Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is what you get when iconic personalities from across several IPs that have shaped generations, are mashed together in a three-on-three tag team platform, was what crossed our minds as we put the game through a review. This crossover fighting title developed by Capcom and Eighting, packs quite a punch and invites players in with electric moves and lightning fast action.
The game is a gingerly beefed up version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds available on the PS3 and Xbox 360. Coming at a slightly reduced retail price, it includes 12 additional playable characters on the game disc, six from each faction. And although the untimely release of this game might leave a sour feeling among those who purchased the original title, fans of the genre who have been waiting for the right time to pounce can rejoice at this Capcom offering.
UMvC3 is pretty much the same as Fate of Two Worlds, and the developers simply touch up the title and make sure that additional seamlessness flows into the game. In terms of game mechanics, large portions have remained untouched, the main gameplay staying chiefly the same. But now the “X-Factor” mechanic has been balanced out, with stronger players getting less time to inflict heavy, pelting damage. And although there are 3D character models, the bouts are still pinned to a single plane. With its three-button control scheme, strategy can at times take a back seat to flat out button mashing.
That being said, the gameplay is capable of providing serious hours of unhinged, comedic fun particularly when playing Versus with a couple of buddies. The learning curve attached to the game ensures that practically all types of players can have a fairly good time, making their way across the rip in the fabric of the two game worlds. Teammates can be summoned on screen for a surprise attack by means of the assist buttons, which just adds to the chaotic element built into the title. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 delivers countless hours of competitive yet entertaining and non-confrontational pandemonium, if everything Mortal Kombat and Tekken is what floats your boat.
The HUD has been massively redone to display just the bare essentials. It takes up less screen area, leaving more space for players to duke it out to the death. And if you’re one of those players who’re always troubled by where fighting titles have their HUDs placed, then the reason for your livid bruxism has been plastered. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 allows players to adjust the on-screen HUD location, so that it may not get in the way of the game’s unique environments.
Speaking of which, the highly detailed game environments add a living, breathing feel to the title’s fast-paced action which can shift gears at any moment. And even though the most memorable victory might come through a combination of seemingly uncontrollable and rapid muscle contractions, quick reflexes and a little bit of luck, UMvC3 makes a nifty pick-up if you haven’t dipped your toes into the Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds experience before it.
The game itself has a nice comic book stylized feel. And because most of it can be played by simply banging down on the action buttons like a big ape, it might be suited for a wider audience than usual; one that might not care to learn such intricacies as ‘A, C, Up, B, Up, B, A, Down.’ But this aspect of the title adds the element of fun into the mix, with almost anyone capable of having a blast, bashing in the skulls of mushy little creatures like racoons.
Final Word: As far as crossover fighting games go, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has a good amount of character to fuss over. Fighters from two huge universes, amazing visuals, beautiful renderings and deep and challenging gameplay experience, all add to the title’s appeal. Sure, glorious characters like Jin, Venom, and Mega Man don’t feature on the roster of this fighter, but the game does give you value for money, especially if you haven’t already added Fate of Two Worlds to your collection.
Gameplay: 8.0/10
Sounds: 7.5/10
Environments: 8.5/10
Graphics: 8.0/10
Fun Quotient: 9.0/10
Overall (not an average): 8.0/10