The Marvel universe is vast, containing over 60 years of stories, thousands of named characters, an array of superhero teams, countless beloved arcs, a wealth of iconic settings, and a plethora of alternate universes that each put unique spins on it all. And although its journey is only just beginning,Marvel Rivalsalready does a great job of paying homage to as much ofthe Marvel universeas possible.
As of Season 1,Marvel Rivalscurrently has a total of 35 playable characters, with two more set for release in the coming weeks. These characters come from across all corners of the Marvel multiverse, bringing the Avengers, X-Men, Brotherhood of Mutants, The Fantastic Four, and plenty more in between together under one roof. But there’s one portion ofMarvel Rivals' roster that doubles as a painful reminder of a canceled Marvel project.
Marvel Rivals' Spider-Verse Content Reopens Some Old Wounds
Marvel Rivals Is The Closest Thing Fans Have to a Spider-Verse Video Game Adaptation
Originally created for2010’sSpider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, the Web of Life and Destiny is a gateway into the multiverse that’s specifically tied to the “Spider-Totems,” the beings spread across the multiverse who have been bitten by a power-granting radioactive spider. This Web of Life and Destiny is at the heart of the Marvel comics' version of the Spider-Verse, and it makes a prominent appearance inMarvel Rivals.
Set across twoTokyo 2099 maps, the Web of Life and Destiny is the narrative backdrop of the players' primary objective. Players need to either guide Spider-Zero to repair the temporal rift left by the Timestream Entanglement, or help the Master Weaver use the rift’s energy to fuel the Web of Life and Destiny.
Of course,Marvel Rivalsalso lets players take control ofPeter Parker’s Spider-Manand Peni Parker, two iconic Spider-Totems. And though he isn’t technically a Spider-Totem, Venom can join the team as an honorary Spider-Person. All three characters also have a few different voiceline interactions with one another, some of which reference the wider Spider-Verse.
Insomniac Could Have Done So Much With The Spider-Verse
But while it’s great to see a comic-inspired version of the Spider-Verse get some time to shine in the video game world, it does reopen some old wounds for Spider-Man fans. Following the devastatinghack of Insomniac Games back in December 2023, it was leaked that the studio was working on a Spider-Verse multiplayer spinoff, allegedly titled “Spider-Man: The Great Web.”
Just a few days following this leak, it was reported that Insomniac had actually canceled thisrumored Spider-Verse multiplayer gamea while ago. This rumored cancelation wasn’t too painful as fans had only learned of the game’s (rumored) existence a few days prior. But after some leaked trailers of “Spider-Man: The Great Web” hit the internet in March 2024, some fans started to mourn the alleged loss of a multiplayer Spider-Verse title.
Insomniac Games' bread and butter is singleplayer, narrative-driven titles, so the cancelation of a large-scale live-service Spider-Man game is probably for the best. But it’s hard to ignore the strong potential that lies behind a multiplayer Spider-Verse premise, and the possibilities it could have brought to Insomniac’sSpider-Manseries.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose 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.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith 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 SynergyCoordinate 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 DestructionTear 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 UpdatesThe 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!
