Reviewer: Kenji Miyazawa

E-Mail: barrett326@yahoo.com

Comments: I must admit that, though I am not a big fan of 2d fighting games, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is easily among the best console games I've ever played. It hooked me at round 1 and kept me playing diligently until I beat the 1 player game and skooled several small children. In fact, the only person that has beaten me in it is Silveromen.(Hold on a sec. I beat you in this game plenty of times -- Ryo)

Visually one would think that there is not a whole lot to be done with a 2D fighting game. This assumption has been proven as wrong as it can be. Beautifully rendered 3D backgrounds set the stage and, though they are a little distracting at first, they really set the mood well. The characters move fluidly without any lag, even with four or five characters doing complex moves at the same time.

The one thing that set MC2 above all other fighting games I've ever played is the control. The optional analog control helps a lot with doing most moves. Special moves and insane combos are easy to pull off, but not to the point where the game becomes a button-masher. There is still a large amount of strategy and reflexes involved and there is no one "perfect" move. The three man "tag-team" action makes the game all the more fun and interesting, as you can select your three favorite heroes and have them jump in when you're in trouble. In addition, if timed correctly, one can pull off insane three-man combos that will leave the opponent sucking floor.

The one area where MC2 lags is in the sound effects and music. The music, while well composed (at least some of it) is uninspiring and adds next to nothing to the gameplay. The character select music is a good example. The only advantage I see in the annoying "Gonna take you for a ride" looped endlessly is that it serves to make you select your team quickly just to get away from it. The sound effects seem to only apply to one character at a time, and the uninspiring "Optic Blast!" and "Ice Beam!" serve no purpose that I see.

Despite all of the sound problems, this is a game that I would go back and play again and again. Aside from the obvious two player value, there is no shortage of hidden characters and other goodies to unlock, and the addictiveness of the game can keep you playing long into the night. I suggest that, even if fighting games aren't your love, that you at least rent this game and see if it doesn't hook you off the word "Fight!"

Gameplay: 10

Graphics: 9

Sound: 5

Music: 5

Replay Value: 9

Final Score: 8.5