The bustling world of Marvel Rivals has been a whirlwind of excitement since its initial release in December 2024, captivating fans with its fast-paced, team-based hero shooter action. As NetEase Games continues to innovate, the arrival of Season 4, dubbed "The Heart of the Dragon," on September 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment. Not only does it introduce iconic heroes Angela and Daredevil, but it also extends the battlefield to PlayStation 4 consoles, bringing the game to a wider audience of Marvel enthusiasts. This expansion isn't just a technical feat; it's a testament to the developers' dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that even players on older hardware can join the fray. However, with the PS4 version launching alongside the new season, questions linger about how well the aging console will handle the game's dynamic visuals and intense battles.
For PlayStation 4 owners, the announcement came as a surprise—and a tight deadline. With the release set for September 12, players have had mere days to prepare, but the developers have been transparent about what to expect. On the standard PS4, a console that debuted nearly 12 years ago, Marvel Rivals will run at a modest 30 frames per second with a 1080p resolution. This might disappoint some who are used to smoother gameplay on newer systems, yet it's a remarkable achievement considering the hardware's limitations. In contrast, the PS4 Pro shows a significant leap, boasting 60 fps and a crisp 1440p resolution, which rivals the performance of the PlayStation 5's standard mode. Both versions demand 40 GB of storage space, a reminder of the game's rich content and destructible environments that allow players to reshape the battlefield to their advantage. As one fan mused, "How will this performance hold up in the heat of battle, especially with new heroes joining the mix?"
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The heart of Season 4 lies in its new characters, Angela and Daredevil, who promise to inject fresh energy into the game's roster. Angela, a fierce Vanguard-class hero, brings formidable combat skills and agility, as showcased in the animated trailers where her powerful physique hints at devastating gameplay abilities. Daredevil, the acrobatic vigilante, introduces unique twists with his fluid fighting style, setting the stage for thrilling synergies with existing heroes. This addition comes just in time for the season's launch event, which includes a new map, K'un-Lun - Heart of Heaven, alongside arcade modes and a battle pass filled with costumes and accessories. The developers have teased "even more surprises" for this season, building on the game's reputation for balanced gameplay and player feedback integration. Yet, as the community eagerly awaits, some recall past missteps, like the "奇妙爱情主播送礼" (Wonderful Love Streamer Gift) event from earlier in 2025. That Valentine's Day promotion, which offered exclusive skins for joining streams, caused chaos in matchmaking queues, with players constantly dropping in and out to target streamers, frustrating those who simply wanted to play. This serves as a cautionary tale: will the new season's events avoid such pitfalls?
Among the diverse roster, heroes like Black Widow remain fan favorites for their versatility and skill depth. As a swift and agile Duelist, she excels in high-burst damage and precision strikes, using her sniper rifle to eliminate targets from afar or up close. Her abilities, such as "Light Step" for quick repositioning and "Edge Dancer" for controlling enemies, make her a threat in any scenario. When paired with her ultimate "Plasma Burst," she transforms into a first-person powerhouse, dominating the battlefield with strategic flair. This character spotlight highlights the game's intricate design, where hero synergies can turn the tide of a match. But as the PS4 version rolls out, one wonders how these complex mechanics will translate on less powerful hardware. Could the frame rate dips affect the timing of Black Widow's moves, or will the developers optimize it seamlessly?
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The expansion to PS4 not only broadens accessibility but also aligns with Marvel Rivals' free-to-play model, ensuring that more players can dive into the action without barriers. This move comes at a critical juncture, as the hero shooter genre faces stiff competition, and the game's reliance on community-driven updates has been a strength. However, the developers must balance innovation with stability, learning from events like the streamer fiasco to foster a positive player experience. With Season 4's roadmap promising continuous surprises through October, the excitement is palpable. But what lies beyond for this evolving universe? As the game embraces older consoles, will it maintain the competitive edge that has defined its success, or could the technical compromises on PS4 lead to a fragmented player base? Perhaps the real test is whether the thrill of battling alongside Marvel's finest can unite fans across all platforms, inviting them to ponder: In an era of rapid gaming evolution, how do we ensure that nostalgia and progress coexist harmoniously?