In case you missed the news, Netmarble recently started the global pre-registration phase for MARVEL Future Revolution. Touted as the “first open world RPG” on the mobile platform using the MARVEL IP, the story begins as numerous Earths converge in the multiverse to form an entirely new ‘Primary Earth’ filled with unique zones and missions to explore. We spoke with Mr Joe Lee, Production Director of Netmarble, to find out more!
Q: Netmarble has had experiences working on the Marvel IP with previous mobile games. Concept wise, how is MARVEL Future Revolution different from the other titles?
A: MARVEL Future Revolution is Marvel’s first Open World Action RPG on mobile that delivers high quality graphics, tons of single-player and multiplayer content and an exciting original story written in collaboration with Marvel writer Marc Sumerak.
Our game features more than 400 million costume combinations per hero to choose from, the ability to engage in cinematic action battles against a variety of enemies and powerful Super Villains, and iconic Marvel locations that are smashed together due to the Convergence, such as New Stark City, Hydra Empire, Sakaar, and more.
Q: How is the working relationship like between Netmarble and Marvel? When 2 big corporations work together, sometimes there might be too many ideas being thrown into the mix.
A: We worked closely with Marvel Games team throughout the game development to ensure each and every element of the game remains true to the source materials. We are creators who have a shared passion and vision with Marvel, and through our ongoing partnership, we’ve been able to craft our own stories with authenticity. When you have a deep love and appreciation for the vast source materials from the Marvel Universe, that’s going to show within the game.
Q: It has been over a year since MARVEL Future Revolution was first announced back in March 2020. What has the team been working on since then?
A: The development team has been working diligently to give players the highest quality experience. In addition to our expansive and engaging story content, we have been building out open world environments and aggressively testing diverse multiplayer content. This includes story missions that all players partake in to save the day from various evil schemes, players teaming up to take down powerful Super Villains, and Raids, a mode where a group of up to four Super Heroes go head-to-head against more powerful Super Villains. We also worked hard to ensure the game is visually stunning, as we are aiming for high-quality 3D graphics.
Q: As for the storyline of MARVEL Future Revolution, is this adapted from any existing comics or totally unique for this game?
A: These are original, high-stakes, adventure-driven storylines inspired by various popular source materials from the Marvel Universe. The story follows a group of Super Heroes saving the worlds in danger due to a “Convergence” phenomenon (Dimensional collision). It is up to the players to band together and save the primary earth from further “Convergence”.
Q: MARVEL Future Revolution is touted as “Marvel’s First Open World Action RPG on Mobile.” How does this differ from the traditional MMORPG genre?
A: MARVEL Future Revolution is propelled forward first and foremost by its incredible story. And it becomes a very personal story for each player as they go on this incredible adventure. The game’s emphasis is on advancing your Super Hero and customizing their skills and appearance to make them your own. Once you get accustomed to the world, you are ready to take on the multiplayer content.
Q: How many maps or zones can players expect? Are there any familiar ones, for example the city of New York?
A: There will be five main zones to explore: New Stark City, Hydra Empire, Xandearth, Midgardia, and Sakaar. Players can also look forward to special zones within our PvP modes, special challenge zones and the mysterious Dark Zone, which contains our most challenging content at launch.
Q: Obviously, action combat is core to MARVEL Future Revolution. Does it mean that players will have to chain together attacks for sick combos and bonus damage? How will auto-combat factor into the system?
A: Combat in MARVEL Future Revolution is fast-paced, and players will have a number of skills to rely on. Learning how to combine those skills in the best way possible is part of the fun. More details of the action combat will be revealed at a later date.
Q: We understand that co-op is a main feature in MARVEL Future Revolution. How many players will there be in a party? How will loot be distributed?
A: There will be a variety of group content available for players to explore when the game launches. Party size varies based on the content. For example, some content, like Blitz, has a party size of four players. Omega War is a PVP mode where two teams of ten players each battle against each other.
Q: On the topic of loot, what kinds of items or gears will players be able to hunt for in MARVEL Future Revolution?
A: More details will be revealed at a later date.
Q: Will costumes be part of the loot chart as well? Or will they be purely part of the monetization model?
A: There are so many costumes available in this game, and there are different ways to get them. We will reveal that at a later date.
Q: Can you tell us more about costumes in MARVEL Future Revolution? Do they provide players with any bonuses other than unique cosmetic looks?
A: Characters will be outfitted in an extensive collection of iconic costumes from the Marvel Universe, with more than 400 million costume combinations per hero available to create highly personalized and unique looks. Players can try their hands as various Super Heroes, with the shared benefits of a Squad System that enables them to level up to new characters.
Q: It seems that only the Super Heroes are playable by gamers. How about the Super Villains? Will they only remain as in-game bosses?
A: At launch, only eight Super Heroes are playable. After all, when the world is in crisis, you turn to the Super Heroes. As to what the future holds, we’ll have to wait and see.
Q: How many playable Super Heroes are planned for the official launch? Is there a specific duration as to when a new one will be introduced regularly?
A: Eight Marvel Super Heroes will be available at launch, including Captain America, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord and Storm. While we can’t comment yet on when specific Super Heroes or Villains will be added, our goal is to include new and exciting storylines directly inspired by the Marvel Universe so everyone has a chance to see their favorite characters in action.
Q: Now, for the big question. When will the official global launch take place?
A: We can’t comment on the official launch date just yet, but players can expect the game to launch in the second half of this year.
Q: Are there any other highlights of MARVEL Future Revolution which you would like to share with our readers?
A: Pre-Registration went live on June 29, 2021. Pre-register to get a comics-inspired costume for your favorite playable hero. MARVEL Future Revolution will be available for iOS and Android devices as a free to download (with in-app purchases) in 2021.
Thank you so much for your time!