MultiVersus, the Warner Bros. platform fighting game, is set to shut down at the end of Season 5 in May, yet a recent update has transformed its gameplay, making it more enjoyable than ever. This update, which was released alongside the game's final season on February 4 at 9am PT, introduced significant changes to combat speed that fans have been requesting for years. The update not only added DC's Aquaman and Looney Toons' Lola Bunny as the last playable characters but also revamped the game's mechanics, leading to a faster and more engaging experience. The community's excitement over these changes has sparked a #SaveMultiVersus movement on social media, as players rally to keep the game alive.
The shift in combat dynamics became evident after Player First Games released a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video on X/Twitter. The video showcased characters executing combos and moving at a brisker pace, a stark contrast to the slower, "floaty" gameplay criticized during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and even the game's relaunch in May of the previous year. According to the patch notes for Season 5, the increased speed results from reduced hitpause across most attacks, allowing for quicker combo execution. Specific characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, Black Adam, and others have received tailored speed adjustments, enhancing their agility and impact in battles.
Despite these positive changes, the game's closure remains imminent. MultiVersus will cease operations on May 30 at 9am PT, marking the end of seasonal content and its availability on digital storefronts. Warner Bros. Games will remove online play, leaving only offline modes for fans to enjoy. This news has left the community feeling both shocked and powerless, as the game finally reaches the level of quality they had hoped for, only to be discontinued.
Social media and forums are buzzing with reactions. X user @PJiggles_ described MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," reflecting on its tumultuous journey from beta to relaunch and now to its final update. Professional Super Smash Bros. player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the speed increase, suggesting it could have made a significant difference if implemented earlier. A Reddit user lamented that if the relaunch had started with these improvements, MultiVersus might have had a more successful run, comparing it to Apex Legends, which thrived due to its strong fundamentals despite its monetization issues.
Amid the game's impending shutdown, some players remain hopeful. Desperate_Method4032 on Reddit praised the Season 5 update for addressing all their concerns, from enhanced shield animations to overall polish, and expressed a wish for Warner Bros. to reconsider the shutdown. However, with Warner Bros. disabling real-money transactions as of January 31 and making the Season 5 premium battle pass free for all, the company seems resolute in its decision to end the game's service.
As MultiVersus approaches its final days, the community is finding solace in creating and sharing memes, celebrating the game's newfound quality while mourning its upcoming demise. The bittersweet sentiment is palpable as players enjoy a game that has finally met their expectations, just before it fades away.
