Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001

"A pretty good game with some flaws!"

Back in Summer-Fall of 2000, Capcom released Capcom vs SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 in the arcades and then soon ported later on the Sega Dreamcast system. Now the only reason CvS came into existence is because of SvC:MotM(which stands for SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millennium, a Neo-Geo Pocket Color game). This was SNK's version beforehand.

Then, one year later, in August of 2001, Capcom released the sequel to CvS, which is now named Capcom vs SNK 2: Millionaire Fighting 2001(or CvS2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 if you are in the USA). This version featured many changes from the original.

Developed by Capcom Entertainment of Japan
Licensed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sega Enterprises, Nintendo, and Microsoft.
Available for Sega Dreamcast(JP), Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo Gamecube(EO version), and Microsoft's Xbox(EO version).

Storyline
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There is no storyline, heh. This is what we consider a dreammatch fight. The only real conflict here is between Gouki and Rugal.

Graphics/Character Sprites
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This game uses 3-D backgrounds which are pretty nicely done. A first in 2-D fighting history(I'm not sure about the past). They really did a nice job with the backgrounds there, so they deserve credit here. Everything in the backgrounds seems clear and somewhat realistic.

The character sprites, hmm, it looks as if Capcom was too busy redoing the SNK sprites and forgot to change their own. An example would be the long outdated Morrigan sprite. I can't believe the same sprite was kept in there. Not only that, but some other CPS-2 sprites were also in there. The Chun-Li sprite has been changed from the CPS-2 version to the CPS-3 version. I like the CPS-2 sprite more, and I'm pretty sure some people would agree with me.

Gameplay
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This game features 46 characters plus 2 more hidden characters for you to choose. Each side is equal with 23-24 characters each. On the Capcom side, we see the famous Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Zangief. On the SNK side, we see the gifted Kyo, Iori, Mai, Terry and Kim. These characters were also in the original Capcom vs SNK. Then we have other characters from other games as well, such as Hoahmaru and Nakoruru from Samurai Showdown, Kyosuke from Rival Schools, etc..

The ratio system has changed from the original. The original CvS had a ratio system in which you can't change your ratio at all. In this game, it gives you a chance to change your ratio anytime. The lower ratio you give your character, the less stronger he/she will become.

There are other modes as well you can choose, such as Vs Mode, 3 on 3 match, and Training mode to jack up your efforts and practice your combos.

Sound and Music
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The original CvS had a computerized voice announcer which sounds better than this games' announcer. This new announcer sounds like a hilarious circus host. Yes, this is really how it sounds like(but not a exact likeness). But as for the music, still the original had better music, because it has some ambient in it. As for this game, its okay. My favorite track from this game would probably be the ending theme.

Overall
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It's a okay game. This makes up for the SNK fanbase disappointment on how their characters were treated in the original version. But nonetheless, here are the ratings:

Graphics - 10/10
Sprites - 5/10
Gameplay - 7/10
Sound/Music - 8/10

Rent or Buy
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It should be really cheap now, considering the fact that its been out for nearly 2 years, unless Capcom still cares for profit by selling it for $29.99-$39.99. Get a preowned copy if you're really into 2-D/3-D fighting games. I can't stop you from making your choices.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/24/03, Updated 06/24/03