X-Men vs. Street Fighter

"Could have been the US Saturn savior"

In late 1997 and early 1998 the American Sega Saturn community was holding its collective breath. All 27 of us were hoping that Capcom was going to release Xmen vs Street Fighter stateside, packed in with 4MB RAM cart. We all knew that the Saturn had no chance in overtaking the PSX and there were already rumors about the Dreamcast, but the 4MB RAM cart could have breathed in a little more life to our beloved system. It would have demonstrated to the ignorant American public that the Saturn was a superior system -- if utilized correctly. Capcom and SNK could have made a small profit out of us 27 gamers. Maybe we could have double our numbers which could have prompted Sega to release other JAP only games. Unfortunately Capcom made the sound business decision not to release Xmen vs Street Fighter stateside and in 1998 the 27 of us snatched up copies of the remaining 8 releases for the dying Saturn.

Fast forward many years later and I finally own a copy of this fabulous game. While Xmen vs Street Fighter did not breathe new life into the US Saturn market, it did so with the increasingly stagnant 2-D fighter market. It introduced tag team fighting from two popular franchises and the gameplay was big, fast, and loud.

Graphics -- 10/10
This game is beautiful with multiple large sprites onscreen at the same time. There is no slowdown even when Ryu and Ken and throwing shinku hadokens at Juggernaut. It is colorful for a Street Fighter game as Capcom opted to give it more of an Xmen look. There should be no complaints from any gamer in this department especially after the laughable "EX!!" PSX version is viewed.

Music/Sound -- 9/10
I am sure some fanatic will complain that the voices are muffled. Well as long as I can clearly hear my favorite Street Fighters call out their moves from both side of the screens (make sure it is on stereo mode) then I am happy. The sounds are typical Capcom fare. The music is memorable as I am sure all you Street Fighter fans have memorized the stage tunes and thereby will appreciate the remixed versions.

Gameplay -- 8/10
Maybe this game gets to be a little too hectic for me. I am more of a Street Fighter player, so I prefer it to be a little slower and without the infinite combos or cheap "keep away" moves. Still I love watching those air combos; it is like art in motion. Fortunately the computer is really easy to beat so beginners can enjoy this title. Just stay way from the veterans!

Summary
This game is everything I hoped it to be. There is only one load screen, at the very beginning of the game. Otherwise load times are tolerable and the game speed is constant. The only Japanese text you will find in this game is during the end sequences. Therefore, you will hear Apocalypse say "I am Apocalypse" rather than "Anatawa Apopclypsu" HAR HAR HAR HAR that is damn funny. I strongly recommend this game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/14/05