Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO

"Online fighting makes this a dream come true.."

Capcom vs Snk 2 EO, first online fighter released in the United States, does it hold up to this task that hasnt been tackled before? read on.

Graphics - 8

In terms of graphics, CvSNK2 is a mix bag. Backgrounds are very impressive, and the special effects applied to moves really stand out, and the game is very detailed overall, but it does have some flaws. Character models are very pixeilated, and a large amount of fighters just lack animation, SNK characters dont look as bad, due to SNK putting more time into their characters, but the game needs new character sprites. Overall its still a nice package, no slow-down, everything is fluid with great colors, a great interface(menus, options, art), aside from the character sprites, this game does look great.

Sound - 10

I really enjoyed the sound that this game has to offer, the fighting sound effects are really nice, and you wont hear the same sound file applied to everyone moves, and it never gets annoying. Character voices have been increases in quality also, as they are louder and more clear, which is great, since the voices really add character to the fighters. The menus screens are pretty cool too, as it seems to make the game more intense with the way they apply sound to them, but like all fighting games, the announcer is very annoying, but it doesnt ruin the games overall sound quality.

Music - 9

I liked the music in this game, not much to talk about, its just your typical fighting game music, mostly techno, with some more dramatic music for the boss fights. The score really is up to you, since you may like the music or you might not, but fighting game music is pretty universal, and its never really annoying. The training stage does have a few old SF tunes which is pretty cool too.

Gameplay - 10

The most important aspect of a game is the gameplay, and this is where CvSNK2 really shines. First off, the character selection is huge, with a total of 44 fighter, and most of them have different moves, and you are sure to find your favorites quickly, since most play different.

There are a total of 6 grooves to choose from, and each are very different, this aspect really makes the fighting engine so great, as the grooves allow for different strategies and can make or break certain characters. Each groove gives you different abilities and the powerbars are also different for each groove. The best part of the groove system is that as you get better you will want to change your groove, as some are much easier to use, and allow you to get used to the game, but once you get down the harder to use grooves, your competition lvl will certainly raise.

The ratio system is back allowing for even more strategy, you get to apply a total of 4 ratio points, you can apply more ratio for your best character, and it can boost up a characters damage, and stamina.

Control is the only main problem with the gameplay, but it only applies if you dont own a arcade stick, but since a majority use the official xbox controllers. The game uses a much better and classic 6 button set-up, instead of the 4 button set-up used in the original CvSNK. I think the controls are responsive, but the fact that the gamepad isnt really designed for 2-d fighters really hurts it. Practice makes perfect though, and with practice you should be able to use the controllers without too much fault. My tip, spend some money and invest in a Arcade stick, but only if you really want to get competitive.

Game modes are all here, you have your basic Arcade, Vs, Training, Survival, and then you get the Network(online), and Color edit option also. Arcade has 3 different ways to play through, 3 vs 3, Ratio, and 1 on 1. Color edit allows you to change the color and name of a fighter, and is a great addition I hope to see in more fighting games.

Now the only few flaws I see in the game play are, that the characters are unbalanced. You have certain characters that will want to be played by everyone, since the have higher priority, stamina, and a lot more useful moves, and more damaging normals, then you get to certain characters that are pretty much useless, and it would be nice to have a lot more balance applied. Capcom should really pick out a better character line-up, get rid of unpopular and useless fighters. Of course the control, but that all depends on what you are using.

Online

Since Microsoft made such a great system with Live, Capcom was able to make an amazing game even better, by making it Live. All the Live options are here, including; Ranking System, Friends List, Ban List, Voice Masking, Feedback Options, and much more. You can set your matches for International or domestic, and set your gameplay options to the match. Lag is very scarce, as I had maybe 15 total games out of 300 that had some sort of lag. Live really makes this game so much better, smooth matched, simple and easy to use interface, and all the Live options applied. I dont think you will be disappointed with your Live experience.

Overall 9-10

Capcom made this game so much more competitive then CvSNK and thats what almost everyone wanted. I find this to be a great addition, and for anyone interested in some great old 2-d gaming fun, dont hesitate to pick this one up. Must Buy for any fan!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/04/03, Updated 03/04/03