According to the latest statistics, there are over 8,000 characters in the Marvel universe, so naturally, not everyone can earn a spot onMarvel Rivals' roster.Marvel Rivalshas just been officially announcedas a new 6v6 hero shooter. Bearing a strong resemblance to the likes ofOverwatch 2,Marvel Rivalswill task teams with completing objectives as various iconic Marvel heroes and villains, each coming equipped with a unique set of abilities and attacks that closely resemble their powers from the source material.
Currently, an impressive total of 18 playable heroes and villains have been confirmed forMarvel Rivals, with characters coming from teams across the franchise, including The Avengers, the X-Men, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. WhileMarvel Rivalswill have fan-favorite characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Black Panther, its starting roster will also include a number of lesser-known Marvel heroes, such as Magik, a hero that might not have made it into the game if it wasn’t for 2022’sMarvel’s Midnight Suns.
Midnight Suns Is Likely to Thank for Magik’s Inclusion in Marvel Rivals
Magik Has Been in Marvel Comics for Decades
Illyana Rasputin, better known by her superhero alias Magik, has been in the Marvel universe a lot longer than many fans might realize, debuting all the way back in 1975’sGiant-Size X-Men #1, though she wouldn’t receive her Mutant powers until 1982’sThe Uncanny X-Men #160. The younger sister ofX-Men roster staple Colossus, Magik was kidnapped at a young age by a demon named Belasco, and imprisoned in Limbo, a horrifying pocket universe. While in Limbo, Magik becomes a powerful sorcerer, capable of opening up portals between the Earth’s normal realm and Limbo, projecting psionic shields, and manifesting a powerful weapon known as the Soulsword.
Magik’s First Big Break Was In Midnight Suns
But despite first appearing almost five decades ago, Magik didn’t receive her first proper on-screen debut until 2020’sThe New Mutants. Played by Anya Taylor-Joy,The New Mutants' version of Magikwas a genuinely solid depiction of the character and one of the biggest highlights of the entire movie, but unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to saveThe New Mutants. Widely regarded as one of the most disappointingX-Menmovies,The New Mutantswas a critical and financial disaster that Disney quickly swept under the rug, meaning that Anya Taylor-Joy’s Magik probably won’t ever see the light of day again.
Thankfully, though, that wasn’t the last major appearance Magik was destined for. Back in 2022,Marvel’s Midnight Sunsintroduced a packed roster of mystical superheroes, and along with the likes of Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, and Blade, Magik made the cut. In fact, Magik actually plays quite a vital role inMarvel’s Midnight Suns' story. Her relationship with Wanda Maximoff is a core part of the first third of the game’s narrative.
Midnight Sunsgives Magik plenty of time to shine, both in terms of characterization and in terms of gameplay. For many Marvel fans, this serves as an excellent first introduction to the character. Though it can’t be known for sure, it would make sense ifMidnight Suns' portrayal of Magikinternally paved the way for her inclusion inMarvel Rivals.
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!
