Summary
As you were probably already expecting,Marvel Rivalshas quite a few Easter eggs and references from the big Marvel universe, as it presents us with new versions of many iconic characters as well as famous places from the comics mixed with original ideas in its maps.
These references can sometimes feel like simple Easter eggs, such as things you may see on maps or characters drop during conversations, while other details are given a lot more attention, which makes us wonder if they’re hinting at future content from the game.
10Alchemax
The Other Oscorp
When visiting Tokyo 2099, you’ll see many companies throughout the city, which is only fair considering that it’s Tokyo. Each of them has its ties to the comics, from Pixel Corp. to Horizon Labs, but there are a few worth highlighting.
We have Alchemax, which is a big player in Spider-Man 2099 stories, as it controls whole cities, and even controls private police forces like the Public Eye - which is also teased on the map. In terms of narrative, they function similar to Oscorp in the stories.
9Stark-Fujikawa
Companies Collide
Another company that may catch your attention is Fujikawa Industries, mostly because of the “Stark” written on top of the name Fujikawa. This is mainly because Stark and Fujikawa Industries merged as a mega-corporation named Stark-Fujikawa.
This is a merger that happened after the death of Tony Stark, and this corporation is just as big as Alchemax and others, having a lot of control over the world of 2099.
8The Hand
Now A Store?
As you venture through Tokyo 2099, you’ll also find a store with the very creative name of Ninja Store. That, in particular, doesn’t look very interesting (though the area of the map looks cool in itself), but what brings some attention to it is a reference to The Hand on the side.
The Hand is a secret group of ninja warriors who control (or used to control; we don’t know their influence in the game’s lore) many things in secret. They’re often the main enemy group that Daredevil fights against, though many heroes have faced The Hand. This store could be a facade, or they just fell from grace. Who knows?
7Brian Banner
Lots of lore pieces are thrown here and there through dialogue and one particularquote from Helawhen she kills the Hulk. She references his dead father, Brian Banner. Brian was a very abusive figure in Bruce’s life, which culminated in him killing his father.
Still, since comics can be wild, there are versions of Brian where he returns and becomes incarnations of the Hulk, such as the Devil Hulk. It’s unlikely he’ll be a character here.
6Klyntar
Venom’s Home
When some of the Guardians of the Galaxy are together - or if Venom is close - they may end up mentioning a recent adventure of theirs on the planet Klyntar, and whatever happened there seems to have been a close call for the Guardians.
The number of conversations involving Klyntar and Knull, the creator of the symbiotes, gives the impression that this is a story bit that could be tackled in the future.
5Krakoa
Mutant’s Home
Krakoa is yet another place that is mentioned a lot, meaning it could also be tackled in further updates, like events or as a new map. But in essence, Krakoa is a living island that became home for the mutants after the loss of Genosha.
There are many stories featuring Krakoa in the comics, so it’s hard to say what’s the status of the place within the game. We know that Krakoa is in danger from the two Dooms, just like everywhere else, and somecharacters like Magnetoare involved specifically to save it.
4Master Weaver
The Web That Connects Everything
Tokyo 2099 has a lot of Spider-Man references and Easter eggs, which makes sense considering that it’s where one of the playable characters, Peni Parker, is from. Among these references, we have an image of the Master Weaver.
All Spider-People in the Marvel universe are connected, becoming avatars of ancient beings through their Spider-Totems. These totems, and the multiverse, is connected by the Web of Life and Destiny, which is maintained by the Master Weaver. Considering the multiversal danger in the story, this could become relevant in the future.
3Spider-Band
Plays Whatever A Spider Can
Speaking of the many Spider-People, you can find many posters of them, and some of these posters show them playing instruments. If this has any other connotation, we can’t say, but it would be fun to see a band of Spider-People.
We can see Peter playing drums, Miguel O’Hara (Spidey 2099) and Spider-Punk 2099 (original skin) playing their guitars, and Spider-Zero on the keyboard. This also marks our first glance at Spider-Man 2099, by the way.
2Skin References
Though There Are Many Originals Here, Too
Many skins here (thus far) are original or re-colors of the main outfits, but there are a few interpretations of outfits from the comics or at least things that pay homage. A clear example of the homage is the original skin of Spider-Punk 2099, which is still a reference to the normal Spider-Punk skin.
We also have a white version of Storm’s outfit, as it’s a common color for her clothes, and skins that are more direct references, like the Hulk as a gladiator and a skin forthe Punisherbased on his time in the Thunderbolts.
1Possible Character Teases
Or At Least An Expansion To The Game’s Lore
Along with the main cast, many characters are teased through Easter eggs on the map or through mentions during conversation. Some of these are likely future characters - leaks or not, we were already expecting Captain America - while others could just be future plans that will take a while to happen.
Among these references, you’ll hear about Captain America, Black Widow, the Silver Samurai, Deadpool, Wolverine, Dazzler, and a possible Ghost Rider reference - though it could be Ghost Rider 2099.
