Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 Review

Capcom are back with their revisions with Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 hitting Xbox One, PS4 and previously on PC. The original console release hit Xbox 360 and PS3 in November 2011 so it’s only fitting that Xbox One and PS4 gamers get to sample the game’s delights. So, what’s new? Well aside from a silky smooth 60 frames per second and 1080p visuals not a lot. This latest version does include all of the DLC extras though but frankly the question remains if you own the older game is there reason to dive in again?

To be fair, Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 has aged well and is still heaps of fun to play what with an assortment of 50 starting characters from both camps and plenty of colour edits to mess around with in the 3 vs 3 matches. It’s the “ultimate” fan service game and with its ease of play means anyone can dive in and at least pretend to be a pro with the “simple” operation option or more advance “normal”. The idea is pretty straight forward. Choose the arcade mode and dive in against opposing teams across various themed stages. It’s standard beat-em-up territory here although the brash vibrancy of the visuals during special attacks and combos might look a bit overwhelming to the untrained eye. There’s a training mode to hone skills, but as mentioned when the original game released way back when there’s little in the way of tutorial for absolute newcomers. Still, you’re able to successfully win by random button mashing on the easiest setting and perhaps it’s the taking part that counts for some players.

For more advanced play there’s a versus mode for localized battling and a mission option where you’re tasked with performing specific combos and moves with each character. These extras make for good practice but don’t replace a basic tutorial. The Heroes and Heralds mode is also a nice way to ease into the game against not so challenging opposition (to begin). Either fight with Galactus or against him in a tug or war for supremacy of the board. It’s a nice extension from the very basic arcade mode and somewhat makes up for a lack of proper story although it does get rather tough in its latter stages. You’ll earn cards to form decks which increase your team’s abilities. Perform well and rarer cards can be unlocked and used in your deck which in turn increase your chances of success against said tougher opponents.

For players wishing to test their mettle against others online then there’s the option to do so with an online specific operation (which also includes the Heroes and Heralds mode).

Visually the game’s switch to 1080p does make quite a difference and the smooth 60 frames per second during even the most intense moments is wonderful. This might even be reason enough for those with the older version to dive in again. There’s really nothing to fault with regards to the visuals as each character looks fantastic and is a fantasy come true pitting great characters against each other. Audio is also of reasonable quality to accompany the visuals making for an assault on the senses although if there’s any criticism some of the menu music is a little repetitive.

For the longer term aside from the option to play locally against friends and online with others there’s the underlying theme of unlocking various titles,artworks and endings if you’re one for accumulating points and performing other tasks to stand out amongst your peers.

As with any fighting game the joy is learning character moves, combos in training and then putting those into practice during real fights. With such a large roster to choose from and the fact you’re to learn the moves and qualities of three fighters means there’s more under the hood than initially might meet the eye. Fans of fighting games will no doubt love the update with the visual quality and therefore makes this a worthy albeit nostalgic purchase, and if you missed all the DLC first time round, then a good incentive to dive in again. However, no matter how much praise can be lavished upon this game it’s rather bear bones in terms of mode compared to many other fighters including Capcom’s own Street Fighter series. If you can handle over the top fighting with fantasy match ups and missed out on the original release then this is worth checking out. If you’ve still got an old copy lying around then not so much but still fun to play on current systems.

Score 8/10

Written by: Rob Cram

Rob Cram has hundreds of video game reviews, thousands of articles under his belt with years of experience in gaming and tech. He aims to remain fair and free from publisher/developer influence. With his extensive knowledge, feels his gaming opinions are valid and worth sharing. Agreement with his views are entirely optional. He might have a bias towards cyberpunk.