“MultiVersus” Review: Warner Bros’ Answer to “Super Smash Bros.”

“MultiVersus” is a platform fighter that started its first season in August 2022. Following a closed beta and open beta test, the game serves as Warner Bros.’ answer to Nintendo’s long-running “Super Smash Bros.” games. 

The game is developed by Player First Games, and many on the development team previously were part of the competitive tournament circuits for 2001’s “Super Smash Bros. Melee” and 2018’s “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.” This is clear from the gameplay. While not as refined as “Smash Bros.” typically is, the game still provides a fun challenge with a greater emphasis on 2-VS-2 co-op fights. 

In many ways, the tone embraces the same absurd spirit of 1996’s “Space Jam” and its 2021 sequel “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” and not just because it prominently features Bugs Bunny and LeBron James in his Tune Squad uniform as fighters.

As of the beta tests and first season of play, the game features a variety of stages and fighters from across Warner Bros. vast catalog of works. Representatives range from DC Comics superheroes such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to Cartoon Network characters including Steven Universe, along with Finn and Jake from “Adventure Time.” Some of the more notable inclusions include Norville “Shaggy” Rogers of the “Scooby-Doo” franchise and Arya Stark from “Game of Thrones.” Each character has one of the following fighting styles: Bruiser, Support, Mage/Ranged, Assassin and Tank.

The game’s graphics do a good job at not only faithfully representing the source material of their respective fighters and stages; they also have a strong visual performance amid the chaos of Harley Quinn getting into a brawl with Garnet the Crystal Gem. Each arena also represents their source material faithfully, with the Batcave and Finn and Jake’s Tree Fort being full of neat Easter eggs. As of this writing, the game features a selection of 18 fighters and five arenas, with more to come in the near future (the first season will see DC’s Black Adam and Stripe of the “Gremlins” franchise join the fight).

Though the game may not be on the same order of magnitude as “Super Smash Bros.,” WB’s “MultiVersus” still makes for a worthwhile platform fighter. It’s definitely worth trying out, both for seasoned fighting game fans and for people who just want to see Tom and Jerry get into a fist fight with Rick and Morty. 

Publisher: WB

Developer: Player First Games

Platform: PS4 (Also Available on PS5, PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series)

ESRB Rating: T