Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: X360 (XBLA), PS3 (PSN)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Backbone Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: CAPCOM	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Aug. 13, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2 (6 Online)	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The only other major complaint I have about the gameplay derives from the Xbox 360 controller. As many know, the D-pad for the 360 controller can be bothersome; especially when it comes to delivering multi-layered combos that require D-Pad functionality. Granted, when playing with the analog stick you can still perform several of the combos with ease, but when remembering the complexity of some of those combos reminds you of the need for a responsive and easy to use D-pad, the 360 falters. More of a personal preference than an actual complaint is the rounded face buttons. Too often my thumb slid off the buttons in the middle of a combo. Not saying everyone will have this problem, but in my experience, when playing a fighter, the lack of flat surfaced buttons can affect the delivery of epic combos.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 screenshot

Graphically, this is a huge step up from the original version of the game. The sprites are more defined and it's easier to see the small attention to detail on the character models. The backgrounds are probably the best example of this. They seem to pop-out more than the characters at times. Their HD upgrade over the characters will be noticeable to even a novice player, but to me they never really detracted from the action at the foreground. The other thing about the graphics is the optional widescreen mode for the game. Obviously stretched, this mode will at times leave gaps that don't make a lot of sense or the background items don't exactly match up. It can easily be said that not a lot of time was spent on this optional feature, but even with its flubs, it doesn't detract from the gameplay.

For whatever reason you plan to pick up this game, I can say you will not be disappointed. Whether it is for the satisfaction of only having to pay 60 quarters versus the usual insane price tag, introducing it to those around you that have never enjoyed such a fighter, or for the pure nostalgia this games brings along with it, you will not regret it. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 delivers on the most important level: giving fans what they want.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
The HD movie for the game is great. However, the lack of attention to the widescreen format could have benefited from a few tweaks.

3.6

Control
The D-pad is the bane of this version of the game, too often delivering phantom combos.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Still as "good" as it was. Thankfully, you now have the option to lower the music levels.

4.1

Play Value
Like I remember and well worth the price; hours of fun and a great piece of nostalgia. The already unlocked characters actually add more to the play value than I had expected.

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Tons of characters: Over 50 classic characters are featured from the Marvel and Capcom universes.

Unique fighting: Try 3-on-3 tag-team matches, and the new online matching mode, including the "Quarter Match" mode from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

Accessibility: Four button controls introduce new players to the joy of fighting games.

New visuals: The new optional visual filter smoothes out the game's graphics.