We're just a few weeks away from the launch of Marvel Rivals and NetEase is still not done revealing the roster of playable characters. At D23 Brazil this weekend, NetEase Games announced that Moon Knight will be joining the launch roster for the Super Hero Team-Based PvP Shooter.
Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, Moon Knight first made his comic debut in August 1975 in Werewolf by Night #32. While comic fans may be familiar with the character, he was introduced to mainstream audiences through Marvel's miniseries on Disney+. The series starred Oscar Isaac as Mark Spector/Moon Knight and Steven Grant/Mr. Knight, and follows the two alters of a man with dissociative identity disorder as they are drawn into a mystery involving Egyptian gods.
"Mercenary Marc Spector was given a second chance at life when he became the avatar of the Egyptian moon god, Khonshu," NetEase Games and Marvel Games describe of the new playable hero. "As Moon Knight, he doles out righteous vengeance, locked in a never-ending battle with both the criminals on the streets and the voices in his head."
In Marvel Rivals, Moon Knight wields supernatural powers bestowed by Khonshu to eliminate his foes. NetEase shared a brief gameplay video highlighting Moon Knight's deadly moves.
Moon Knight's appearance in Marvel Rivals does differ slightly from the one we saw on television and in the comics. While it still incorporates the white and black color scheme inspired by the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology along with "Egyptian Faience" material, the design team has integrated technological components nad rugged armor motifs.
"This enhances the visual impact while aligning with the game's aesthetic, allowing Moon Knight’s aggressive combat style to seamlessly intertwine with the gameplay," NetEase explains. "Moon Knight can summon a portal above the battlefield, connecting him to the cosmos and summoning the formidable and enigmatic arms of Khonshu, rendering his enemies defenseless."
Moon Knight will be playable at the launch of Marvel Rivals on December 6th. He's the 26th playable character revealed for the game, joining the likes of Captain America, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Loki, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and many more Marvel heroes and villains.
Described as a team-based PvP shooter, Marvel Rivals has been likened to games like Overwatch where players battle across various destructible maps inspired by the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals will be free to play at launch with all heroes unlocked and playable from the start. The game will feature microtransactions for different cosmetic outfits for the characters.