Marvel vs. Capcom 2

""A Fine Piece of 2D Craftsmanship""

''Capcom has truly outclassed themselves with this beautiful craftsmanship of 2D fighting.''

Capcom is the absolute real deal when it comes to strikingly awesome Fighters. And while some of their games, like Breath of Fire III, were huge disappointments, Capcom still achieves what the company does best, spawn excellent fighting games. From their longest-running franchise, Street Fighter, to the ongoing Vs. series, Capcom has truly outshone themselves with Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, a beautiful trophy of 2D fighting. This addictive gem is the next level of 2D fighters.

Back in the days, the original X-Men Vs. Street Fighter Arcade version was probably the only fighter I spent over $100 on. I was hooked like a druggie. I relished every feature, the super jumping, the madness of colossal combos, and the thought of the magnificent world of Marvel challenging Capcom's favorable characters. I couldn't get enough of the clashing mayhem. The combos were presented with sparkling flash and the combat itself was junkie fun. The concept of having two fighters who can tag in and out by the push of a kick and punch button simultaneously appeared to be the greatest thing that happened to fighting games. Soon though, the game lost its appeal. After about $110 dollars I later grew tired, and finished my needless spending. When word got out that the Dreamcast would gain Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, I was highly motivated to purchase the Dream machine.

Just for the game Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is one satisfying reason for a Dreamcast. Once purchased, I was welcomed in 2D fighting paradise. The latest installment has a maximum of 56 fighters total! Combat is just as fierce as the original, but with much more speedy animation. Old-school combatants as with new comers are back and flashier than ever. Super combos penetrate the screen with pure richness! Those captivating grunts and taunts we've grown to love are back. And instead of the original two fighters at the player's disposal, there now is three! And man, stop me from licking the television set, the graphics are as sweet as candy!

GAMEPLAY: 10/10
Extreme Combo Mania! Those are the words that sum up and describe the grueling action of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. If you thought the first one was anywhere near an intense experience, the newest chapter will surely blow your head off. As usual the objective to the game, like all fighters, is vanquishing the opponents on the opposite corner. But Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 packs beefier, more massive, and nuttier combos. Now with the choice of three characters, the team supers can really get outrageous. The combo meter still hasn't evolved yet. Once the meter has reached a level, the player may activate a super as an individual or with a teammate or two.

Even more, the Dreamcast controller has no problem whatsoever with the fighting frenzy. The super combos are simple to maneuver. Combos are a monster load of fun. The game still keeps the grunts and taunts too.

Along with the three player concept, there is an additional concept, the Assist System. Before battle, the player must select three fighters and who will be entering the fight first and how the others will attack. The fighters who aren't in can be activated to deliver an attack anytime in battle. There is no limit to the Assist System, which can cause a minor problem, a cheap win. But if the opponent should hit the fighter on Assist, the fighter's health bar will decrease dramatically. Besides the Assist System the six-button action has been eliminated to four buttons. Medium attacks have been eliminated. The button-scheme did feel out of place for a while, but it offered more simpler Gameplay.

The character count is an astounding feature. There is a grand total of 56 fighters. At first there will only be the old-school favorites like Ryu, Ken, Wolverine, etc. But after the player has obtained enough points from Training Mode, Arcade Mode, and Score Attack the player can purchase a fighter after another. New comers include Jill, Tronn, and my personal awe, The All Mighty Cable from the Marvel Universe. It'll take some time to collect all fighters available.

Marvel Vs. Capcom: The Age of Heroes is the best 2D fighter out(Reviewed on July 23rd) . Against Soul Caliber I have to crown Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 as champion. Wait, no. I take that back, I crown Marvel Vs. Capcom The Heavy Weight Champion. 2D fighters continuously play as a breeze.

There is only one minor complaint for Capcom's newest gem, the lack of purpose the timer has. No one can defeat three opponents under 99 seconds. So the player will be forced to turn the timer into infinite. That's the only issue discovered with the Gameplay.

While playing its likely everyone will notice how beautiful the graphics are. 3D backdrops behind the 2D sprites, which are drawn to utter perfection. Anyone, whether your a RPGer or a Fighter fan, can pick this game up with ease. If there should be one 2D experience you have to taste, eat Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. . .er, I mean play Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.

And, finally the Dreamcast has gained my respect.

GRAPHICS: 10/10
My, my ,my. . .are these graphics originating from a home console? This is not the arcade version? Nope. The sweet graphics will appease anyone who takes the littlest peek at the animation. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 looks so simple, but that's what you have to respect, the graphics are as fluid as water. There is no pesky slowdown or loading, and there is no breakup. 2D has been perfected with lighting speed. Characters, even the enormous ones, are drawn nicely into 2D sprites that are surrounded with stunning 3D backdrops. The colorful backgrounds are spectacular. Each character's stage fits them in their origin. Although some claim the 2D sprites don't exactly blend with the gorgeous 3D backgrounds, it must be false opinion because they are extremely balanced. The animation count is an amazing high. The action is like a razor sharp, non-stop, action packed sequence straight out of comic.

No game has captured the feel of a comic book like Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 does. The game just springs out my television and carries a life of its own. The flashier combos wreck carnage. Each character has their own unique combo and can combine it with their teammates. It's staggering that the dream machine has mastered the art of real 2D gaming. Dazzled? I am. And you, my reader, will be too.

CONTROL: 10/10
First and foremost every fighting game has one thing in common, an easy control scheme. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is not an exception, bub. At first glance, the Dreamcast looked as if it could not handle it. Once in the first fight, that theory was proven false. The Dreamcast controller can handle the speed and maneuvering. The four button scheme is very easy to adjust to. Each button's layout on the controller pak behaves with each finger's dash. Controls are easy, tight, and swift.

MUSIC/SOUND: 4/10
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 has everything going for it, but the musical score. What happened in the music department? No furious beats in a fighting game? Why would Capcom insert a pathetic, jazzy soundtrack into an eye-catching, hardcore, fighting game? The music must fit the mood of the game, and jazzy, smooth beats won't cut it. The music has the ability to annoy. When will Capcom or Namco get this right? For a fighting soundtrack to get right, the key ingredients are hardcore, head-banging metal or punk. Something fast with high or really low guitar riffs, heavy bass, and smashing drums will fit. Or Capcom should have done what they normally do, play witty techno sounds. Why has Capcom selected the mood of jazzy instruments for an all-out war experience? Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 perfect meter drops. The sound on the other hand is great. The grunts and taunts are clear and understandable. Each character has their signature taunt and battle cry.

REPLAY: 9/10
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 promises loads of time to burn. The game is very addictive. For fighter fans, this game will drive hard on your alley. The 2D fighting has a long lasting appeal for all gamers. Though the minor problem is the timer. But it is solved by changing the time into infinite. Accumulating points to gain more fighters or costumes, and attempting to beat scores in Score Attack mode will taker hours of button smashing joy. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 promises a long, happy life until Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 or Capcom Vs. SNK will be released.

OVERALL: 9/10
2D fighting has encountered its next stage of evolution. The 3 on 3 fighting deserves praise for its insanity. The hyper combos are impressive along with the graphical sequence that follows. The game is sweet in terms of graphics and just plain rollicking to play for the longest time. 2P Mode should provide hours of elation. A very solid fighter, if not a soon classic like the first. One of the best reasons to own a Dreamcast.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/23/00, Updated 02/16/04