Ares, the God of War, makes a striking appearance in the Marvel Comics universe, where he is depicted as a complex character who embodies the spirit of war itself, rather than aligning strictly with good or evil. In the aftermath of the Secret Invasion storyline, when Norman Osborn takes over leadership of the Avengers, Ares is one of the few who remains by his side. This decision might seem puzzling for a hero, but it aligns perfectly with Ares' character. He is not loyal to any side but to the essence of war, thriving in conflict and power struggles. This trait is mirrored in his Marvel Snap card, where he is portrayed as enjoying the game of war, favoring large, powerful cards and preferring the company of equally formidable figures.

In the world of Marvel Snap, Ares doesn't naturally synergize with well-known card combinations like Bullseye and Swarm or Victoria Hand and Moonstone. Instead, he requires a unique strategy, often centered around decks filled with high-power cards. A notable synergy is with cards like Grandmaster or Odin, allowing for strategic plays that can amplify Ares' impact on the battlefield. His 4-energy cost for 12 power is impressive, but to truly excel, Ares might need to be used in decks that can repeatedly trigger his ability, perhaps outside traditional Surtur decks.

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Despite his prowess, Ares can be vulnerable to smaller but potent foes like Shang-Chi and Shadow King. To counter this, players might consider protecting him with cards like Cosmo or Armor, which can shield him from disruptive effects.

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Ares' power level is significant, but in the current meta dominated by Control decks like Mill and Wiccan Control, he requires a tailored deck to thrive. Simply relying on raw power isn't enough; Ares needs to outperform even Surtur decks, which have been struggling in competitive play.

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In matchups against decks like Darkhawk or Mill, Ares can become a game-changer, but his effectiveness can be inconsistent. Compared to cards like Death, which offer similar power at a lower cost, Ares may seem outdated. However, he remains a valuable asset for gaining strategic insights into opponents' plays, making him more than just a powerhouse.

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Despite his potential, Ares currently appears to be one of the weaker cards in the current season. His success often hinges on a coin flip, where players must carefully manage their power curve and numbers to secure a win.

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In conclusion, while Ares brings a unique flavor to the game, his effectiveness is overshadowed by more versatile cards. The current meta favors strategies that allow for energy cheating and widespread power distribution, making Ares a challenging choice to build around. Unless paired with a powerful ability, a 4-energy card for 6 power is underwhelming, and even a 4-energy card for 12 power requires a very specific deck construction to be competitive.