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Marvel Rivals, the dynamic hero shooter, has revitalized the genre with its blend of well-known comic book characters and exciting third-person shooter gameplay. These elements combine to create thrilling team battles that captivate players. However, a surprising development is the introduction of a limited-time auto battler mode, also known as auto chess, in the upcoming Season 2.5.
Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol: A New Game Mode
Launching on June 6, Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol is an experimental mode where six players draft teams of heroes, pitting them against opponents’ teams. Players strategically support their AI-controlled teams while the newly introduced hero, Ultron, contributes with additional healing and damage.
While staging a version of Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars sounds appealing, is adding an auto battler to Marvel Rivals, a game known for shooter-focused modes, truly unexpected? Let’s delve into why it might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
Examining the Auto Battler Addition to Marvel Rivals
The new mode shares similarities with multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) variants like Dota Auto Chess and League of Legends’ Teamfight Tactics. The connection between a MOBA and an auto battler is clear.
MOBAs are strategy-driven games where players choose items and craft builds to dominate their lane and aid in team battles. Collaboration is essential to overwhelm the opposing team.
Both MOBAs and auto battlers emphasize team synergy, positioning, and strategic upgrades, making character crossovers logical and familiar.
While many might not associate hero shooters with MOBAs, games like Marvel Rivals require a high level of mechanical skill, particularly in aiming. However, hero shooters are also sophisticated strategic games sharing core fundamentals with MOBAs.
Effective team composition is vital in a hero shooter, and Marvel Rivals elevates this with potent team-up abilities needing multiple heroes. The auto battler mode lets players explore unconventional team compositions, potentially uncovering new hero combinations that could revolutionize gameplay.
In Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol, players can build balanced teams, test the risky GATOR strategy (similar to Overwatch’s GOATS meta), or rely on triple support setups with unique upgrades that redefine gameplay.
Overwatch 2’s Stadium Mode and Marvel Rivals Potential
A rivalry exists between Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, the leading hero shooters. While Overwatch 2 faces waning interest after nine years, its solid foundation sets a high standard for Marvel Rivals.
Both games are experimenting with innovative concepts. Overwatch 2’s MOBA-like Stadium mode lets players enhance abilities and gain passives in a best-of-seven gauntlet.
Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol feels like NetEase’s response to Stadium mode’s success. While players might have less influence on battle outcomes, it demonstrates hero power scaling in Marvel Rivals.
The auto battler mode enables players to select passive abilities that boost roles and powerful hero-specific upgrades that significantly alter fights, mirroring the escalating power of a Stadium match.
The Season 2.5 developer vision video showcased upcoming upgrades.
Examples of Upgrades
- Venom transforms into a colossal monster after consuming enemies with his ultimate ability.
- Hela decimates the battlefield with a barrage of flying daggers.
- Psylocke rapidly navigates her ultimate ability’s area of effect.
- Namor deploys significantly more squid turrets to overwhelm enemies.
Expect every character to gain unique powers in later Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol rounds. While not a direct copy, this shift leans towards more unrestrained hero shooters.
While game balance matters, a major draw is the distinct power fantasy each character provides. Given the depth of these upgrades, they likely have a broader future beyond a single limited-time mode, making their next appearance intriguing.