Game Review: Marvel vs Capcom 2

Marvel vs Capcom 2 is the X-Box Live Arcade and Playstation Network re-release of the classic arcade and Sega Dreamcast fighter. Putting a new twist on fighting games with 3 versus 3 combat, character assists, and tons of characters to choose from, Capcom is bringing back their old school 2-D fighting game with a coat of fresh paint. The re-release has new HD graphics, with texture smoothers to improve or change the classic character sprites, in addition to new re-rendered 3-D backgrounds. Capcom threw in some online play for good measure. Does this re-release of Marvel vs Capcom 2 take you for a ride, or is this another fighter that can’t stand the test of time?



Story
Marvel vs Capcom 2 is a game with no story, so it won’t be given a score in this category.

Story: NA

Gameplay

Marvel vs Capcom 2 plays mostly like your classic 2-D capcom fighter. Your fighter can kick, punch, block jump, and perform special attacks and super moves by performing a complex combination of buttons. There are 56 fighters to chose from, half from Capcom classics and half from Marvel Comics characters. All of your favorites are here, from Spider-Man and Wolverine to Mega Man and Ryu. Capcom even threw in some extremely obscure characters for good measure. There are so many fighters that it’s hard to keep track of them all sometimes. But it’s good. It gives the game plenty of variety in who you face, and who you choose as your fighter.

But, Marvel vs Capcom 2 doesn’t stop with just one fighter. No, you pick three characters to engage in 3 on 3 battles. At any time you can swap between characters. Swapping has one character jump off the screen while the other leaps in with a flying kick or whatnot. You can also use character assists, with one of your characters on the sidelines popping in to perform a special attack (which one they perform is up to you by choosing it at the character select screen) and leaping back out of combat. Both of these tactics can be used to great strategy. Whether it’s conserving health, keeping the enemy at bay, or anything else you can imagine, there are tons of ways to use all the characters together depending on which combination you choose, and which assist you give them.

And this is the beauty of the game. Never before have I played a fighting game where each and every player you come up against plays the game so differently. Everyone has their favorites, and worked really hard to build a team that not only works well together, but suits that player’s particular play style. It’s a lot of fun to see what combinations other players have come up with, and how to play them. Luckily Capcom has added an online component to make this all the more easy.

The online play in Marvel vs Capcom 2 is between tacked on and well done. There is a great matchmaking system, but it can sometimes have you searching for a long time. When you do get into a match, things typically run pretty smooth (depending on your connection) and it’s a lot of fun. Fighting games are always more fun to play against real people than the computer anyway.

Gameplay: 9/10

Presentation

Marvel vs Capcom 2 on X-Box Live Arcade and Playstation Network adds new graphics and texture smoothing options to dust off the decade old game. The stage backgrounds have been completely redone. While keeping with their classic look, they use the current generation's graphics capability to make detailed and smooth rendered backgrounds, making them look the same, but oddly better. It’s only really noticeable if you pay attention, but it’s a very nice touch.

In addition, there are texture filters for the 2-D sprites of the fighters. You can choose from smooth, crisp, or classic. Classic is the 2000 artwork from the arcade, unchanged, while smooth blurs them slightly. Crisp cleans up the lines around the edges to give them a more finished look. All are equally good, and don’t change things too dramatically. So it’s really up to your taste which you prefer.

All the original sound effects and music are back. They do the job well, and with the exception of the character select music (are you really gonna take me for a ride?), they are great.

Lastly, the game is presented in a 4:3 ratio widescreen format in HD graphics. This is a very nice addition for those who have a HD TV. With the range of the screen being wider, Capcom decided to keep the actual play area the same dimensions to please hardcore fans of the game. Most of the time, this is not noticeable, and actually helps the game maintain its classic gameplay. Other times it can be distracting when things are supposed to stick to the edge of the screen (Spider-Man), now stick to the edge of the play area, leaving them stuck to a mysterious invisible wall.

Presentation: 9/10

Summary

The X-Box Live Arcade and Playstation Network re-release of Marvel vs Capcom 2 is a welcome one. The original game was a classic, and incredibly enjoyable to play. The new graphical updates and online play are very welcome additions, and only add to this fantastic game. Bringing it out on newer systems was a great idea to expose people that never had a chance to get into it on the Dreamcast, and introduce it to a new audience. If you are a fan of fighting games, this game is definitely worth checking out.

Final Score: 9/10

(Average of Story, Gameplay, and Presentation)