework, learning from the mistakes of their predecessors. First off, yes, there are bugs. But, for a game of this scale, it’s easily one of the most polished titles I’ve seen on day one. Some bugs I’ve noticed include the camera occasionally pulling too far back before snapping back into place (common for a third-person perspective) and noticeable FPS drops when Doctor Strange’s portal ability is activated during chaotic matches. That aside, the idea of using Marvel heroes in a hero shooter is, quite frankly, genius. It’s a perfect fit, and the developers leaned into that concept well. The game’s resemblance to Paragon is apparent, especially since it was also built on Unreal Engine. But this isn’t a bad thing—it actually gives Marvel Rivals a significant edge over competitors, as the powerful engine supports its ambitious design. As a third-person shooter, the aiming mechanics bring a unique challenge. The right-hand side feels more accurate when shooting due to the camera’s positioning. While this isn’t a dealbreaker in the short term, it could frustrate more competitive players over time if not addressed. Environmental destruction is a double-edged sword. It’s strategic and fun when used wisely, allowing players to block enemy progress with debris. But it can also be frustrating, as the scattered debris sometimes obstructs movement, especially for players still adjusting to the mechanic. Lastly, the game clearly borrows elements from other hits. The battle pass system has strong Fortnite vibes, while its HUD and some in-game interactions are reminiscent of League of Legends. These influences aren’t a bad thing, as they blend well into the game’s overall identity. In conclusion, Marvel Rivals has the potential to dethrone Overwatch, which has been on shaky ground. However, the next few months will determine whether this game is here to stay or just a flash in the pan.