MultiVersus (2024) | Video Game Review

Against all odds, MultiVersus is back and Player First Games isn't taking chances this time. After the disappointing 2022 launch that left players frustrated with balance issues, technical problems and aggressive monetization, developers went back to the drawing board. This re-launch represents their redemption shot.

The question everyone's asking is simple: did they fix it? After diving deep into both casual matches and ranked competition over the past few weeks, the answer is significantly more complex than a simple yes or no response.

While the entire foundation has been completely rebuilt from the ground up with significant improvements, some fundamental core design philosophies remain stubbornly unchanged for better and worse, creating mixed results for players.

MultiVersus throws together characters from Warner Bros' entire entertainment catalog into a platform fighter that prioritizes 2v2 team battles over traditional one-on-one combat. The sight of Batman co-ordinating with Bugs Bunny against Wonder Woman and Rick Sanchez never gets old, no matter how many matches you've played.

The core gameplay revolves around character classes– Assassin, Bruiser, Support, Tank and Mage– that actually matter for team composition. This isn't window dressing; successful teams genuinely need to understand how different fighters complement each other.

A well-coordinated Support and Tank duo can dominate aggressive Assassin players who ignore positioning. What sets MultiVersus apart from Super Smash Bros isn't just the roster. Matches tend to run longer, emphasizing strategic resource management over quick eliminations.

The complex team dynamics create multiple layers of tactical depth that genuinely reward effective communication and strategic game sense alongside precise mechanical execution, offering rewarding gameplay for coordinated players seeking competitive advantages.

The crossover concept draws directly from Crisis on Infinite Earths and The Multiversity, translating DC's multiverse storytelling into interactive form where heroes from different realities unite against common threats through coordinated combat.

The characters from DC Comics demonstrate the development team's deep understanding of source material. Batman feels like the world's greatest detective translated into fighting game mechanics, using gadgets and environmental awareness to control space.

Wonder Woman's move-set perfectly balances her grace and devastating combat prowess. Superman presents an interesting design challenge that the developers handle well– he feels appropriately powerful without being oppressive.

Character interactions extend beyond move-sets into pre-match dialogue and victory animations. The banter between heroes and villains references decades of comic-book history, creating moments that reward longtime fans

Rather than forcing players through lengthy campaigns, MultiVersus focuses on individual character progression through arcade-style challenges. Each fighter has specific unlock paths and mastery goals exploring their unique personality and combat style. The approach respects player time while encouraging roster experimentation.

Personality shines through every aspect of character design. Bugs Bunny's cartoon physics feel authentic to decades of animated shorts, while Arya Stark brings the calculated lethality that made her compelling in Game of Thrones.

The character unlock system strikes a better balance than the original launch. Free rotation provides enough variety for casual engagement, while dedicated players can unlock favorites through gameplay or direct purchase. Voice acting brings familiar energy without feeling like cheap imitations of beloved performances.

Controls feel immediately intuitive for fighting game veterans while remaining approachable for newcomers. Basic attacks, special moves and defensive options map logically to controller inputs, with advanced techniques awaiting dedicated players.

The learning curve encourages progression without punishing experimentation. Combat carries satisfying weight and impact. Successful hits provide clear visual and tactile feedback that makes combo execution feel earned rather than automated.

The hitstun and knockback systems create predictable cause-and-effect relationships that help players understand why certain approaches succeed or fail. Stage design supports varied play-styles without heavily favoring specific character types.

Platforms provide positioning advantages and escape routes, while environmental hazards add tactical considerations without dominating matches. Each arena feels purposeful and distinct, avoiding the generic tournament stages that plague some competitors.

The improved matchmaking represents MultiVersus' most significant upgrade. Players typically face appropriately skilled opponents, though queue times can extend during off-peak hours. The ranking system provides clear progression feedback without the punishing rank decay that discourages casual competitive participation.

MultiVersus maintains rock-solid 60fps performance across all supported platforms, even during chaotic four-player battles. The excellent netcode handles online matches impressively well with minimal lag across different regions.

Connection indicators help players make informed decisions about match acceptance based on network quality. Loading times between matches rarely exceed 15 seconds from character select to actual gameplay, maintaining smooth flow throughout sessions.

Character models and stage assets load efficiently, avoiding the lengthy waits that interrupt flow in some online fighters. The reconnection system works reliably when technical issues occur, preserving ranked progress and reducing frustration.

Visual clarity remains remarkably sharp during intense team fights, though some attacks still blend together when multiple special effects trigger simultaneously. Character outlines and impact indicators help players effectively track their fighter amid the visual chaos, prioritizing competitive readability over flashy effects.

The soundtrack cleverly blends elements from different franchises without relying on instantly recognizable themes. Original compositions create cohesive audio landscapes supporting the crossover concept while maintaining appropriate energy levels.

Voice acting brings authentic character interactions, with several actors reprising iconic roles. Kevin Conroy's Batman commands respect, while Tara Strong's Harley Quinn delivers perfect playful chaos and menace. Dialogue timing integrates smoothly with gameplay, avoiding awkward interruptions during intense moments.

Sound effects provide essential audio feedback for different attack types and successful connections. Players can distinguish between light attacks, heavy strikes and special moves through audio cues alone, proving invaluable during online matches.

MultiVersus delivers impressive content volume for its free-to-play price point, though some premium features require additional investment. The base roster provides sufficient character variety, while seasonal content updates should sustain long-term engagement. Battle passes offer reasonable value for regular players.

Cosmetic options range from simple palette swaps to elaborate alternate costumes referencing different character interpretations across media. Premium skins with unique animations and voice lines justify their cost, while basic recolors feel appropriately priced.

The cosmetic economy feels significantly more generous than many contemporary free-to-play competitors. Training modes effectively support skill development with comprehensive combo trials, detailed frame data displays and matchup-specific scenarios.

These comprehensive educational tools help effectively bridge the significant gap between casual button-mashing and competitive understanding, making the entire learning process structured and rewarding for dedicated players seeking genuine improvement.

Technical stability has improved since the original launch, with fewer disconnections and lobby issues disrupting sessions. Menu navigation feels responsive and intuitive, though some advanced options remain buried. The user interface communicates important information clearly without overwhelming casual players.

Game mode variety keeps the experience fresh across different player preferences. Ranked progression provides long-term competitive goals, while casual modes offer low-pressure environments for experimentation and creative rule customization.

Replayability stems from character mastery depth and team combination possibilities. Each fighter requires significant time investment to understand fully, while team-focused gameplay encourages experimentation with different partnership strategies.

MultiVersus (2024) delivers the polished platform fighter experience that the original launch promised but completely failed to execute. Player First Games has successfully addressed most technical shortcomings while carefully preserving the unique team-based gameplay that completely distinguishes it from Super Smash Bros.

The game succeeds at bringing together disparate characters in a cohesive fighting system that respects source material while prioritizing competitive balance. The free-to-play model provides genuine value while offering premium options.

Perfect for platform fighter enthusiasts seeking fresh mechanics and crossover appeal, MultiVersus offers less satisfaction for players preferring traditional 1v1 fighting games or comprehensive single-player campaigns. The emphasis on teamwork creates a distinct identity that justifies its existence alongside competitors.

At free-to-play pricing, MultiVersus represents excellent value for fighting game fans willing to invest time in learning its complex systems. The commitment to ongoing content updates suggests genuine long-term viability for dedicated players.

MultiVersus delivers solid value as a free-to-play fighter with reasonable monetization that doesn't lock essential content behind paywalls. Platform fighter fans, Warner Bros enthusiasts and competitive players will find plenty to enjoy. Skip this one if you prefer traditional 1v1 fighting games or single-player campaigns.

MultiVersus officially launched its open beta version in July 2022, bringing WB's crossover fighting game to players across PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

The game is free-to-play with digital availability across all platforms, offering optional Founder's Pack upgrades for extra characters and cosmetics. No physical edition was released at launch, as it was designed as a live-service digital-first title from the start.