A decade is a long time to wait for a sequel, but when Capcom lost the license for Marvel fighting games after "Marvel Vs. Capcom 2" it became apparent that hope could be lost for a third title in the series. However, it seems that the last ten years was actually more of an incubation period than anything else, allowing both Marvel and Capcom time to hone their skills when it comes to the cross-over fighting game, and wait for the right time to strike with "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds." Bringing together some of the most recognizable characters from both universes, "MvC 3" may be the biggest example of a fan service game ever released on a console.
THE BASICS
"Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" is a fighting game in the tradition of Capcom's Vs. series, which takes two different intellectual property holders and pits their best characters against one another. In this case, 18 Marvel comic book super heroes and super villains are going up against 18 of the most recognizable characters on the Capcom roster in three-on-three battles. Being a fighting game, "MvC3" includes both local and online multiplayer, the latter of which comes with a bevy of features like a customizable player card, downloadable ghosts to battle, and a multifaceted ranking system.
THE HIGHS
I'm Gonna Take You For A Ride (With All Your Friends)
When you compare "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" to "Marvel Vs. Capcom 2" the biggest difference you're going to notice is the size of the rosters. "MvC3" has a paltry 36 characters when compared to the astounding 56 in "MvC2," but, as they say, size doesn't always matter. While some series mainstays are absent (Mega Man and Gambit just to name two), the slimmer roster actually feels more robust. A lot of the characters in "MvC2" had such similar fighting styles and moves that many of them were essentially palate swaps, but all of the characters in "MvC3" feel unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses, and, in a game like this, that's really what really matters.
Everyone Gets To Play
Prior to its release, one of the new features that was a controversial addition to the "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" was Simple Mode; a play option that stripped most of the complex controls out of the game, and just left a small handful of one button super moves. Simple Mode is a great innovation for fighters and will make it easier for newcomers to experience the game. Hopefully it will give them enough confidence to someday be able to play with the big boys, and turn it off. But, Simple Mode wasn't the only control scheme tweak, Capcom also made the normal control scheme simpler, reducing it to only four essential buttons, a move that should make the game easier to play for everyone.
A Fanboy's Wet Dream
Each of the characters in "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" not only comes with their own move sets, but they also have their own personalities. From the verbal jabs thrown before the fight, to their tailor made crossover endings, it's very easy to see that a lot of love went into this game. That level of care is going to make "MvC3" a special experience for fans of both Marvel's comics and Capcom's games. At the very least, it's clear that this game has more heart that the last Marvel fighting game, "Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects."
There's Always Someone To Play With
By now, it should go without saying that Capcom can create a great online experience for their players, but it's worth mentioning that the online experience in "MvC3" is next to flawless. Not only do the fights play out with little to no lag, but also the fact that Capcom will be punishing rage quitters gives hope to those players that struggle to win a match.
THE LOWS
What's Galactus Doing Here? Why Is The Hulk Fighting Viewtiful Joe?
There is an epic story behind "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3," one that involves worlds colliding, and the threat of god-like monster, but you can't tell any of that from playing the game. Outside of the opening cinematic, and the closing fight, there's no exposition in the game. While it's commonplace for fighting games to be a little light in the story department, it makes you wonder why Capcom heavily pushed the fact that Marvel writer Frank Tieri penned the storyline for the game.
Who's The Next DLC?
There are some fan favorites missing from the "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" lineup, but, there's still hope because the first batch of DLC has already been announced. While DLC is a great thing, Capcom is in a tricky place with this game, because if they release too many downloadable characters it's going to drive up the overall cost of the game, which may be great for them, but not so much for the fans. Capcom needs to walk the line between providing additional content (in the form of new characters), and bleeding their fans dry so that they can play with their favorite fighter - unfortunately, it's a very thin line.
THE VERDICT
When you strip it down to its basics, "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" is a three-on-three, 2-D fighter. It's a genre that's remained largely unchanged for the last twenty years or so, but this particular fighter has a cast that has been culled from some of the most recognizable characters from the Marvel and Capcom back catalogs, and that's what separates it from the pack. Combine that with tight controls, a great online experience, and more inside jokes than a group of high school girls, and you have a game that has made a ten-year wait worthwhile.