Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Review

Mega Man turns Iron Man into a box office bust.

Yesterday, we looked up Marvel vs. Capcom 2 on eBay to see if players were still purchasing overpriced copies in lieu of the recently released Xbox Live version.  As expected, there were scores of fools hoping to cash in on the game’s popularity; one idiot listed a factory sealed PlayStation 2 copy for $499.99.  Nice offer, but we’ll settle for the kick butt (and near arcade perfect) $15.00 edition.

Capcom’s exquisite 2-D brawler sports an impressive 56-character roster comprised of video game favorites (Ryu, Jill Valentine, Mega Man and Captain Commando) and Marvel superheroes (Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man).  Your job is to create three-person dream teams and annihilate a series of opponents, either through the game’s single player campaign or online against seasoned competitors.  Part of the fun, therefore, comes from creating new combinations of warriors to see whether Magneto can co-exist with Chun-Li, or if Tron Bonne compliments Wolverine.  And since Capcom unlocked the entire roster from the start, you can immediately construct your fantasy mash-up; perhaps you really love the idea of sending Akuma, Gambit and Storm into battle. 

Because of the hundreds of unique combinations, you’ll probably spend a lot of time at the massive character select screen, but we strongly suggest picking a team and enjoying everything this wonderful game has to offer.  Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is one of the fastest, most brutal fighters on Xbox, thanks to furious combat that allows gamers to call in computer controlled characters for a much needed assist (achieved by pressing either shoulder button) and the ability to tag in and control each brawler at will, allowing the others to recover some health.  You’ll need fast reflexes and a keen eye to keep track of it all, especially since the computer can annihilate you in less than a minute.  That’s because, unlike today’s fighting games, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 features insane combos.  It’s not uncommon to be on the receiving end of a 50, 60 and even a 100 hit combo, or watch (in horror) as the opposing team unleashes a super combo; at times, you won’t even see your character amidst the chaos. 

Playing against the computer will keep you busy for a while (even on easy, it brings the pain), but the game shines in multiplayer.  Whether you invite friends over or join a six-person lobby via Xbox Live (with little to no lag during matches), Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offers furious combat where both sides tag in/tag out characters, call for assists and execute punishing special moves. 

This, despite clearly looking its age.  Capcom somewhat spruced up the 2-D sprites with two viewing modes (Smooth and Crisp, but you can also view the characters in their pixilated glory) and displayed the 3-D backgrounds in glorious high definition, but you won’t mistake MvC 2 for Super Street Fighter Turbo HD Remix.  It just doesn’t look as sharp. 

In addition, we also suggest buying an arcade stick, since the Xbox 360’s d-pad leaves a lot to be desired.  That all depends, of course, on your love of the game and whether or not having precision movements makes a huge difference; or you can wait for the PS3 version, since the DualShock 3 has a superior d-pad. 

Regardless of which version you choose, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is an excellent fighting game and a welcome addition to anyone’s digital library.  The sheer number of Capcom superstars and Marvel standouts, combined with the jaw-dropping combos, make it a must have.  Besides, now’s your chance to make the ultimate trio of Dhalsim, Doctor Doom and Servbot.  OK, maybe not Servbot.