Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Worth the $40?

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Thursday, 17 November 2011 06:00

I was a day-one purchaser of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Even pre-ordered the Special Edition. I had loved MvC2 so much, I knew the next iteration would be of high quality. When I heard the Ultimate edition was coming out so soon, I was one of the ragers. As the days rolled on, and news came that most of the content was planned as DLC due to the tragedies in Japan, plus that the disc price was cheaper than purchasing the DLC outright, I started looking into it, especially after I was able to trade in my original for $20 at a local store.

The problem still, though, is that this was another purchase. Newcomers are getting an amazing deal, but we early adopters feel shorted. Now most are asking: are the new characters/environments/modes worth it all?

To me, the new characters/environments/modes are definitely worth it. My first impressions are very favorable, primarily after finally getting to test out the controversial Phoenix Wright. Diehard fighting game fans loathe his existance in the game, whilst goofy lighthearted gamers who love the Phoenix Wright series were thrilled he was getting a chance.

I'll admit, I have always been a fighting game button-masher. I was excited for Phoenix to join, and had heard he played differently. I was thoroughly thrashed after my first fight, so I went to training mode for the first time ever. There, I learned his nuances. Regardless of whether you feel he is warranted in the game, Capcom did an amazing job taking characters from all over and putting them together, yet still feel similar to where they came from. Phoenix has to investigate, confront, and turnabout in order to win. The way they integrated him into the game makes me want to buy a Marvel vs. Capcom "wannabe" edition; full of nothing but nontraditional fighters, just to see how they would integrate them. Phoenix changed me from a button masher to a skill seeker. I am now interested in learning the "right" way to play all of the characters.

So, first impressions are very favorable. New characters add fresh, unique ways to fight, without carbon copies of others. New levels are unique and fun to watch. New modes are fun to play. Overall, it is easily worth the $40 "on disc DLC." Fighters are rebalanced, providing more of a challenge. Phoenix gave me reason to get beyond button mashing and learn character moves, becoming a better player. I will come back soon with a more in-depth review next week....right after I see if it is possible to turnabout Galactus.  GUILTY!