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SuperEboy
80,266
TA Score for this game: 593
Posted on 16 February 11 at 03:49, Edited on 16 February 11 at 03:51 |
This review has 28 positive votes and 4 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
I've always considered myself both a Marvel comics junkie and pretty extensive Capcom gamer, but I'll try to leave that bias out of it.
Lets face it, the arcade style fighting games that have been made for the Xbox 360 aren't as fun as they once used to be. Graphics (while improved and three dimensional) usually make characters feel bulker/slower, advanced game play can become frustrating to those new to the genre, and lack of variety can make one playthough tiring. All in all, MvsC3 did a pretty good job side-stepping these potential issues.
Graphics
Before the game was even released, I was extremely hesitant to trying it because the trailers showed that the characters were going to be 3D. MvsC games have always had a flat dimension to them, keeping the characters we've all come to love and see in video games consistent. If a game was done right, why not improve on the idea, right?
I think MvsC developers knew this and cleverly combined cell-shading with that three dimensionality - making the game look more modern, but still feel very classic. I was actually shocked on how some original characters turned out. Additionally, none of the characters felt bulkier than they did in the previous games.
Separate from the transition to 3D, MvsC3 does an excellent job putting your new 1080 TV to work. The brighter, stronger hues of colors only make the game look cooler and hyper-combos more rewarding for pulling off. You can't help but watch it.
Gameplay
The gameplay within MvsC3 can be disappointing to certain crowds because it didn't introduce any truly new ideas. However, coming from a older-styled gamer, this steadiness was refreshing to me.
As a starter, it was fun to see teams open from two to three. This added variety, length to fights, and challenged the gurus to learn different combinations using all 3 characters. For those that thought that MvsC2 felt overwhelming, MvsC3 might not be for you - the gameplay only gets more exciting. (However, they did introduce a "simple mode" for those new to it.)
They've also added a very competitive online community and a profile card so you can keep track of stats that are either brag worthy or shameful. (Mine was the latter, but whatev.) This definitely adds replay value to the game. You can also host (up to 8 players) lobbies to attract players within a certain critera, or keep your friends organized within the game.
It was a little disappointing to see certain characters removed from the game (ie: Gambit, Megaman, Strider) but they only made room for more - pleasing fans of games like Bionic Commando and Devil May Cry. (I'm not quite sure why Shehulk was thrown into the mix, though.)
For those who enjoy a Story Mode in fighting games, you'll be saddened to know that they've almost completely removed any element of a story from the game. The full story: Save the world. I didn't mind it because I'm usually not playing a fighting game for the story anyway. However, each time you play through the Arcade ("Story") Mode, a handful of different goodies unlock (characters, alternative endings, online 'titles', artwork, even sound clips).
What kept it from perfection
Unfortunately, at no fault of MvsC programmers, sometimes pulling off combos can be a little difficult using a Xbox controller. The joystick can be over-sensitive and directional pad a little under-sensitive. (Supposedly if you have a newer style controller this problem is solved - I didn't find that to be the case.)
Even with a simplified mode, gamers who are trying to get into it might be a little overwhelmed and frustrated - making it less enjoyable. (Especially when you get your ass handed to you over Live.) Though button mashing may get you so far, it's not near as enjoyable unless you take the time to understand the layout of the game, and this can also be frustrating.
Achievements
The majority of achievements will come naturally as you play the game over and over and over again. (IE: Do [action X] a certain amount of times.) This makes all the achievements (excluding a couple) pretty simple as long as you have the patience to sit through it. Others require you to match certain teams against each other over Xbox Live, but none are unrealistic or truly hard to get.
Overall
MvsC3 was a great addition to the series, keeping it traditionally 2D and full of bright, dramatic colors. The soundtrack is also even rewarding to the old players, with remixes of tunes that were in previous games. It's definitely a must-have for any MvsC player, and even worthy of a rental if you've never followed the game before.
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Harrison101
94,614
TA Score for this game: 1,228
Posted on 03 March 11 at 13:50, Edited on 03 March 11 at 13:51 |
This review has 13 positive votes and 6 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
"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 Comments
Marvel 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 - Great
Very 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 - Good
The 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 - Incredible
Simply 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 - Average
The 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)
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joedahoc93
75,240
TA Score for this game: 1,471
Posted on 20 July 11 at 22:42, Edited on 21 July 11 at 11:48 |
This review has 8 positive votes and 1 negative vote. Please log in to vote. |
Overview: After an 11 year wait gamers can finally get thier hands on MvC3. While some will complain over the drop of character select, I loved the character selection in the game. Every character brngs it's own unique look and feel to the gameplay. Even though the game lived up to my expectations as far as gameplay and graphics, the online left much to be desired.
Characters:
Every character in the game is genuine and has an almost nostalgic feel. It brings back memories when you play as Arthur or Hagger. Even newcomers like Dante, Trish and Taskmaster all have thier own awesome reminice of the past. Capcom did well to tone down the Street Fighter characters and focus on making a balanced yet differentiated group of characters to choose from. Every character (including M.O.D.O.K.) offers something new to the table, while old classics like Ryu, Spider-Man, and Wolverine still have that feel that many gamers came to know and love since the early years of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.
Gameplay: The button mechanics have definitly been simplified since the game was a console exclusive (most Capcom fighting games are released into arcades before they hit consoles). But the buttons aren't to simple so that anyone can just pick up the game and beat a pro (unless they play on simple). The buttons may have been dumbed down, but that doens't make the game any less fun then it already is. The arcade mode is simple enough. You fight through some stages and battle the final boss. Since I don't want to release any spoilers, you'll have to play the game for yourself.
Online: Simple and quite dull. Where's Endless Battle? The online only composes of Ranked and Player matches and all your stats are uploaded into a "fighting license" which you can make up to 3 teams available for easy pickings during an online battle. (Morrigan, Taskmaster, and Ryu were my prefered choice for online). However despite this game having less features then it's fighting brother, I was impressed with the lack of lag during matches, and I will definitly be coming back for more long after this review has been written.
Graphics: Water color. Each character looks great, each stage looks great. Hell, even the menus are cool to look at. The only real thing I can complain about that you look at are those lame endings for each character. All have same brand of music (good or evil usually) and no voice over. Sheesh what a rushed brand of fan-service here.
DLC: Jill Valentine and Shuma-Gorath are good dlc characters. However priced at 400 points each it seems hardly a bargain since the game was released just prior to the release of these characters. Why couldn't they just have come out with these characters in the hard copy? Probably just to make a few extra bucks (I pre-ordered it and got them all in one package to make it easier on my wallet).
Final Words: An awesome fighting game for some, it will dissapoint an elite few who thought that MvC2 was a godsend. I thought the game was a great fan-service and an awesome fighting game. At least until I heard about Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. It's always something
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