Marvel Rivals' Gambit: A Return to Overwatch Inspirations?

For a while, NetEase's Marvel Rivals appeared to be carving out its own identity in the crowded hero shooter genre. After launching with noticeable resemblances to Overwatch, the game had begun introducing characters with distinct abilities, moving away from direct comparisons. However, the recent introduction of Gambit in season five has seemingly reversed this trend, prompting players to once again point out striking parallels to Blizzard's title.

The Uncanny Resemblance: Gambit's Kit Mirrors Overwatch's Wuyang

Upon its debut, Marvel Rivals faced criticism for being an Overwatch clone, featuring similar game modes and character abilities that mirrored popular Overwatch heroes. While NetEase initially seemed to be growing past these comparisons with characters like Emma Frost, Phoenix, Blade, and Angela, Gambit's arrival has brought the discussion full circle. Players have noted a significant overlap between Gambit's toolkit and that of Overwatch 2's Wuyang, with elements reminiscent of Ana as well.

Gambit's Bō staff ability functions similarly to Wuyang's staff, both capable of knocking back adversaries. Furthermore, Gambit's capacity to boost allied healing and his ultimate ability—which envelops an ally in energy before exploding to stun enemies, while also granting speed and jump enhancements—are nearly identical to Wuyang's corresponding skills. The utility of an enhanced jump, however, feels less impactful in Marvel Rivals' maps where verticality is often less critical, making its inclusion in Gambit's core abilities perplexing to some players.

Despite these design choices that echo Overwatch, Gambit brings several valuable contributions to Marvel Rivals. His Bridge Boost skill, which can simultaneously heal multiple allies, is particularly effective in a game where damage output is high, preventing healers from being overwhelmed. His Cajun Charge and Bayou Blast combination offers excellent mobility, allowing him to quickly reposition, escape danger, or support teammates—a significant advantage for Strategist characters who often lack agility. Additionally, his primary attack, which launches spreading cards, makes targeting mobile and airborne enemies easier, providing a unique alternative to hitscan healers and enhancing his self-sustainability.

While Gambit's effectiveness as a Strategist is undeniable, his design has sparked debate among the player base. Many are left questioning why NetEase chose to integrate so many Wuyang-like elements into his kit, especially when some of these abilities don't seamlessly integrate with the unique mechanics of Marvel Rivals. This move represents a potential setback for a game that was beginning to forge its own distinct path, leading to hopes that future character designs will prioritize originality and leverage Marvel Rivals' inherent strengths more effectively.

From a player's perspective, the initial excitement surrounding Gambit's release is tempered by a sense of déjà vu. While the character is undeniably fun and effective, the heavy reliance on existing Overwatch mechanics raises concerns about the game's long-term creative direction. A game that strives for individuality and innovation risks losing its unique appeal when it frequently looks to other titles for inspiration. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for NetEase to prioritize characters that truly differentiate Marvel Rivals, allowing it to stand tall on its own merits rather than perpetually existing in another game's shadow.