It All Starts with Design
Via Marvel
Surprisingly, the first thing that grabbed me about Marvel Rivals wasn’t the gameplay—it was the design. Not just the characters, but the entire game. From the moment I saw the first videos of people navigating the main menu or just showing off the characters, I was hooked. It pops. It’s the kind of visual design that makes you stop and just look.
They’ve taken some of the most well-known characters in pop culture and somehow made them feel fresh again. I wouldn’t say they’ve reimagined them, exactly—it’s more like they’ve infused them with a distinct design language that’s uniquely Marvel Rivals. On one hand, it feels comixy, with bold lines and dynamic energy that make it look like a living comic book. On the other hand, it’s slick and polished in a way that feels unmistakably video gamey. It walks the line between the two perfectly.
The animations are just as impressive. Each character has multiple animations that not only look amazing but also capture the spirit of the character perfectly. It’s clear that a lot of care went into making every detail feel authentic, from the way Spider-Man moves to the way Iron Man powers up his suit. Every part of the game’s design just works. And that’s what grabbed me first—it’s a feast for the eyes.
Controlled Chaos
Via Marvel
Of course, great design alone isn’t enough. A game can look incredible, but if there’s nothing behind it, it falls flat. Thankfully, Marvel Rivals keeps delivering—and then some.
First of all, it’s completely free. Free to play, no strings attached. Right out of the gate, you get access to all thirty-three characters, which is wild (well, actually 35 characters now, they added 2 more since launch). You’ve got the big names—the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and other iconic Marvel heroes—but what really stands out are the deep cuts. Characters like Jeff the Landshark, Squirrel Girl, and Cloak and Dagger. They’re not household names, but they’re here, and they’re brilliant. It feels like the game is made not just for casual Marvel fans but for people who truly love the universe, quirks and all.
The gameplay itself? It’s chaotic in the best way possible. Every match feels like controlled mayhem. Each character feels broken in their own way—some can turn invisible, some are nearly invincible, and others deal so much damage it seems unfair. But somehow, it all balances out. Like Syndrome said in The Incredibles: “When everyone is special, no one is.” That’s exactly what makes Marvel Rivals so good. The chaos works because the strengths and weaknesses of each character balance each other out.
The game doesn’t stop there. It’s constantly evolving. Despite being a new release, it’s already had several updates, new game modes, and tweaks to characters to keep things fresh and fair. The developers clearly care. They’re building something that feels alive, polished, and responsive to the community.
Rediscovering My Gaming Mojo
Via Marvel
I already mentioned that I’m almost fifty years old, and back in the day, I was a really good gamer. I’m not talking about just holding my own—I was unstoppable. I always said that if Satan ever came to me and challenged me to a duel for my soul, I knew exactly what game I’d pick: Unreal Tournament 99, on the map Malevolence, with a Flak Cannon. That was my domain. I was invincible there. My friends couldn’t touch me, and I lived for those moments of absolute dominance.
But over the years, I started to feel like I was losing my edge. My reflexes aren’t quite what they used to be, and my aim? Let’s just say it’s not tournament-ready anymore. My instincts are still sharp, but the precision isn’t what it once was. And then came Marvel Rivals.
Maybe it’s because I play Scarlet Witch (and, let’s be honest, you don’t exactly need perfect aim to wreak havoc with her). But it’s not just her—I’ve had just as much fun with Squirrel Girl, Luna Snow, and Groot. There’s something about this game that makes me feel like I’ve got my gaming mojo back. It reminds me of the LAN party days—playing Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 99, or Medal of Honor multiplayer with friends, trash-talking, laughing, and losing track of time.
Marvel Rivals brings that feeling back, and you can’t put a price on that. Or, well, you don’t have to—because the game is free. I love it. Thank you, Marvel Rivals. I can’t wait to keep playing and rediscovering what made gaming so magical in the first place.
