Alright, hang tight, ’cause here we go. So, Phoenix landed in Marvel Rivals, and suddenly I’m like, “Huh, maybe it’s time to let Overwatch 2 chill in the corner for a minute.” It’s not like I’m Phoenix’s number one fan or anything. Honestly, I had to do a quick Wikipedia dive to learn anything about her after NetEase threw her into Marvel Rivals season 3. But here’s the thing: she moves like an actual person — or mutant, whatever. And that’s kinda cool, right? Like, Rivals didn’t have much of that before.
Ever since December 2024, when Rivals hit the scene, there’s been chatter on Reddit. Folks complaining about how moving around feels like trudging through molasses. Some say it’s like slow-mo. Others think it’s just an illusion, y’know, like, Overwatch just seems faster because it’s got that first-person zip to it. I was definitely vibing with the slowness, though. It was like, “Why is everyone walking through syrup?” I slowly phased out as my annoyance cranked up.
But now, with Overwatch 2 dropping this third-person Stadium mode, and Phoenix seeming speedier, I needed to test this theory about the others being snail-paced. So, I dove in. Turns out, I was kinda right? I dunno.
Both games have these spots where you can check out distance for damage drop-off — perfect to test how fast they actually move. So here I am, goofing around, and find that Rivals characters need like, half a step more to cross five meters than their Overwatch buddies. Sounds bad, huh? But the weird part is Rivals’ five meters are like 11.5 inches? Overwatch’s are just 10. Confusing, I know.
“Why is this a thing?” you ask. Simple: Rivals characters might actually be moving as fast — maybe even faster — than Overwatch 2 ones. They’re technically gobbling up more ground in the same legwork. It’s not about speed, it’s their whole vibe.
Picture this: Cloak and Dagger, Namor, Spider-Man and the rest, doing this slow-motion dance like they’re trying out for Baywatch. Attacks feel more like interpretive dance than chaos — well, unless you’re Iron Fist. His all-action style stands out. Otherwise, it’s all kinda… muted? Winter Soldier’s gun pops like a silenced cap gun, and Scarlet Witch’s moves are, uh, not very lively. It’s kinda nice, in a chill, mellow way, but super? Not so much.
Then cue Phoenix. She’s shaking things up! Her hits come with this searing whoosh, and boom — small explosions after she lands three on the same target. Another skill? Bigger boom. She jets around in this flaming-bird style to reposition and pairs it with another skill that doesn’t leave you hanging by a cooldown forever. She dodges like she means it, quick swerves instead of lazy shifts. Her moves have this sharpness that’s, honestly, refreshing. Feels like she’s faster, even if she really isn’t. Cloak and Dagger still do their thing with fewer steps.
Anyway, NetEase finally cooked up something that’s not dull and doesn’t make you feel like you’re wading through pudding. Phoenix moves like you’d imagine a fighter should, so even if she’s not breaking any speed records, it’s exciting enough. And that, for me, is good enough.
