Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes Review (PS3)

Capcom 2, the 3-on-3 fighting game that demands silly money on eBay, just got that much more accessible via the wonders of the Playstation Network. The game is heralded as the very pinnacle of the 2D beat 'em up by the elite, largely thanks to its impressive roster and flat-out bonkers gameplay. We don't recommend this to those with epilepsy.

The digital download is based on the Dreamcast version of the game, bringing forward all 56 characters from the original and the extended promise of widescreen support and online play.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 costs £11.99 ($14.99) from the Playstation Store.

We know a lot about games, but whether or not Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is the best fighting game ever, we can't argue. Such is the nuance of interest and following in the beat 'em up genre, we couldn't possibly want to jump into the territory of those in the know. What we can say is that Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is certainly the most bonkers of beat 'em ups ever. Packing the roster full of super-hero characters and various Capcom names, it's a ridiculous menagerie of playable brawlers. From Servbot, to Jill Valentine, to Iron Man and Gambit - this is a game packed with household names. With each character carrying their own unique style, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is absolutely packed with intrigue and personality. Even if you can't find interest in the depth of the gameplay, you'll find intrigue in the presentation and context.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 looks fabulous. The characters may not have been redrawn, but the whole affair looks to have been lovingly recreated for the HD television generation. The sprites are rich when set to the "Crisp" options setting (other settings can be applied to preference) and the backgrounds unique and interesting. The chunky character models still define fantastic animation, regardless of age. Despite looking totally overhauled, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 still pertains a modern retro aesthetic that's a joy to behold.

What looks like it could be perceived as a button masher, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 has a deep sense of depth that you'll gather the moment you jump online. The multiplayer, already seemingly rich with experts, is a foreboding description of just how much gameplay there is to learn. If you have the patience and the will power, you will be rewarded.

For a game so darn dependent on lag-free gaming, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 works perfectly. We mean, like, perfectly. The matchmaking is snappy and the matches are fault-free. It's like being in the room with an opponent. No doubt the connection probably does dip against bad connections but, we've not had an issue during our lengthy playtest.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is a difficult, difficult game. Like most beat 'em ups there is a learning curve, but Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 extends that trait. The sheer overwhelming degree of characters to select from, the obscene difficulty level and the range of control inputs to remember will confuse, bemuse and irritate many. You'll probably have fun bashing the buttons with mates, but know that being the best Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 player in your friends group does not typically transcend to the Internet. You will lose. You will lose badly. You will lose quickly.