Powerhouse Nova just can’t argue with the evidence.More than a few things about Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 drive us crazier than a cab ride in hell. Paying $40 for a disc full of what could effectively be two downloadable-content packs will leave many loyal fans feeling burned. Several additions, like spectator mode for online battles, should’ve been included from the beginning. A few of the balance tweaks, like Ryu’s across-the-board buffs, have us scratching our heads. And then there’s Capcom’s downright embarrassing refusal to put their flagship character, Mega Man, in their own crossover game.
But it’s hard to stay mad at a game this great. With a roster of 48 characters — 12 brand-new and 19 classics with major performance tweaks — even masters will need to relearn the game. Whether you’re the Masher King of Buttonsville or a finely tuned technical fighter, Capcom’s new characters will take some time to get used to. If you thought Shuma-Gorath was weird, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Galactus is still unstoppable, but now you can control him in a new mode. Bow before the Ravager of Worlds, Wolverine!Sure, there are a few run-of-the-mill characters like projectile-heavy Hawkeye and close-quarters scrapper Iron Fist, but some fighters have entirely new tactical advantages. Dead Rising survival savant Frank West gains new moves by snapping photos of his opponents, and then there’s Phoenix Wright, who powers up by collecting evidence — with enough of it, he can change stances and become downright deadly. There’s something weird about beating down the Hulk with a stack of legal briefs, but if Marvel’s Rocket Raccoon can take down Galactus, why not?
Whether you’re a bruiser or a masher, online play will reveal the intricacies of the new balancing system, and watching matches while you’re in the queue will help you learn what some of these characters are capable of. But if you’re picking up this game for the first time, prepare for an online beatdown. Thankfully, when you need a self-esteem boost, you can play as end-boss Galactus — the Devourer of Worlds — in an all-new mode.
If you were curious about MvC3 but never bought it, we wholeheartedly recommend this version. But if you own the original, this $40 upgrade will probably leave you feeling more slighted than delighted. There’s consolation in the fact that UMvC3 will soon be getting an extra mode (Heroes & Heralds) via free DLC; and if you’re interested in being competitive in one of the most frenetic, frenzied games of all time, it’s worth paying for this ride twice.
Frank West uses a bunch of homemade weapons, including his trademark chainsaw-on-a-stick.Publisher: Capcom • Developer: Capcom • ESRB: Teen • Multiplayer: 2 on same screen, 8 on Xbox Live • Achievements: Déjà vu • Cost: $40
+ Twelve new fighters offer plenty of fun.
+ Spectator mode is finally here; additional Heroes & Heralds mode will be available soon via free DLC.
- It’s disc-only and costs $40.
? Still no Mega Man? Why?
