With each new event or game mode in Marvel's Avengers, the developers have worked to improve on every aspect of the game. However, the one aspect the game has gotten right since launch has been the distinction between each character's fighting style.
When Kate Bishop and Clint Barton were announced, it looked like the combat diversity between the characters had finally run its course. Both archers utilized a sword along with their bow and arrows, which displayed a huge lack of variance between them at a glance. But by the time both characters had released, it became clear that there's more to the duo than meets the eye.
When Kate Bishop was introduced in the Young Avengers comic, she appeared when there wasn't a Hawkeye. Her natural skill with the bow and arrow and Olympic level training made her the perfect candidate to continue Clint's legacy. As she got older, her style never changed, and she never added a blade to her loadout while she continued the hero's life.
Marvel's Avengers introduced the sword to Kate to honor Clint, who was missing at the time. Kate's natural fighting skill made her competent with the blade, but she never had complete mastery. Her long sweeps and heavy strikes displayed this. The blade itself also appeared much larger in Kate's hand, denoting that it was probably heavier than she was used to. To compensate, she treated the blade similar to a longsword and used its weight to her advantage. This is evidenced by the slow buildup before each swing, taking out large chunks of the enemy's health bar.
In the comics, while Kate continued as Hawkeye, Clint abandoned the bow and became Ronin. As the character, Clint used swords and various other Japanese weapons. That training was evidenced in his melee combat in Marvel's Avengers. Where Kate used sweeps and heavy blows, Clint struck with speed and precision, using the sword like a traditional katana. As a trade-off, the damage dealt to enemies was lessened slightly to account for his speed with the weapon.
The differences between the two heroes can be utilized in strategy as well. If a player wanted to strike fast and unpredictably, Clint would be the best choice. But if they wanted to pack a larger punch with their attacks, Kate would be the go-to option. Marvel's Avengers has showcased the best combat skills of each avenger. This has even included everything from the stealth precision of the Black Widow to the devastation of the Hulk. As more characters join the roster, rest assured it will most likely continue the trend.
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