Marvel Rivals remains persistent, because while many publishers have long since dropped support for PS4 and Xbox One, NetEase is bringing the free-to-play shooter to the next 12 September Actually, it's still available for PlayStation 4. At the same time, Season 4 "The Heart of the Dragon" launches, bringing a new storyline about Iron Fist, Hela, and Doctor Doom to the game.
A step backwards or a clever move?
Actually, the move seems almost anachronistic. Games like Assassin's Creed Shadows or Battlefield 6 They have long since focused solely on current-gen development. Marvel Rivals In contrast, the PS4, released in 2013, is once again open to discussion – a console that has long since reached its technical limits.
There are two possible reasons for this: On the one hand, NetEase can tap into the installed PS4 base, which is still enormous. On the other hand, it could simply be a sign that the hype surrounding the PS4 is fading. Marvel Rivals The game's popularity has noticeably declined, and it urgently needs a fresh audience. Since its launch in December 2024, the game has received less attention in streams and on social media, despite having received solid content updates.
Season 4: Dragons, Doom, and a little fan service
In terms of content, "The Heart of the Dragon" sounds like a typical comic book mix of cosmic danger and personal feud. Doctor Doom wants to tap into the power of the sleeping dragon Shou-Lao, while Iron Fist desperately tries to protect his legacy. Add to that the conflicts surrounding Hela and Angela – enough material for new maps, missions, and cosmetic items.
The question of how the PS4 version performs remains technically interesting. Even on the PS5... Marvel Rivals It runs smoothly, but it's not a graphical powerhouse. It's obvious the old-gen version will have visual compromises – whether players will accept that in a competitive shooter is another question.
For fans, the PS4 version is certainly a nice bonus, but for NetEase it could be a lifeline. Those who have ignored Marvel Rivals so far now have another opportunity to jump in without having to buy new hardware. Whether that will be enough to bring the title back into the spotlight remains to be seen.
I find it understandable since it's a Game of a Service (GAS) and they're targeting a large user base. I know this is only semi-related, but there are rumors about a Resident Evil 9 PS4 version. While that's understandable for a third-party developer who doesn't need to push or sell next-gen hardware, they'll never truly experience technological advancement this way.