MultiVersus' impending shutdown in May, following the conclusion of Season 5, hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of its players. 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 community eagerly embraced Season 5, launched February 4th, which introduced Aquaman and Lola Bunny as the final playable characters. However, the update's most significant impact was the overhaul of movement mechanics, resulting in a significantly faster-paced experience. This fundamental shift, a long-standing player request, has been met with widespread praise.

A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video highlighted the speed increase. The difference is stark; characters execute combos and traverse the screen with unprecedented fluidity. This marks a departure from the sluggish gameplay criticized during the 2022 beta and even surpasses the improvements seen in last year's relaunch.

Patch notes attribute the speed boost to a reduction in hitpause across most attacks. Numerous characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, and Bugs Bunny, benefit from enhanced speed, particularly through faster fall speeds on certain aerial attacks. Character balance adjustments, such as Garnet's altered ringout potential, further refine the gameplay.

The Season 5 update has transformed MultiVersus, offering players far more than just new characters. The irony, however, is that this revitalized experience coincides with the game's scheduled shutdown on May 30th. This will end seasonal content and remove the game from digital storefronts, leaving only offline modes accessible.

The situation has left fans both elated and disheartened. The game's transformation from its initially criticized state to its current polished form has been remarkable. Many players, including professional Smash Bros. player Mew2King, express bewilderment at the timing of these improvements. Reddit users echo this sentiment, highlighting the potential for MultiVersus had these changes been implemented earlier. The improved shield animations and overall polish are widely praised. Despite the announced shutdown, the game's newfound potential fuels a glimmer of hope for a possible reversal.

Despite player pleas and a surge of positive feedback, Player First and Warner Bros. remain committed to the shutdown. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31st, although the Season 5 premium battle pass has been made free. MultiVersus' final sunset is scheduled for May 30th at 9 am PT.

The community's response is a blend of mourning and celebration. Players are finding humor in the situation, creating and sharing memes that reflect the bittersweet nature of a game finally reaching its peak just before its demise. The final chapter of MultiVersus is a testament to a community's unwavering passion, even in the face of disappointment.

(Note: The images from the original input regarding Google Chrome translation have been included here as requested. They are not relevant to the MultiVersus text, but the prompt required their inclusion.)