"The third coming, a decade in the making... But was it worth the 11 year wait?"Hello everyone, Andre Harrison back at it with a Video Game Review, my first of 2011. I know, I really want to review more of these as well, but trust me when I say, gaming is a more much expensive habit than Wrestling is, for real. But before I begin, I have to give a massive thank you to one of my best friends, Amit Hundal for generously donating this game to me, so I could exclusively review. This is the least I could do in return. But here is a Harrison Analysis Review of a game that is a decade in the making, and after 11 years, one of the greatest crossover franchises ever produces its third encounter as I review Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds!
After a fantastic opening video, it doesn't take long to realize that this is a very good looking game due to its crazy presentation. Character models pop off the screen and the visual effects are really vibrant. The models themselves are nearly perfect and that's quite an accomplishment considering they have to merge so many characters and so many franchises from so many popular games. Everything that revolves around the core form of gameplay is very well done and has so much polish it basically has sparkles coming off of it. Also loving the new soundtrack that the game has as well. Quality stuff. I love the remix for "Take You For a Ride", and Ryu's headlining theme.
However, not everything is presented very well. The lack of characters considering is a little annoying. There's 36 in total, and I have to admit, that is disappointing considering that the last instalment had 56, and that was 11 years ago. I like that with the second game, that most are unlocked from the start, but taking away that depth isn't a good move to me. Also, the like of character customization is evident as well. Look at how amazingly diverse Tekken's 5 and 6 were; unfortunately, now, 4 different character costumes just don't cut it any more.
But the biggest problem within this game is it lacks some of the key and fundamental elements of fighting games that many of the newer franchises have used to add depth to the overall game, something Marvel vs Capcom 3 just doesn't have. MvC3 has the regular Arcade Mode, Local Multiplayer, Xbox Live and Mission Mode, where you can learn characters combos, but...that's about it. This game was crying out for a Time Attack and Survival Mode, something Street Fighter, Tekken and other franchises have used for years in previous games. There's very little excuse for this...And don't anybody dare say Downloadable Content, that's still not an excuse.
However, Marvel Vs Capcom 3 is known for it's crazy gameplay, and once again, it's fantastic. Despite the lack of characters, the roster is incredibly diverse, from Dormammu's movement manipulation to Hulk's hard hitting direct offence, as well as fascinating new characters like X-23 (Who actually heard of her before this game), and Devil May Cry's Dante. They all fit remarkably well and all feel very unique. It's a nice way of compensating for a 20 character roster cut, but not having guys like Megaman, Venom and Cable is still rather disappointing.
As with previous MvC games, the depth in the combat is unreal. You have your standard 3 on 3 gameplay, with Assists from either character possible, tagging in and out, combos, air combos, team air combos, snap Backs, crossover counters, multiple finishers...and more. They've even added a brand new mechanic, known as X-Factor, where, when activated, characters gain a attack and defence boost, and gain red health faster. This effect is boosted as well with the amount of damage taken. In addition, X-Factor gives you the ability to cancel out of combos, so even more tactical awareness can make the great player even more mighty. Typical MvC, easy to know, difficult to master and highly significant. And highly addictive.
In order to appeal to the mass market, Capcom has created a new feature of controls, known as Simple mode. In simple mode, instead of having separate attack buttons for Light, Medium and Heavy controls, as well as special, they're based around more of the abilities and special moves of characters. So no need to memorize tricky directional combos, you only need to press one button and one direction. Hyper combos? One button. Obviously, this makes it a lot easier for casual players, but the downside is that this locks out many characters moves, limiting them. It's a handicap which keeps it fair. Luckily though, a more experienced player with regular controls should have no problem with a rookie on Simple. Balanced and nicely done.
Online Multiplayer is very good as well, and I like the "licence" mode with tracks a ridiculous number of stats as well. Online is perfectly good, and the sevrers are hot, and I haven't experienced lag, so that's all good. There's also Character Models, Artwork and addition extras that are unlocked as you play, but none of it is really worth the effort, it's rather boring, and doesn't add anything to the experience.
Again, going back to Lasting Appeal, while the gameplay is superb for the time dedicated to it and the way it operates, is superb, but it's lacking key elements to round off the game's complete package. Not of all us are going to want to spend 100+ hours training in order to become really good at the game, most gamers don't have that level of dedication and time. Lasting Appeal is a must for a game like this. Look at Tatsunoko vs Capcom from 2009, or Tekken 6, or Street Fighter 4...Those have had Spectator Modes, Alternate victories, behind the scenes footage, bonus mini-games and more. Odd considering Capcom had a big hand in TvC's success on the Wii, nailing bonus features. Even Marvel vs Capcom 2 gave you the option to buy more characters...It's not hard, surely? It's 2011...
The Harrison Hitlist and Closing CommentsMarvel vs Capcom 3, at it's core and heart, is an incredible game, one of the best fighting experiences out there, but for many people playing, that won't be enough to keep them on board forever. Outside of its gameplay, it's a rather weak game and you'll be hard pressed to stay interested if you're only a casual gamer. Graphically, it's great, especially when the action picks up, even if it's lost a little substance in the new visual style, but the presentation and lack of real depth as an overall game hurts it. If you're a hardcore fighting gamer, you won't give two shits about that and you'll rack up the hours in no time. However, if you're a casual player, that may not be enough. I've been Andre Harrison, thanks for reading, and Sayonara!
Graphics: 8/10 - GreatVery nice game to look at, especially when the real action gets going. Just a shame that outside that some of the substance has been lost in the new 3D style.
Presentation: 7/10 - GoodThe music and menus are all perfectly fine, but the lack of modes outside the core offerings just aren't good enough compared to what's out there now, and what's in the past.
Gameplay: 9.5/10 - IncredibleSimply incredible stuff. The hardcore players will stay addicted in droves, the new mechanics are great, and Simple Mode gives the less experienced a more fun experience. Excellent.
Lasting Appeal: 5/10 - AverageThe lack of diversity in its modes hurt it, but the core gameplay may just be enough for the average person to keep coming back for more.
Harrison's Marvel vs Capcom 3 Rating: 6.5 out of 10 - Above Average (3 Stars) 3.0