Fantastic Four: First Steps is undoubtedly one of the summer’s most eagerly awaited releases. As the latest installment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this film carries the weighty expectation of rejuvenating a franchise that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. Much like how Superman (2025) is being heralded for the DC Universe, the anticipation surrounding Fantastic Four: First Steps has led to an influx of interest not just in cinema but also across the gaming landscape.
Despite some turbulence within the MCU, the world of Marvel gaming seems to be flourishing. For years, Sony’s Spider-Man franchise was the shining star for Marvel, but an array of newer titles has burst onto the scene, creating fresh excitement. Among these, Marvel Rivals has emerged as a standout, and its upcoming crossover tied to First Steps is set to draw a lot of attention.
Marvel Rivals’ Fantastic Four: First Steps Crossover is a Game-Changer
In the crowded field of hero shooters, breaking new ground is no easy feat. While Marvel Rivals benefited from capitalizing on a beloved IP, it’s the innovative gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged. One of these standout features is the Team-Up mechanic, a system that allows characters to unleash unique abilities based on their combinations, promoting varied team strategies and interactions.
The newest Team-Up, aptly dubbed “First Steps,” pays homage to the film’s release. This ability centers around Human Torch, who acts as the “anchor” character and can carry The Thing into the air. After a brief aerial escapade, Human Torch throws The Thing back down, inflicting damage on enemies and temporarily hindering their mobility. Not only is this mechanic thrilling in terms of gameplay, but it also showcases the extensive development that went into its implementation.
Aside from the Team-Up mechanic, Marvel Rivals will also introduce a new skin line inspired by the characters’ appearances in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Given the trend in hero shooters to monetize skins, it’s expected that each member of the Fantastic Four will sport skins that mirror their film incarnations. There’s already chatter of players eager to don the look of their favorite heroes—imagine queuing for matches as the spitting image of Pedro Pascal!
Marvel Snap’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Crossover Has Fans Divided
On another front, Marvel Snap is also gearing up for its own crossover event. The current season has adopted a theme centered around Fantastic Four: First Steps, with “Mr. Fantastic: First Steps” serving as the featured Season Pass card. This has delighted fans, especially those who admire the stylings of Pedro Pascal, but it hasn’t come without its controversies.
The new cards within Marvel Snap have received mixed receptions. Although they add intriguing synergies, the introduction of an additional card tied to the “Premium Season Pass” has drawn ire. This card, known as The Fantasticar, enhances a powerful deck and is designed to improve synergy amongst the new releases—however, this has led many players to accuse the game of promoting pay-to-win mechanics.
The discontent among fans is further exacerbated by a lack of open communication from the developers. While statements have been made regarding player feedback, many feel these responses lack transparency and clarity. Players are calling for a more forthright dialogue to address their concerns, as the balance between monetization and fairness in the game becomes increasingly scrutinized. This situation presents a critical juncture for Marvel Snap, either providing an opportunity for developers to rebuild trust or deepening divisions within the community.
