When it comes to certain free-to-play games, if they have a component that delivers story and progression like a single player game... there should be the option to restructure the game instead of having it delisted. I can't stand when that happens. So, when a gem like Gigantic can be resurrected, I can't help but wonder if other titles - like Heaven Strike Rivals - could make a comeback too.
I mean, come on - taking on the AI in Heavenstrike Rivals was legit enjoyable. It was a blast progressing through the story, and I can't be the only one missing it. And if Square-Enix really wanted to, they could give us the multiplayer component by allowing players to host matches.
I'm bringing this up because it's not just Heaven Strike Rivals - there are games out there that deserve more than to be yanked from gamers (if they fit certain criteria). All that hard work by dev teams could have a second wind if it makes sense. And I'm not just talking about bringing these games back for nostalgia's sake. These games could still be super fun and engaging today. Who knows, it might just bring you even more success than the original version did.
I would've flipped Heaven Strike Rivals a few ways. Anyways, keep making great games, adapt to keep them available and... game on!
NetEase Games and Marvel Games Reveal Marvel Rivals, A New Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter Featuring a Deep Roster Across the Marvel Universe
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad and fight in team-based, third-person 6v6 battles in the new, free-to-play, and continually evolving universe of Marvel Rivals!
Experience an unstoppable lineup of the most popular and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains the Marvel universe has to offer.
Devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and decimating obstacles in your path via destructible environments.
Guangzhou, China and Los Angeles, United States, March 27, 2024 – NetEase Games and Marvel Games are excited to announce their latest collaboration: Marvel Rivals, a cooperative, Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter that lets players assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains while battling with unique super powers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals is in development for PC by a NetEase team composed of global talent who previously worked on hit franchises such as Call of Duty and Battlefield.
“We are overjoyed to bring Marvel Rivals to players around the world. We have always loved Marvel’s universe and its characters, and we are so excited to develop this game,” said the Marvel Rivals Producer, Stephen Wu. “This is the game we want to make, and we feel very lucky to be the team who made all of this come true.”
“NetEase Games is excited to collaborate with Marvel Games to deliver a thrilling, fast-paced cooperative gameplay experience featuring all of your favorite Super Heroes,” said Ethan Wang, Senior Vice President, NetEase, Inc. “This partnership with Marvel Games continues our commitment to build world-class development teams and reach global audiences with cutting edge experiences.”
“Marvel Rivals is one of our most ambitious game development projects. Since the conceptualization of the game and throughout our collaboration, our Marvel team has poured our hearts and souls into this project, and we are thrilled to work with the incredible team at NetEase Games to help deliver the ultimate Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter,” says Jay Ong, EVP and Head of Marvel Games.
Marvel Rivals will feature the following:
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster: Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse. With the Alpha Test in May, players will have access to more than a dozen playable Super Heroes and Super Villains, including iconic characters such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Magneto, and Magik.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics: With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy: Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction: Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield. Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates: The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
Marvel Rivals features a storyline crafted by the NetEase writing team where the merciless clash between the tyrannical dictator Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from the year 2099 has forced countless universes to collide in the Timestream Entanglement, creating new worlds and crises still unknown. Now, Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the multiverse must fight together and against one another as disparate groups seek to defeat both Dooms before one achieves domination of these realities. Familiar faces become newfound foes while former enemies become the greatest of allies in Marvel Rivals!
For more information about Marvel Rivals and to sign up for upcoming beta tests, please visit:
Enjoy the final week of Season 1 with a new in-game event before everything explodes for the upcoming Season 2: “The Depths of Tharis Island”
BERLIN -- Sept. 21, 2022 -- The inaugural season of YAGER’s free-to-play extraction shooter, The Cycle: Frontier, is coming to a close later this month. But things on Fortuna III are about to get even more dangerous with The Cycle: Frontier's first major in-game event: Cataclysm, running from September 22 until September 28, when Season 2 launches.
Cataclysm invites players to fight for survival as the days shorten, storms become even more frequent, and meteors rain down, bringing not only destruction but also strange Meteor Cores. Prospectors can use these Cores to craft powerful legendary weapons that may otherwise be out of reach for them.
When the Cataclysm ends, Prospectors' levels and reputation will be reset, and all of their items and upgrades will be destroyed in preparation for Season 2. All acquired cosmetics and Aurum balances will remain unscathed by the Cataclysm, allowing players to keep them for Season 2. Players who have purchased Welcome Packs will gain access to those items at the start of the season.
After the Cataclysm, players can look forward to Season 2: "The Depths of Tharis Island," starting September 28. Season 2 introduces the new Tharis Island endgame map and a mysterious new endgame mechanic, plus new loot, cosmetics, and a new Fortuna Pass.