The Evolving World of Fighting Games: The Impact of Multiversus on the Community

After causing a sensation upon its initial release, MultiVersus returns to the forefront. This fighting platform game developed by Player First Games, often called “the competitor to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”, had managed to captivate a large audience. However, after a great start and record downloads, various problems ended up discouraging players, who gradually abandoned the game.

Despite the many risks, the developers, listening to the community, made the decision to close the online servers. This unprecedented decision to “abruptly” end access to its open beta, which many considered to be the final game, surprised more than one. But the color was announced! The goal was to take your time to return in 2024 with a drastically improved title. So, this setback was an opportunity to rectify the situation and get back on a good footing. This break period allowed them to make numerous gameplay improvements, add content, and polish the game's features. With a release date scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, Multiversus returns stronger than ever in 2024. Let's take stock of what's new to prepare for this brand new adventure!

Refreshing new gameplay

One of the first big changes to Multiversus is the removal of the support role. This role was primarily suited to 2vs2, the core game mode initially intended. However, in the context of 1vs1 combat, the support role lost its relevance. As a result, Steven Universe becomes a tanka class which brings together characters specialized in resisting attacks and protecting their team. As for Gizmo, Velma (known as Vera in French) and Reindog (Reindeer Dog) take on the role of magea class made up of champions who primarily use ranged attacks and special abilities to deal damage and control the playing field. Additionally, all characters now have a “Dash attack”which is performed when you run forward and press the attack button, which considerably enriches the gameplay possibilities.

For those who continued to play locally despite the temporary closure, it is essential to prepare for the new game mechanics. The tutorial has been completely revised and now offers a more welcoming, detailed and accessible experience. Ideal for training with all heroes, especially since the move combinations and animations of many characters have been changed, requiring new learning. We can also note the changes to the dodging system. From now on, it is no longer possible to chain them together, because the usage time has been drastically extended! Besides, Player First Games emphasizes combat and penalizes you if you are too passive. In effect, this will drain your dodge bar.

A new terrain and 3 characters to discover!

Dexter's laboratory is one of the available playgrounds. This course is available in two versions: an evolving version with interactive horizontal scrolling and a fixed competitive version made up of four platforms.

Multiversus is also expanding its roster with three new characters:

• The Banana Guard from the Adventure Time universe brings his comic touch to the game! His announcement was also a surprise since no one seemed to be expecting it and yet many were optimistic about its arrival in the game. It should be obtainable for free by completing a tutorial mission.

• The JokerBatman's iconic foe, will also be available at launch.

• Jason of Friday the 13th integrates the game and will be accessible for free for players who participated in the first launch of Multiversus, provided they log in before June 11. These players will also receive the premium Season 1 Battle Pass! Agent Smith, main antagonist of The Matrix was revealed at the same time as Jason. However, it will not be available directly upon release. No date has been communicated for him.

Of course, what everyone is waiting for is the new, new characters! In a latest trailer, several universes were subtly hidden such as Powerpuff Girls, Aquaman, Minus and Cortex… Fans are the first to have made their list of characters they want to be able to play in Multiversus, here's what you're dreaming of:

• Daffy Duck
• robin
• Raven
• Porky Pig
• Samurai Jack
• Harry Potter
• Johnny Bravo
• Animaniacs
• King Kong
• Godzilla
• The Flash
• The Green Latern
• Aquaman
• Ben10
• Great girl

A new currency that turns everything upside down

Player First Games has introduced several new currencies to diversify rewards and improve the player experience. “Fighter Currency” allows you to acquire new characters, while “Perk Currency” is dedicated to perks. Previously in Multiversus, perks were power-ups that granted various benefits to the fighter they were assigned to. They could be unlocked by leveling up champions. They come in several categories: “Offensive” (represented by red color), “Defensive” (represented by blue color), and “Utility” (represented by green color). There are also perks specific to certain fighters, called Signature Perks, which are represented by the color yellow.

There will also be a “prestige currency” that rewards players for their collections of items and cosmetics, the latter of which can then be exchanged for rare cosmetics. Moreover, the Joker will be able to wear a “Batman Who Laughs” skin for 100,000 prestige points! Returning players will receive an allocation of this currency based on what was acquired during the Open Beta, as well as exclusive commemorative items. Players' Mastery Tracks will be reset, providing new objectives to achieve.

The different currencies in the game

After that ? What future for this “smash killer”?

For Player First Games, this new release of Multiversus is an opportunity not to be missed. The game must not reproduce the errors of its first version. Developers will need to be able to respond quickly to criticism and player feedback. For example, during the first release, they took too long to implement the competitive mode, a crucial point that was highly appreciated by the community. It is imperative that they continue to improve this aspect. In addition, the ability to quickly fix major bugs that harm the gaming experience, such as infinite combo sequences, and regularly offering character balancing will be essential. Investing in the esports scene also remains a great way to promote gaming and keep competitive players interested. It remains to be seen whether all of these changes will allow Multiversus to regain its former appeal. For that, see you on May 28!