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Jared is a writer, editor, and Communications Studies graduate who loves popular nerd culture (almost anything to do with Marvel, DC, Star Wars, or The Lord of the Rings) and the interactive storytelling medium. Jared's first console was the PS1, wherein he fell for Spider-Man, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot.
Breaking Marvel’s live-service curse by embracing the hero shooter genre wholeheartedly, it is alarming how well Marvel Rivals has adapted its superheroes and super-villains. One of its key traits, like the Marvel Ultimate Alliance franchise, is that it strives to represent characters from all across Marvel’s storied universe, and that includes the X-Men.
Marvel Rivals’ first anniversary was recently celebrated, and, with only a year passed, it is thrilling to imagine what characters are planned for the future after Season 6’s Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone. A layup from a team-oriented hero shooter perspective would be to ensure all five of Professor Charles Xavier’s original X-Men — Cyclops, Marvel Girl (Jean Grey), Angel, Iceman, and Beast — are playable, but that may be easier said than done.
OG X-Men Are Taking Forever In Marvel Rivals
So far, Marvel Rivals’ X-Men roster is quite eclectic:
- Magik (released in Marvel Rivals Season 0 as a launch character)
- Namor (released in Marvel Rivals Season 0 as a launch character)
- Psylocke (released in Marvel Rivals Season 0 as a launch character)
- Wolverine (released in Marvel Rivals Season 0 as a launch character)
- Phoenix (released in Marvel Rivals Season 3)
- Gambit (released in Marvel Rivals Season 5)
- Rogue (released in Marvel Rivals Season 5.5)
Wolverine was always a given for a Marvel Rivals X-Men character, as he’s easily the most popular and marketable X-Men character, not to mention one of the prevailing big three characters in Marvel Comics’ holy trinity. The rest, however, are a mixed bag. X-Men characters are compelling in this way, where some are more iconic than others, and they thrive on the creative mutant powers that distinguish them.
Gambit and Rogue debuting alongside each other in the same season was terrific, as it could showcase their relationship in-universe and enrich Marvel Rivals’ lore, though it’s uncertain what considerations will be made when NetEase decides which X-Men affiliates it wishes to add in the future. Likewise, even if it would be fantastic for comic book readers, the rest of the original X-Men accompanying Jean Grey may be wishful thinking.
Why All 5 OG X-Men May Be A Marvel Rivals Pipe Dream
A Marvel Rivals Cyclops seems less like an ‘if’ and more like a ‘when.’ This might not have been the case after years of the Fox X-Men universe’s character assassination, but X-Men ’97 and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday are teaching non-comic book readers how cool he actually is. Cyclops is finally back to a status of worldwide renown.
Marvel Rivals will only serve to hoist Cyclops further into the stratosphere of popularity, as it has done so with almost every character it’s added so far. The other three original X-Men characters, however, don’t have nearly as much of a fighting chance regarding potential popularity, let alone viability and diversity in their possible Marvel Rivals gameplay kits.
For example, unless NetEase took significant liberties, Angel would just about be the most basic flying character ever conceived, and Iceman would seemingly be a half-baked ice-based clone of Marvel Rivals’ Luna Snow. It’s possible that Iceman could delve more into actual ice formations or even utilize his ability to transform his body into snow as well as ice.
There is a low likelihood that players will see two ice-based characters on the roster, at least while there are countless other Marvel characters who could be added to the game first.
On the other hand, Beast could be unique, but it would depend entirely on how tech-savvy and acrobatic his gameplay is. Beast calling in the X-Men’s Blackbird jet to rain artillery fire or support buff pickups, for instance, could be a compelling ability. The original X-Men are full of fascinating opportunities for Marvel Rivals, but their ability to contribute to the game might not be very equal.
Systems
Released December 6, 2024
ESRB T For Teen // Violence
Engine Unreal Engine 5
English (US) ·