MultiVersus

MultiVersus is a free-to-play crossover fighting game featuring iconic characters from various Warner Bros. entertainment franchises battling across dynamic 2D arenas. Players can engage in competitive multiplayer matches with fighters from DC Comics (Batman, Superman), Adventure Time (Finn & Jake), Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny), Scooby-Doo, Steven Universe, and other beloved properties. The game combines platform fighter mechanics with team-based strategy, offering customizable movesets and cooperative gameplay modes set in vibrant fantasy-inspired environments.

MultiVersus: Review

MultiVersus, a platform fighter developed by Player First Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of crossover fighting games. Released in May 2024, MultiVersus brought together an eclectic mix of characters from Warner Bros.’ vast library, including iconic figures from DC Comics, Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network, and more. The game’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a standout title in the genre. However, its controversial monetization strategies and technical issues ultimately led to its downfall. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy.

Development History & Context

Studio and Creators’ Vision

Player First Games, founded in 2019, was a relatively new studio when it embarked on the ambitious project of creating MultiVersus. The studio’s founders, Tony Huynh and Christopher K. White, envisioned a game that would capture the spirit of classic platform fighters like Super Smash Bros. but with a unique twist—characters from Warner Bros.’ diverse franchises. The game was officially announced in November 2021, following online rumors and leaks, and held a closed alpha test from February 25 to March 8, 2022.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

MultiVersus was developed using Unreal Engine 4, with a planned switch to Unreal Engine 5 for the full launch. This decision was driven by the need for better netcode and visuals, but it also meant that many features from the open beta were initially missing or incomplete. The gaming landscape at the time was dominated by titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and MultiVersus aimed to carve out its own niche by leveraging Warner Bros.’ extensive IP library.

Early Access and Open Beta

The game entered early access on July 19, 2022, followed by an open beta on July 26, 2022. The open beta served as a soft launch, allowing players to test the game and provide feedback. The beta period was marked by frequent updates and character additions, with notable figures like Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith, and LeBron James joining the roster. However, the beta also highlighted some of the game’s issues, including stage variety and monetization concerns.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

MultiVersus’ narrative revolves around characters from various Warner Bros. franchises coming together to face the Nothing, a mysterious force destroying the WB Multiverse. The game’s story is told through its Rifts mode, a PvE game mode introduced in the full release. Each rift features a unique narrative and consists of nodes with different mutators that affect gameplay. The story is lighthearted and humorous, reflecting the game’s overall tone.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue in MultiVersus is a highlight, with many characters reprising their roles from other media. The game’s humor is derived from the interactions between these characters, with references to their respective franchises and the occasional meta-commentary. The underlying themes of friendship, teamwork, and the power of nostalgia are woven throughout the narrative, making the game an enjoyable experience for fans of Warner Bros.’ properties.

Character Progression and Lore

Characters in MultiVersus are divided into four classes: Assassin, Bruiser, Mage/Ranged, and Tank. Each character has a unique moveset and playstyle, reflecting their role in their respective franchises. The game features a perk system, allowing players to customize their characters with passive abilities that affect both themselves and their partners in Teams. This system adds depth to the gameplay and encourages experimentation with different character combinations.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

MultiVersus is a platform fighter, with players battling on different stages and attempting to knock opponents beyond the stage’s boundary by dealing sufficient damage. The game emphasizes team-based gameplay, with most attacks designed for 2v2 battles. The core gameplay loop involves selecting a character, customizing their perks, and engaging in matches. The game features various modes, including 1v1, free-for-all, and the Rifts PvE mode.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat in MultiVersus is fast-paced and fluid, with a focus on teamwork and strategy. Each character has a unique moveset, with special dynamics and interactions between teammates. The game’s perk system allows for further customization, with Signature Perks exclusive to each character and affecting their attributes and abilities. The Rifts mode introduces a new layer of progression, with players earning rewards and leveling up gems to enhance their characters.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface in MultiVersus is clean and intuitive, with easy access to character customization, perks, and matchmaking options. The game’s innovative systems, such as the Rifts mode and the perk system, add depth to the gameplay and encourage replayability. However, the game’s monetization strategies, including time-limited cosmetics and aggressive microtransactions, were a source of controversy.

Flawed Systems

Despite its strengths, MultiVersus had its share of flaws. The game’s netcode issues, particularly on the PS4, led to heavy lag during matches involving certain characters. The game’s monetization strategies, including the Fighter Road system and the Battle Pass, were criticized for being predatory and off-putting. These issues, along with the game’s controversial decisions, ultimately contributed to its downfall.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

MultiVersus’ setting is a fantastical blend of various Warner Bros. franchises, with stages and characters drawn from a wide range of properties. The game’s art direction is vibrant and colorful, with each stage and character meticulously designed to capture the essence of their respective franchises. The atmosphere is lighthearted and humorous, reflecting the game’s overall tone.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual direction is a highlight, with each character and stage beautifully rendered. The use of 3D models for characters and 2D sprites for backgrounds creates a unique visual style that blends the old and the new. The game’s art direction is consistent, with each character and stage faithfully representing their respective franchises.

Sound Design

The sound design in MultiVersus is top-notch, with a soundtrack that features music from various Warner Bros. franchises. The game’s sound effects are crisp and satisfying, adding to the overall immersion. The voice acting is a standout, with many characters reprising their roles from other media. The game’s sound design is a testament to the attention to detail and the love for the source material.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

MultiVersus received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s team-oriented gameplay, presentation, and faithfulness to the represented franchises. However, the game’s monetization mechanics and technical issues were a source of criticism. The game was initially successful, topping sales charts and reaching a significant player base. However, it struggled to maintain its player base during its full release, leading to a significant drop in daily players.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

Despite its shortcomings, MultiVersus had a significant impact on the platform fighter genre. The game’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and innovative gameplay mechanics set it apart from its competitors. Its influence can be seen in subsequent games and the industry as a whole, with many developers drawing inspiration from its success. The game’s legacy is a testament to the power of crossover fighting games and the enduring appeal of Warner Bros.’ properties.

Awards and Accolades

MultiVersus received several accolades during its run, including nominations for Best Multiplayer Game at the Golden Joystick Awards and The Game Awards. The game won the Fighting Game of the Year award at the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, further cementing its place in the platform fighter genre. Despite its controversial decisions, the game’s impact on the industry is undeniable.

Conclusion

MultiVersus was a bold and ambitious project that brought together an eclectic mix of characters from Warner Bros.’ vast library. The game’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a standout title in the platform fighter genre. However, its controversial monetization strategies and technical issues ultimately led to its downfall. Despite its shortcomings, MultiVersus had a significant impact on the industry and will be remembered as a pioneering title in the platform fighter genre. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the power of crossover fighting games and the enduring appeal of Warner Bros.’ properties.