MultiVersusis now in open beta, taking on all challengers while testing its characters, monetization, and general stability. Players around the world are sinking their teeth into thisbrand-new crossover platform fighter, and even with some regions temporarily unable to access the game, it’s performing well. Combining Warner Bros.' enormous roster of franchises with smartly designed 2v2 platform fighting was a recipe for success.
Yet it’s not hard to draw comparisons to the grandfather of all platform fighters, asMultiVersusis capitalizing on the end ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate’s life, and may supplant it as the leading competitive platform fighter for the foreseeable future. With all other efforts being either indie games, the years-oldBrawlhalla, or the undercookedNickelodeon All-Star Brawl,MultiVersushas a good shot. Thanks to its availability on all platforms and free-to-play nature, anyone with even a remote interest inSuper Smash Bros.or WB properties can try outMultiVersus. The only questions is how its balance and monetization will pan out, and how it compares toSuper Smash Bros.
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Smash Bros. and MultiVersus Approach The Genre in Different Ways
MultiVersusandSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatehave plenty of surface similarities. Both games feature stylized crossover rosters, withSuper Smash Bros.pulling from video games whileMultiVersususes TV shows and movies.Smash Ultimatehas a lot more characters thanks to its preceding four installments and multi-year DLC campaign, butMultiVersus’ roster will grow in time. The fledgling fighting game has already broken new ground with the inclusion of LeBron James, a real-life athlete in animated form fromSpace Jam 2. Accounting for the similar cartoon form ofGame of Thrones’ Arya Stark, nothing inSuper Smash Bros.has blended mediums so ambitiously.
Speaking of which, progression is different between the two games. After players unlock all ofSmash Ultimate’s fighters, there isn’t much else to find. Spirits can be equipped in certain match types, but they are a fringe attraction in a game that already has optional battle items.MultiVersustakes a different approachby making character progression a key motivator in playing online. Perks and alternate abilities can be unlocked through leveling up characters, and more characters can be bought with in-game currency. With the ability to mix-and-match generic perks, players are incentivized to try multiple characters for extended periods.
How MultiVersus and Smash Ultimate’s Gameplay Compares
Both titles revolve around fighting, andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateis a great game for parties and tournaments, but playing by oneself is also an option.The World of Light story modeoffers a large campaign that players can run through, unlocking and customizing their characters all the way. They can take what they learn into the Classic Mode, try out their skills in a few bonus modes, or become a game master in the stage creator. By comparison,MultiVersushas a tutorial that unlocks Wonder Woman, a training mode, local versus that unlocks all perks and characters for offline competition, and an online mode presented via a giant “Play” button in the main menu. While lacking compared toSmash,MultiVersusknows its strengths.
The core gameplay of simple controls with normal and special attacks are shared, but differences swiftly emerge.MultiVersusis designed around 2v2 matches, whileSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateis best for one-on-one duels or casual free-for-alls.Smashhas competitive doubles, but it’s not the main mode for most players. However, teamwork is deeply integrated into every character’s moveset inMultiVersus, with many attacks serving a different function if an ally is nearby. This new dimension helpsMultiVersusstand out, which is necessary when its movesets are often smaller than those inSmash. Arguably,Super Smash Bros. Ultimatehas more refined core gameplay, butMultiVersus’ free-to-play model and unique team-based approach will help it carve out a niche for itself.
MultiVersusis available in open beta on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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