Oh man, Phoenix in Marvel Rivals, huh? So here I am, thinking maybe it’s time to stow away Overwatch 2 for a sec and dive back into NetEase’s shooter game. Not that I’m obsessed with Phoenix or anything. Honestly, until like five minutes ago, all I knew came from a Wikipedia dive post-announce for Marvel Rivals season 3 and that one crucial detail from her character trailer: She moves like an actual human. Or, well, a mutant human. Which was low-key thrilling since Rivals hasn’t really nailed that, until now.
Back when the game kicked off December 2024, there was this ongoing hullabaloo on Reddit about how Rivals felt like it was stuck in slow-mo. Some folks swore it felt like trudging through mud, while others claimed it was just a perspective-thing, like how Overwatch feels speedier since it’s all up in your face, first-person style. I was all in with the slow walkers club, gradually drifting off because the slow-motion parade started driving me nuts.
So Overwatch 2 rocked up with its third-person Stadium mode and I noticed Phoenix seemed zippier; it got me thinking, was Rivals really stuck in molasses, or was I just overthinking it? Turns out, I was right. Sort of.
In both games’ practice zones, you’ve got these spots with distance marks to figure damage drop-off ranges, but it’s also handy for testing how quickly folks get around. Lots of character testing later, and here’s the thing: Rivals folks need about half a stride more to trek five meters compared to Overwatch 2 characters. Sounds like a mess, right? But then, Rivals messes with distance scaling too. Five meters in Rivals clocks in at about 11.5 inches, versus Overwatch’s 10 inches.
“Why’s this a big deal?” you might be thinking. Basically, Rivals’ characters are cruising as fast or even faster than their Overwatch 2 pals ’cause they’re technically covering more ground with similar steps. Not a speed problem, more like a style issue.
You’ve got Cloak and Dagger, Namor, Spidey, and all, strutting like they’re cruising down a beach in slow motion. Lengthy pauses dance through their attacks, turning what should be these hardcore battles into some artsy performance. Attacks and animations feel hushed, understated. Winter Soldier’s got this fancy pistol that’s about as loud as a whisper, and Scarlet Witch’s attacks lack punch. Sure, it’s classy in a subdued way – but not exactly the superhero vibe you’re craving.
Cue Phoenix. Here’s a hero with flair. Her attacks come with this fierce whoosh and a little explosion three hits in. Bigger booms with another special move. She’s speed-racing around in a fiery bird form and can use a second mobility trick without waiting eons for cooldowns. And when she’s dodging or flipping directions, it’s with this sharpness that cranks up the energy—even if, technically, she’s not moving faster. Spoiler: She’s not. Cloak and Dagger are still dancing past her with fewer strides.
Basically, NetEase finally nailed a super mix of style and functionality that doesn’t feel like wading through goo. Phoenix fights and zooms like a pro, and even if she’s not outrageously different from others, her battles have a spark I’m all for. And hey, that’s good enough for me.
