Kinda Funny Gamescast: Marvel Rivals Review (So Far) / POE2 Mini-Review

Release Date: December 6, 2024

Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, and Andy Cortez

Introduction

In this episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast, the hosts delve deep into their initial impressions of the newly released Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play arena shooter that has quickly garnered attention for its integration of Marvel's expansive universe. Additionally, the episode features a brief yet insightful mini-review of Path of Exile 2 (POE2) by their ARPG specialist, Xanth.

Marvel Rivals Review

Game Release and Initial Impressions

Snow Bike Mike kicks off the discussion by highlighting the overwhelming launch numbers: "steam charts, day one, we're 450,000, so almost half a million, I'm sure when you include Xbox and PlayStation" (06:13). The hosts express excitement about the game's strong start and the substantial investment from the developers, Netti's, evident in the game's production quality.

Gameplay Mechanics

Greg Miller praises the game as a "supremely impressive product" (08:42), emphasizing its similarity to Overwatch but with fresh elements. The gameplay revolves around 5v5 matches with team-based objectives like pushing payloads or capturing points. The hosts appreciate the game's ability to be both accessible to newcomers and engaging for seasoned players.

Character Design and Movesets

One of the standout features discussed is the depth of character design. With 33 characters at launch, each character boasts unique movesets and animations that pay homage to their Marvel counterparts. Andy Cortez remarks, "Each and every character's moveset and every character's animations... super impressive" (09:19). The hosts admire the attention to detail, noting how characters like Incredible Hulk switch between forms—Bruce Banner and Hulk—each with distinct abilities.

Game Modes and Multiplayer Experience

The conversation shifts to game modes, where Andy points out the limited variety: "there's currently three game modes promoted... two of them look the exact same" (11:02). Despite this, Greg remains optimistic, suggesting that future updates could introduce more diverse modes to keep the gameplay fresh.

Balancing and Longevity

Balancing is a central theme, with Greg acknowledging, "Marvel Rivals is supremely impressive... but is it going to have balancing issues? Of course" (09:08). The large roster of characters inevitably leads to balancing challenges, especially as new heroes are introduced. However, the hosts are confident in Netti's ability to address these issues promptly.

Technical Performance

Andy and Greg commend the game's technical performance, noting minimal lags and a robust player base: "the game ran really well day one... it ran flawlessly" (28:06). The cross-platform compatibility ensures a smooth experience across different gaming systems, further enhancing its appeal.

Future Prospects and Esports

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the potential for Marvel Rivals to carve out its own niche in the competitive gaming scene. Andy speculates, "six months from now... I will be really impressed if it's still pulling in massive numbers" (19:33). The inclusion of in-game tournaments and ranked modes positions the game well for an esports presence.

Community and Player Engagement

Engagement tools like instant replay and customizable factions are lauded for fostering a strong community: "they launched with a lot of features that a lot of games don't have at launch" (26:28). Greg highlights the ability to create squads and participate in tournaments as key factors in retaining player interest and building a loyal fanbase.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Miller (08:42): "Marvel Rivals is a supremely impressive product... it's a really insanely impressive product for being a free-to-play game."

• Andy Cortez (11:02): "If you like Overwatch, if you've ever thought about Overwatch, if you just want to try an Overwatch type game, Marvel Rivals is for you."

• Snow Bike Mike (09:19): "They're at the advantage where Overwatch is in kind of like this panic mode... Marvel Rivals is very, very good."

POE2 Mini-Review by Xanth

Towards the end of the episode, Xanth provides a concise but thorough mini-review of Path of Exile 2 within the Kind of Funny segment.

Early Access Impressions

Xanth rates POE2 a 10 out of 10, praising it as "the greatest ARPG I have ever played" despite its current Early Access status 00:51:58. He highlights the game's engaging story, stunning visuals, and intricate skill systems that keep players immersed.

Gameplay and Systems

He commends the dynamic map generation, ensuring that revisiting areas feels fresh. "Every time I go back to an old area, it was generating a brand new map for me to explore" (Xanth, 00:51:58). The variety of classes and ascendancies, along with planned expansions, promise a long-lasting and evolving gameplay experience.

Future Developments

Xanth expresses excitement for upcoming content, including six more classes and additional acts, which will enrich the game's depth and replayability. He concludes with a strong recommendation, emphasizing the game's potential to captivate players for years to come.

Notable Quotes

• Xanth (00:51:58): "This is still the greatest ARPG I have ever played and if it were to release in this form... I would be content to play this version for years, full stop."

• Xanth (00:51:58): "The skills, it's in the systems, it's in the fun. I did not find myself chasing fun in this game. It was all around me."

Conclusion

The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode effectively balances an in-depth review of Marvel Rivals with a succinct yet enthusiastic mini-review of POE2. The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis, highlighting both the strengths and areas for improvement in Marvel Rivals, while Xanth's insights on Path of Exile 2 add valuable perspective for ARPG enthusiasts. Overall, the episode serves as a valuable resource for gamers looking to stay informed about the latest in the gaming world.

Timestamp References

• [00:02] - Introductory Advertisement
• [06:13] - Launch numbers and initial impressions
• [08:42] - Marvel Rivals gameplay mechanics
• [09:08] - Balancing issues discussion
• [11:02] - Game modes analysis
• [19:33] - Future prospects and player engagement
• [26:28] - Community features and engagement tools
• [28:06] - Technical performance review
• [33:02] - Multiplayer vs. Solo play discussion
• [36:19] - Character customization and skins
• [51:00] - Transition to POE2 mini-review
• [51:58] - Xanth's POE2 review

Note: This summary omits advertisement segments, introductory banter, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantial discussions relevant to the episode's main topics.