The fighting genre has been one of gaming’s most popular since the very dawn of the industry. Beginning with Sega’sHeavyweight Champin 1976, fighting games have never left the popular zeitgeist, only continuing to grow more popular over the years, with series likeStreet Fighter,Tekken, andMortal Kombatall remaining immensely popular today. But as the genre has continued to grow over the decades, it’s also continued to evolve, and the market’s started to see the rise of new contenders, likeMultiVersus.
Published by Warner Bros. Interactive,MultiVersustakes a lot of inspiration fromNintendo’sSuper Smash Bros.series, but does make some significant changes to a handful of core mechanics, such as introducing a class system. Being a live-service game,MultiVersusis intended to grow gradually over time, but the game has started off surprisingly well, already boasting a stacked roster that brings together 17 characters from across Warner Bros. vast library of licenses, fromGame of Thronesto DC toLooney Tunes.
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MultiVerus' Complete Roster
The biggest percentage ofMultiVersus' current characters hail from the realm of Cartoon Network. Coming fromAdventure Time, both Finn and Jake are on the roster. Fitting intothe Assassin class, Finn is among the most powerful characters in the game right now, with a far-reaching sword, and a spinning backpack move that’s become infamous across the internet. Jake, on the other hand, is a Bruiser, who’s moves may not be as overwhelming as Finn’s, but they are some of the game’s most creative.
Two characters fromSteven Universe, Garnet and Steven himself, appear on the roster. Garnet isn’t one ofMultiVersus' most played Bruisers, but she is pretty good at absorbing oncoming projectiles. Steven, on the other hand, is considered by some to bethe worst character inMultiVersusright now, being a Support character that struggles to hold his own in a fight.
While these next few characters didn’t start out as Cartoon Network properties, subsequent series and various spin-offs have been produced through the animation company over the last decade or so.Tom and Jerry, counted as just one character, are a Mage hero, and are currently considered one of the most tricky characters to play as due to their lengthy move set-ups. Shaggy and Velma fromScooby-Doomake an appearance, with the latter being a solid Support character, and the former being a well-rounded Bruiser.
The DC license also has a pretty sizeable presence inMultiVersus. First up is Wonder Woman, who takes on the Tank role and comes equipped with her Lasso of Truth, sword, and shield. Despite being the first character players unlock,Wonder Womanisn’t often seen in the competitive scene, mostly due to her reliance on other teammates needing to dish out damage while she provides armor.
Taking on an Assassin role, Harley Quinn is slightly more popular, with some fast-hitting, easy-to-learn combos, making her a good character for those just starting out. Batman and Superman round outDC’sMultiVersuspresence, with the former being a Bruiser and the latter being a Tank. While Batman’s grappling hook is the perfect tool for delivering swift justice and escaping to safety, Superman’s kit is defined by rapid-fire punches and powerful grabs.
Taz and Bugs Bunny fromLooney Tuneshave both made the cut. Though Taz started out being completely overpowered with his spin attack, that’s since been nerfed pretty heavily, leaving him a little redundant. Bugs, however, remains to be one ofMultiVersus' strongest, most well-rounded fighters, though that could change withtheMultiVersusSeason 1 patch.
The rest ofMultiVersus' roster is filled out by a variety of characters from across WB’s catalog.Game of Thrones' Arya Stark is an Assassin, with a high skill requirement. The Iron Giant is a bit of a double-edged sword, capable of delivering devastating blows, but also having a gigantic hitbox himself. LeBron James has a very unique moveset, revolving around keeping possession of a basketball, and Reindog is a completely original character forMultiVersus, being a Support character capable of pulling allies up from their doom.
As is the nature of any live-service game,MultiVersusis going to continue to get new characters, and the first set have already been confirmed. Coming withthe start of Season 1, Morty, fromRick and Morty, should be added toMultiVersus' roster on August 23, with Rick following at a later date. DC will get another character with Black Adam, andGremlins' little murderer Stripe is on his way, though dates haven’t been given for their inclusion either.
MultiVersusis out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
