"A few minor faults, but a strapping fighting game nonetheless"

I never played X-Men VS Street Fighter at the arcades. I saw the PSX version sitting in a shop brand new for only $29 bucks (AUS) so I bought it, cause I love a bargain, and I was hunting for a copy of Street Fighter Alpha 3 and I couldnt find it so I thought this would hold me off. After playing this game extensively on my own and with mates (its a hundred times better with a good human opponent) I can honestly say I love this game. Everything is so over the top in such a great way. Super jumps that go two, almost three screens high, awesome supers that are easy to pull off, tech hits, roll escapes, team manouvers...I love it all! Like I said, I havent played the arcade version so I dont miss not being able to switch between characters, but its good enough just having them come in for a double attack, or to come in a smack your opponent while you block. In most supers the whole screen lights up like new years eve and it is possible to CRUSH your opponent so bad that satisfaction will ooze out of you! Again, be aware that like most reviews I`ve read of this game, this one does not compare it to the arcade, but one of its problems is sound. At the opening selection screen the sound effects as you choose your options are deafening, and then in game they are muffled and soft. You will find yourself constantly adjusting with the remote to get a good balance. Other gripes include longish load times, but a good option for a shortcut select screen - this turns off graphics at the character select screen to speed things up a bit. This is truly one of those games that, once you have the hang of it, you will feel unstoppable. I even make use of the taunt button! I`m a ryu player and this game really lets him rip. Fireballs and spin kicks in the air, dash in and out, but its still well balanced. Ryu has a mega fireball ( I do know all the jap. terms, I`m just too lazy to use `em!) Ken has a mega dragon punch, and Akuma has a mega spin kick. After a few drinks mate, nothing brings out thumb-bustin` competitiveness like this game for me and my friends, and I recommend it whole heartedly, though maybe not to those `jaded` gamers expecting a 100% arcade port. Thumbs up!!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99