MultiVersus' impending shutdown in May, following the conclusion of Season 5, hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of its player base. A recent update dramatically increased combat speed, a long-requested change that has revitalized gameplay and sparked a fervent "#SaveMultiVersus" social media campaign.
The game's fifth and final season launched on February 4th, introducing Aquaman and Lola Bunny as its last playable characters. However, the update's significant gameplay overhaul, focusing on faster movement and combat, has overshadowed the game's imminent closure. This fundamental shift, a response to years of player feedback, has transformed the game's feel, addressing previous criticisms of sluggish, "floaty" gameplay present in the 2022 beta and last year's relaunch.
A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video highlighted the speed increase, attributed to a reduction in hit pause across most attacks. Numerous characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, and Bugs Bunny, now exhibit noticeably faster movement and combo potential, enhanced by adjustments to fast fall mechanics. Character balance adjustments, such as Garnet's altered ringout capabilities, further refine the experience.
This unexpected gameplay improvement has created a bittersweet situation. While players celebrate the game's newfound polish and responsiveness, the knowledge of its impending demise on May 30th casts a long shadow. The game's transformation into a title that finally meets player expectations just as it's being shut down has left many feeling frustrated and bewildered.
Online discussions reflect this sentiment. One player described MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," highlighting its troubled launch, relaunch, and now, its posthumous gameplay perfection. Professional Smash player Mew2King questioned the timing of the speed increase, lamenting the missed opportunity to implement these changes earlier. Reddit users echoed similar sentiments, expressing regret that these improvements weren't available from the game's inception, potentially ensuring its long-term success.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception to the Season 5 update, Player First Games and Warner Bros. remain committed to the shutdown. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31st, and the premium battle pass has been made free. MultiVersus director Tony Huynh shared closing remarks, addressing player concerns.
The game's final sunset is scheduled for May 30th at 9 am PT. While the community mourns the loss, the unexpected gameplay improvements have fostered a surge of meme creation and shared appreciation for a game that finally achieved its potential, albeit too late.
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