"GC can do 2D! Every GC gamer NEEDS to own this game; CvS2 represents everything gaming is about."

As you may be able to tell from my screename, I am a 2D fighting fanatic. 2D fighters are a dying breed that have been overlooked by all the mainstream gamers and their ''cool'' games. Read on...

FEATURES: 6/10
48 playable fighters
3 main modes with several sub-modes
Unlockable extras
6 grooves (plus GC-ism)
Super Moves
Vs. Mode
2D graphics
Incredible gameplay
Color edit
Memory card save
Vast options for customizing gameplay

PLAY MECHANICS AND GAMEPLAY: 10/10
If you have ever played a 2D fighter, than you should know what to expect here. If not, then listen up: You first select your ''groove'', or fighting style, which will dictate which special abilities and super bar you will have. Then, select either one, two, or three fighters (depending on which of the several modes you choose) who are full of gaming history, some of which may be older than you, so show some respect. After selecting your fighter, the game will begin, and that's where this game really impresses. This game is all about the fight, and that's what it showcases. Although you can use GC-ism and the C-stick, it is highly unrecommended because it takes away from the depth and beauty of the game. So, you use the analog stick and/or the D-pad and all of the buttons and duke it out until there's a winner. Sounds simple to a mainstream gamer, but there is such a level of depth here. Thousands of gamers have spent years attempting to master games like this. It's just so incredible how intelligent this game can be. Super Moves add some amazing visuals to the mix, and some of the attacks are downright awe-inspiring, while others are comical. Either way, it's heaven. This game is full of action that would shame the hell out of any of these so called ''action'' games of today.

GRAPHICS: 7/10
Yes, for all you vain people that have to have ''purdy'' colors, this game has some of the most beautiful backgrounds ever seen in a 2D fighter. Super Moves always start with the screen becoming gray and a fusion of power gathering, all released lightning fast in a burst of energy. As always though, 2D fighters aren't about graphics, and this game's blocky sprites showcase this. The fighters themselves are quite blocky looking, and it is very easy to see the frames of animation in the attacks. To those who have never really seen a 2D fighter, the best way to describe it is a digital comic book or a cartoon, that is how the fighters look. But this is not a bad thing, it creates an enjoyable atmosphere. For those who are 2D vets, you know how each Capcom fighter has a different graphical theme, and this one is diamonds. Everything is diamond-shaped, and the menus are pretty good too. Overall, an above average graphical style, but I prefer CvS's arrows over the diamonds.

CONTROL: 9/10
OK, the GC has gotten a very unfair and exaggerated rap about its controller and 2D fighters, so let me say this very clearly to anyone out there who is thinking of purchasing this game but is afraid of the controller: The standard GC controller works fine! You can easily pull off all of the quarter-circle moves you are used to! Now, with that said, this game controls like a standard 2D fighter, with six attacks buttons and quarter-circle and half-circles moves used to pull of special moves and fantastic super moves. The controller configuration is fully customizable. The D-pad IS small, but not really a problem either; you just learn to use the tip of your thumb, or, you can just use the analog stick, either way the control is all good. But stick to AC-ism (Arcade style); GC-ism (the C-stick) is for brain-dead losers. Maybe use it for a few rounds your first time through if you are new to 2D fighters and just want a flashy show, but it's not meant to be taken seriously, and is much less rewarding.

SOUND: 8/10
I am very surprised by the sound in this game. Even though the soundtrack is a little limited, this is probably the best selection of tunes I've ever heard in a Capcom fighter. The music is a vast mixture depending on the stage you are battling in. They are high-energy and get me pumped up and in the fighting mood. Really tough to explain; you have to play it to see what I mean. This brings us to the announcer: An announcer, as any fighting fan will tell you, is different in every game and makes a big difference towards the atmosphere. The personality of the announcer here is average. He is more like a professional announcer, such as the type you would see doing a TV trailer. He has a few memorable and quoteable lines, such as ''Go for broke!'' and ''This is going to be a match to remember! Fight!'', but his overall personality and voice is about average compared to other fighters. Character yelps and quips are clear, and they shout out their moves just like they always have.

STORY: 5/10
As with most other fighters, there is little story here. It is a tournament arranged to settle the score between Capcom and SNK. They have a mock news channel that reports the action, and a few different endings. Perform the best, and there is a special three sentence ending for each of the characters. It's not much, but the story never has been important in a 2D fighter.

REPLAY VALUE: 9/10
Replay value for this game basically depends on how hardcore you are. If you only intend to play until you have unlocked all of the secrets, then it will only last you a weekend (about 10 hours). If you are a hardcore fighter and want to actually put some time in to get good, the game is near infinite. The replay value is the depth, not the few unlockable extras. Of course there is a two-player vs mode for battling your friends. With all of the options, the computer's difficulty can be adjusted very well; it can be fitting for beginners but can also be pumped up to be challenging for experts as well. Overall, this game is as deep as you want it to be.

OVERALL: 9/10
Buy this game, that's my advice. A rental is mostly pointless; it will allow you to unlock everything and beat the game, but then you would be missing the true beauty of a 2D fighter: mastering it. You shouldn't stop playing once you've unlocked everything, if you do, you miss the point. Plus, this game can be found for $20 in some stores, or on Half.com. 2D fighters are the basis of hardcore gaming, and no one deserves to call themselves a ''gamer'' until they have thoroughly played one. If you have never played a 2D fighter and only own a GC, then buy this game now. If you do have a DC, PS2, or Xbox, then I suggest entering the realm of 2D fighters with Marvel Vs Capcom 2, because it is much easier for beginners, otherwise, buy this game and learn what gaming is all about.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/10/03, Updated 06/10/03