Options

Case for Redesigning Classic Captain Marvel as Mar-Vell (Male Captain Marvel) in MCOC

1. Outdated and Redundant Current Classic Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
The current Classic Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) in Marvel Contest of Champions is, to put it bluntly, a relic of an earlier time in the game’s development. While she was a powerhouse when first introduced, her utility and relevance have steadily declined over time. The character’s kit is a very traditional, somewhat stale setup, and as new champions and updates are introduced, her abilities and playstyle feel out of place. Most critically, Classic Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) now faces redundancy with the rise of the MCU-inspired version of Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers). Players are less likely to differentiate between the two versions, and there’s a risk of cannibalizing potential interest in a character who should feel unique and distinct.

By redesigning her to reflect the original Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell (Walter Lawson), Kabam would not only refresh the character and make him stand out but also align with the increasing demand for more varied characters from Marvel's deep history. The game’s current focus on deeper storytelling and more iconic characters means that a character like Mar-Vell could fill a unique space in the roster that current versions do not.

2. Revitalization of the Kit and Playstyle
Mar-Vell (Walter Lawson) represents a completely different playstyle and power set compared to Carol Danvers. While Carol’s classic kit revolves around her binary form and cosmic energy powers, Mar-Vell’s abilities were more rooted in his Kree warrior background, with a stronger focus on tactical combat, enhanced physical abilities, and energy manipulation in a less "cosmic god-like" way. The design could revolve around his time as a Kree military officer, blending physical combat prowess with energy absorption and manipulation—potentially bringing in mechanics that feel fresher and distinct from Carol’s kit.

Possible new kit features could include:

Classic Captain Marvel outfit and colors
Kree Technology: A synergy-driven kit that gives Mar-Vell advantages when paired with Kree characters (e.g., Ronan, Skrulls, or even older Gen 1 characters like Hulk and Super-Skrull).
Energy Absorption: Mar-Vell had the ability to absorb energy, which could be reflected in his kit as a unique buff mechanic or power gain from enemy attacks.
Enhanced Physique: Mar-Vell was known for his physical strength—this could translate into passive buffs or mechanics focused on raw damage, armor, or regeneration.
Kree Military Precision: Mar-Vell’s training could offer synergies with older Kree champions or tactics-based gameplay mechanics like counterattacks, perfect block, or precision damage.
Cosmic Warrior: Introduce a new passive or buff mechanic where Mar-Vell's Cosmic abilities interact with his kit, helping him play off of buffs that are typically associated with Cosmic champions.
By updating his kit to be both fresh and strategically deep, Kabam can breathe new life into the character.

3. Visual Redesign and Unique Appeal
One of the key weaknesses of Classic Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) is that she visually lacks distinctiveness from other cosmic characters, particularly her MCU counterpart. In contrast, Mar-Vell as a Kree warrior would allow Kabam to introduce unique visual elements that make him stand apart from existing characters.

A full redesign could showcase:

Kree Military Armor: Mar-Vell’s Kree military uniform could be more tactical and armored, setting him apart visually from the other cosmic champions.
Golden Hue and Energy Effects: Mar-Vell’s powers and aesthetic were often depicted with a unique golden energy glow, offering distinctive visual effects for his attacks, specials, and power-ups.
Helmet and Kree Symbolism: Incorporating his iconic helmet and Kree insignia could make the character feel more iconic and faithful to his comic origins.
This redesign would create a visually striking champion who doesn't merely "fit in" with the rest of the roster but becomes a notable standout in terms of both playstyle and appearance.

4. Increased Synergies and Team Utility
Mar-Vell would offer numerous synergy opportunities with existing characters, particularly those from the earlier generations (Gen 1) that are often left behind in the meta. Kabam can utilize Mar-Vell’s Kree background and heroic connections to create synergies with underused characters, thus making these older champions more relevant in the current game. For instance:

Synergy with Hulk: Mar-Vell and Hulk share a deep connection in the comics, and Mar-Vell has fought alongside Hulk in key stories. A synergy with Hulk could boost Hulk’s offensive or defensive potential, offering a tangible reason to use both characters together.

Synergy with Super-Skrull: The introduction of Kree-Skrull War-related synergies could bolster the role of characters like Super-Skrull, giving them extra buffs when paired with Mar-Vell. This synergy could focus on dealing with Cosmic and Skrull-related debuffs, making Super-Skrull and other Skrull-based characters much more effective.

Synergy with Hulkling: He's his son, keep it in the family.

Synergy with Kree Characters: Ronan the Accuser, Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), and other Kree characters would benefit from synergies tied to Mar-Vell’s leadership, enhancing his role as a central figure in Kree-based team strategies.

Synergy with Cancerverse storyline characters

These synergies would give the character strong utility in both offensive and defensive teams and improve the viability of several underutilized characters, increasing overall game balance and depth.

5. Filling a Gap in the Roster: Legacy and Iconic Status
Mar-Vell has a crucial place in Marvel’s cosmic history. As the original Captain Marvel, his character is steeped in legacy and his own brand of heroism—unlike Carol, who took on the mantle after his death. This historical significance makes him an important figure for the Marvel Contest of Champions roster. His inclusion would not only appeal to older fans who are familiar with his origins but also give newer players an opportunity to explore an important part of the Kree/Skrull War storyline.

Further, there’s the argument that by introducing a legendary Captain Marvel who is neither tied to the MCU nor the modern Carol Danvers character, Kabam would elevate the cosmic character pool by adding a unique and important legacy figure who offers something fresh.

Conclusion: In conclusion, redesigning Classic Captain Marvel as Mar-Vell (Walter Lawson) would be a highly beneficial move for both Kabam and Marvel Contest of Champions players. Not only would it breathe new life into an outdated character, but it would also provide fresh gameplay mechanics, synergies, and visual design that appeal to a wide variety of players. By focusing on Mar-Vell’s Kree heritage, physical prowess, and cosmic energy manipulation, Kabam could deliver a champion who brings both legacy and innovation to the game, all while making him more distinct and relevant in the current meta.

Comments

  • WednesdayLengthWednesdayLength Member Posts: 3,335 ★★★★★
    Or just make a new character and buff the old one. The absolute closest they've come to doing this is giving white magneto his sleeves lmao
Sign In or Register to comment.