10 Best Marvel Rivals Characters Who Stay True to the Source Material

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Marvel Rivals is the latest title to capture the attention of the comic book world. The video game has already proven itself to be a chaotic, yet stylized action experience, with focused combat and plenty of references to the source material that inspired it. Marvel Comics’ readers have already flocked to the game, in the absence of any similar releases in recent years. But mainstream audiences have also taken to the title, enjoying its unpredictability and its supreme attention to detail. While the maps, mechanics and powerful abilities might all be well-tuned, the game’s developers should be particularly proud of its character curation.

NetEase Games has spent a great deal of time diving into the comics that inspired the title, drawing from characters that are both classic and newly introduced. The roster of playable figures in Marvel Rivals is already spectacular, and this well-balanced array of heroes and villains is only going to grow over the coming years. Some may seem a little too overpowered, while others might not quite play how fans expected. But these characters in question feel as if they have been taken straight from the page. These Marvel Rivals playable personalities control exactly as they should, with the abilities, vulnerabilities and trademark traits that made these characters recognizable to begin with.

10

Iron Man is a Tech-Focused Damage Dealer

Tony Stark Has Unleashed His Toys

Iron Man has become a cinematic icon and a much-respected leader of the Avengers. As a member of the Earth’s mightiest heroes, Tony Stark has had to constantly up his game, developing armor for every scenario. Whether he’s heading for deep space, or the deep blue sea, Iron Man is prepared with the gadgets and gizmos needed to support such an adventure. His varied arsenal carries over well to Marvel Rivals.

Visually, players get to take on the classic armor of Iron Man, and his role within the game doesn’t change all that much from the page. He’s a Duelist and dishes out as much damage as possible, with skills like Repulsor Blast and Unibeam showing off his vast power set. Playing as Iron Man is all about digging deep into the blasters and missiles that Stark has developed, but avoiding taking damage at all cost. Because just like in the comics, Stark’s armor can get battered pretty quickly.

9

Wolverine is a Meelee Machine

Aside from His Healing, Logan Is Unstoppable

When fans think of Wolverine, they instantly think of the claws and the berserker rage he can go into. Throughout the comics, he too has built a reputation for being a mentor and leader of sorts, but has also demonstrated a bloodlust and rage in battle that cannot be matched. Wolverine’s claws feel unstoppable, and his healing factor allows him to keep on fighting, no matter the odds stacked against him.

In the massively popular Marvel Rivals, Wolverine’s healing is vastly improved, compared to many of the other characters, although there are a few flaws in the system that mean he isn’t quite as unkillable as players may hope. Regardless, an effort has been made there, and his Berserker Rampages and Vicious Rages pair well with his adamantium claws. Needless to say, Wolverine is as dangerous as ever as the Brawler.

8

Captain America Paves the Way

The Star Spangled Man Is a Worthy Leader

A theme appears to be emerging, of characters who are looked to for inspiration and guidance. Of everyone in the Marvel Universe, Captain America is among the most respected. As a Super Soldier and master tactician, Cap has seen and done it all, using his years of expertise to navigate the battlefield with care. His super strength, advanced healing, and skills with a shield always stand out in war.

In Marvel Rivals, Captain America is classed as a Vanguard, whose HP is increased and abilities are largely focused on shielding his allies. He makes the most of the defensive weapon to hand in the game, throwing the shield from one enemy to the next as fans might hope. The likes of Super Soldier Slam or Liberty Dash allow players to get inventive with the patriot’s precise moveset.

7

Black Widow is Just as Precise as Players Would Expect

The Trained Assassin Is a Solid Hand With a Sniper

Ignoring the Symbiote makeover that Black Widow has been subjected to in recent Marvel Comics, Natasha has been largely shaped by her experiences in the Red Room. Her Black Widow training has given her an elite range of skills, most of which are linked to her proficiency with firearms. The assassin is no stranger to adapting to the situation ahead, and players want the game to mimic that style of combat.

In Marvel Rivals, Black Widow is quite the sharpshooter with a sniper and can deal out genuine damage at range. Her team-up abilities with Hawkeye feel the most fitting of almost any of the combinations in the title, and abilities like Widow’s Bite Baton and Fleet Foot indicate just how the character can combine her weapons training with her natural agility. Just as she is in the comics, Black Widow is an underrated force here.

6

Doctor Strange’s Magic is a Game-Changer

The Sorcerer Supreme is in the House

Mystic mayhem follows Stephen Strange wherever he goes, and over the years there have been numerous takes on his powers. Most interpretations of the Sorcerer Supreme indicate that he has a deep list of spells to utilize and an even more keen sense of the magical boundaries in the realms he operates from. Doctor Strange’s magic could thus be carried over to Marvel Rivals in any number of ways.

For the game, it was clearly important for some of his trademark moves to become available instantly, and players have taken great joy in experimenting with his portals. Marvel Rivals has found ways to effortlessly weave in the likes of the Cloak of Levitation and Eye of Agamoto, with abilities that blend well in the context of the title. Indeed, the spells used are familiar, and the Vanguard categorization makes utter sense.

5

The Scarlet Witch is an Imposing Presence

Wanda Maximoff is as Powerful as the Page

Much like Doctor Strange, The Scarlet Witch’s powers are unpredictable and dangerous. Her mystical abilities have always troubled the Avengers, and whether she is friend or foe, Wanda Maximoff has demonstrated that she is one of the strongest figures in all of the Marvel Universe. As a Nexus Being, Scarlet Witch has a pivotal role to play in the balance of all things, but that level of importance is difficult to portray in a game.

In Marvel Rivals, Scarlet Witch just keeps on dishing out the damage, indicating that she is just as powerful here. She is well-realized on screen, with Chthonian Burst, Chaos Control, and other such hellish abilities defining her own moveset. She continues to pull from dark energies, and players will have a fantastic time seeing how they can turn the chaos of the battlefield to their advantage with this OP creation.

4

The Punisher’s Fire-Power is Right on Par

Castle is a One-Man Army

The Punisher has earned a reputation on the page for being merciless. He is absolutely brutal in his fighting style, taking the battle to the enemy with a deep arsenal of weapons, and a talent for punching people in the face. Frank Castle’s years of training have led to him becoming a weapon unto himself, and in recent years that violence has led him to become a literal god in the eyes of some.

In Marvel Rivals, the game leans into those skills, with the Duelist relying on grenades and guns for the majority of the warfare he rages. Punisher is best served at a long distance, with his Ultimate Final Judgment attack unleashing the wrath of his Gatling guns upon the enemy. Wherever Punisher is played, he rains down fire, his firearms proving to be a difference maker just as they are in the comics.

3

Winter Soldier is as Formidable as Ever

The Super Solider Packs a Punch

The Winter Soldier, or Bucky as he was formerly known, was given a Super Soldier serum of his own, and has the incredible training of both Captain America and the sinister resources of Hydra, backing his every move. The Winter Soldier’s mechanical arm gives him a distinct advantage, but ultimately, it’s Bucky’s experience in every facet of warfare that makes the character stand out on the page.

As is the case with many of these other lesser-powered beings in Marvel Rivals, the game manages to beautifully convey Bucky’s abilities with a few choice decisions. The character’s versatile skill set is well-matched, moving quickly into close-quarters combat, and dealing damage to enemies who cannot defend against such attacks. Trooper’s Fist and Bionic Hook are especially useful in making that mechanical arm count.

2

The Hulk Can’t Be Stopped

The Green Goliath is a Smashing Addition

The Hulk is always the most fearsome friend to have on one’s side, but the erratic personality of the Green Goliath has meant that both allies and enemies have been subjected to his brute strength. From World War Hulk to Planet Hulk, Bruce Banner’s alter ego has highlighted his versatility and durability in the most troubling scenarios. Ultimately, players hoped they could smash things up as Hulk in Marvel Rivals.

That’s all anyone would want from the character, after all, if he were to truly reflect on what’s seen on the page. From his health durability to his immense punching power, Hulk does not disappoint. A natural tank, Hulk can leap across the battlefield, or deal deadly blows. But the character can also be depicted as Bruce Banner, an incredible addition who utilizes comic-accurate science skills to level the playing field.

1

Namor is an Underrated Powerhouse

The King of the Sea Pulls From His Deep Arsenal

Namor The Submariner is perhaps one of Marvel’s most overlooked figures. He is a royal leader who is loyal to his people in every capacity. He is at one with the sea, and a Mutant too, able to communicate with the oceans of the world, and its inhabitants. His control over the waves is matched by his abilities in the skies, flying with his winged boots and spearing anyone who stands in his way with his fearsome trident.

Fans may not have had many expectations going into Marvel Rivals when it comes to Namor. Perhaps he’d be a dab hand with his weapon of choice and boast a little more invulnerability than most. But powers like Blessing of the Deep and Aquatic Dominion, which allows the seas to protect Namor, or unleashes monstrous beings into play, indicate just how varied his powers really are. This portrayal is worthy of the Atlantean King.

“}]] These Marvel Heroes feel as if they have jumped straight from the page.  Read More