MultiVersuswas, and still could be, a very promising mascot platformer. It won the hearts of many players and even an award before it was out of beta, but due to unknown difficulties,MultiVersus' content output slowed down. For the past few months, it hasn’t seen much more than small balance fixes and a few new cosmetic options, and now it’s come out that the game will be going offline for some time at the end of June. The public disappointment resulting from this is immense, but the decision was made to ensure that a healthy and sustainable game would end up in players' hands eventually.
In the months betweenMultiVersus' partial shutdown and return, players will still be able to enjoy playing the game offline. That will quickly become a hollow comfort given the game’s limited modes and roster, so players will have to look elsewhere for their fighting game fix.MultiVersus' free-to-play naturemeans that it should be easy to jump back in once it’s available, so prospective players have every reason to try other titles in its absence.
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The first and most obvious replacement forMultiVersusis the franchise that inspired it.Super Smash Bros.has been the leading platform fighter since its inception on the N64, and ifMultiVersusdoesn’t turn things around, then it might stay that way for a little while longer.Super Smash Bros. Ultimateboastsone of the largest fighting game rosters ever, and it has far more polish than others in that race. Although its online multiplayer pales in comparison toMultiVersusown rollback netcode, sticking withSmashwill keep fans' skills sharp for whenMultiVersusreturns.
Injustice 2
For anyone looking for a different Warner Bros. crossover fighter,Injustice 2may be what they’re after. With a cast of DC superheroes, some of whom were added toMultiVersus, and a few other special guests,Injustice 2still provides a heaping of fanservice. It also sports a much more developed singleplayer suite than most fighting games on the market, something thatMultiVersusalmost completely lacks. WithInjustice 2’s gear system offering more upgradesand moves then most players will ever see, this NetherRealm Studios title should be a great choice for anyone seekingMultiVersus' general appeal in a traditional fighting game.
Fraymakers
With that being said, there is a rising equivalent toMultiVersusin the indie scene right now. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, theindie crossover platform fighterFraymakersrecently launched on Steam in Early Access. The game still has limited content, but offers a unique assist-based take on the genre, and has integrated modding tools for anyone to expand the gameplay. If nothing else, the beautiful sprites made by theSuper Smash Flashteam are worth a look all on their own.Fraymakerswon’t satisfy everyone, but someone that jives with it may find that it’s just what they need.
Street Fighter 6
All of that being said, if any players wish to jump into a new fighting game as soon asMultiVersusgoes offline,Street Fighter 6is undoubtedly their best bet. Pre-release impressions have been almost universally positive, and the game sports the most detailed singleplayer campaign thatStreet Fighterhas ever seen. From the online options to the new character creator, and from the gimmick battles to the free retro games,Street Fighter 6seems to have morethan what any fan could ask for. If someone feels burned by the lack of content and departure ofMultiVersus, then they should be able to find something to ease that pain inStreet Fighter 6.
MultiVersusis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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