Like plenty of other live-service titles,Marvel Rivalscontinues to experiment with new game modes. One of these LTMs, called Clone Rumble, is now available within the hero shooter. When looking at other game modes thatMarvel Rivals’ competitors have featured, it’s clear that one game mode would make sense as the title’s next special attraction.
Gamers who have played competing shooters, likeValorant, will be quick to recognize the inspiration behindMarvel Rivals’ Clone Rumble. Considering the skills of the many heroes onMarvel Rivals’ roster, Clone Rumble will certainly be a game mode where those who want to succeed will have to strategize plenty during character selection. However, it can be just as fun to overcome an unexpected challenge, which is exactly what Mystery Heroes provides.
Clone Rumble Leads the Way for One New Mode
Clone Rumble follows the grand tradition ofValorant’s defunct Replication where all six players in a team play as the same Hero. It’s also comparable toOverwatch’s No Limits mode. The trailer and promotional images for the new mode highlight innovative ways to use the same character kits. For example,six Groots showed off their skillsin the teaser, using their walls to box in the opposing team almost entirely. Promo images also showed Adam Warlock, who could provide constant revivals, though Rocket Raccoon could lead to a similar situation where there is an endless loop of characters being resurrected back to life.
OtherMarvel RivalsHeroes that could lead to fun chaos includeHuman Torch. His fiery bursts can cover the battlefield, making it impossible for the enemy team to move without being hurt. Strategists, specifically Luna Snow and Mantis, will practically make their team invincible, with Mantis’ high damage output in particular sure to make a team composed of clones a brutal opponent to face in the LTM.
Of course, a few characters may make this mode more frustrating than fun.Winter Soldier’s ultimate abilityis completely destructive and can be annoying in regular game modes, but it may be even more problematic in Clone Rumble when multiple Buckys are on the field. However, this wouldn’t be such an issue ifMarvel Rivalsrandomly decided which Heroes gamers played rather than letting them choose, meaning that a Mystery Heroes equivalent could be significantly more balanced.
A Mystery Mode is the Logical Sequel to Clone Rumble
A Mystery Heroes mode would be the perfect follow-up to Clone Rumble, as it would offer the exact opposite experience to keep things fresh. As mentioned, an RNG system would choose whichMarvel Rivalscharactersgamers play rather than themselves. This mode would force players to learn how to play as characters they have never touched, going up against other players that may be more or less experienced with their randomly selected hero. IfMarvel Rivalsdeveloper NetEase feels particularly kind, perhaps it will implement a nicer version of the mode where players can at least choose which role they fill.
If NetEase is not interested in a full-on Mystery Heroes LTM, perhaps it could beinspired by one ofMarvel Rivals’ competitorsto add a feature that fills a similar niche.Valorantplayers that hover over the same Agent and do not change to another will randomly be given an unlocked Agent to play. Currently,Marvel Rivals’ version of Hero Select does not do this, instead forcing players to choose another Hero if someone has locked in their first choice. MaybeMarvel Rivalscould implementValorant’s version of character roulette during its initial character selection, allowing players to challenge themselves while still giving them the freedom to switch to another Hero if they choose to do so later. Alternatively, NetEase could borrow the exact format used byOverwatchwith its Mystery Heroes mode, as fans have enjoyed Blizzard’s take on the concept for years now.
With how oftenMarvel Rivalshosts events and new game modes, it would be unsurprising to see a Mystery Mode at some point down the line, especiallyif Clone Rumble is successful. Time will only tell howMarvel Rivalsultimately decides to add Mystery Mode.
