Marvel Rivals’ Hawkeye is a Long Overdue Makeover

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As a gamer who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I can say that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It’s breathed new life into characters we thought we knew, and at times, it’s given us a different perspective that might not align perfectly with the comics.

For nearly two decades, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a consistent wellspring of iconic imagery for Marvel. This has significantly elevated characters such as Iron Man and Ant-Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Paul Rudd, making them more captivating than they might have been otherwise. The MCU also popularized the Guardians of the Galaxy to unprecedented levels. However, in some instances, the MCU offers a different portrayal of characters, settings, or events compared to original sources, which may be surprising and even inaccurate for purists.

The Civil War in the Marvel Universe is condensed to only six key figures on either side of the Sokovia Accords dispute, unlike other instances where a broader range of characters from Marvel’s extensive roster are involved. Characters like Black Widow and Hawkeye, who have been prominent and captivating in comic books, have generally underperformed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, the upcoming series Marvel Rivals is anticipated to elevate Clint Barton’s portrayal of Hawkeye, a character whose potential has been hinted at prior to its release. It is hoped that Marvel Rivals will offer Hawkeye the platform necessary for him to be recognized as an influential figure within the Marvel universe.

Hawkeye Suffers from Being an Archer Among Superheroes

Every Marvel character, from the most ordinary to the most extraordinary, has devoted fans. It might require extra creativity to make their adventures engaging right off the bat, but even the most straightforward characters can be intriguing when portrayed skillfully.

In any gathering where gods, symbiotes, and sea monsters are present, Hawkeye may not stand out as the most intriguing character due to his ordinary nature. This was particularly evident in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which prides itself on being relatively grounded and realistic. The insult was further rubbed in by the fact that Clint Barton never donned a striking costume, something that could have at least given him a unique visual identity. Instead, he’s stuck wearing nondescript tactical gear with only a faint purple tinge, making him easily forgettable.

The Disney Plus show titled “Hawkeye” is genuinely good because it offers a focused look at Clint’s personal life and how he struggles to cope with the aftermath of numerous Avengers-level missions as an ordinary human, not just a superhero (the fun trick arrows also add excitement and cinematic appeal). However, “Hawkeye” surprisingly makes Kate Bishop’s version of Hawkeye more appealing than Clint in certain scenes, making Clint seem less essential, or redundant, compared to his pre-series portrayal.

Marvel Rivals is a New Lease on Life for Hawkeye

In Marvel Rivals, Hawkeye stands out not just for his striking initial appearance, but also for his unique move set and abilities that make him one of the most intriguing characters in the 6v6 hero shooter. The potential mastery level of Hawkeye appears exceptionally high, whether it’s utilizing his Ultimate, Hunter’s Sight, or his Skyward Leap, which offers a double jump.

Instead of making Hawkeye’s equipment simple, they cleverly incorporated intricate details such as the Archer’s Focus passive, which amplifies damage when aiming instead of firing from the hip. This subtle touch not only improves the character but also gives depth to his personality, making him more complex.

In the game Marvel Rivals, it’s essential that Hawkeye carries a blade, since each character typically has a melee option. A katana would be a fitting choice for him because it allows for moves like Crescent Slash that send enemies flying and Ronin Slash to deflect incoming projectiles. It will be thrilling to discover any new skins for Hawkeye, especially considering the upcoming Season 0 of Marvel Rivals will introduce his Galactic Fangs skin. There’s also a chance we might see exclusive skins such as a dedicated Ronin skin or even an Old Man Hawkeye skin in the future.

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2024-11-30 13:55