* Best Fighting Game of 2011

Capcom re-introduces their cross-media fighter; featuring new characters, levels, and all around adjustments, 'Ultimate Marvels vs. Capcom 3' is stacked full of button mashing mayhem.

In case you didn't catch our initial review Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (MVC3) --> HERE <-- its an excellent fighter that was applauded for its phenomenal casting, flashy graphics and instantly gratifying gameplay. Simply put, MVC3 is one of the best fighting games to come out in the last few years. While its substance takes some uncorking, we didn't have too many negatives to gripe about. This makes the release of a "Ultimate" edition a little fishy, but as suspected Capcom has done allot of tweaking to make this an even better fighter than the original crafting. So even if they're swimming up stream, we give them three cheers for the effort.

One negative we pointed out was the low roster count, and ironically this is one of the features that Capcom improved. Stroking our ego, we are happy to see a dozen new characters join the fight. The other issues we pointed out was the lack of modes, end-fight animations, and levels. This too has been dealt with, well kind of. While we don't see any new animations, a few levels have been trafficked as "reskins," along with a bunch of new modes that put forth an honest effort of improvement. Is it the "Ultimate" edition, well not quite, but it's close, its damn close.

Getting right into the new characters (which would be the most common reason to upgrade) are some household Marvel names like Hawkeye, Ghost Rider and Doctor Strange along with some underling characters such as Iron Fist, Nova and Rocket Raccoon (yes, the Raccoon, seriously.) On the Capcom side gamers will be happy to see Frank West, Strider and Phoenix Wright, with a few odd names like Nemesis, Vergil, and the Ghost n' Goblins baddie Firebrand. Sure its an odd mix, and while some of these dispositions fit the characterization of this epic battle, other characters like Frank West and Phoenix Wright seem a little out of place. However, that is fine because we're talking about a fighting game that included Nathan Spencer (Bionic Commando) and Arthur (Ghost n' Goblins) as creditable fighters. Adding these 12 characters freshens up the battles and gives more choices, both good features for a fighting game.

Beyond a dozen more fighters added to the basket, Capcom has up'd their existing collection with a wide range of adjustments to each character and their moves. This is probably the biggest enhancement if you're a tournament fighting contender. Through feedback and testing, Capcom has fixed some the exploits and over powering characters/moves and made the proper adjustments. In the name of a fair fight, you will notice a more balanced game (if you have done your time.) For the casual fan, its business as usual. Although the majority of changes take place under the hood, MVC3 is the perfect game for providing small, yet pivotal repairs.

For additional visual spice, 9 new stages have been composed. This includes a new versions of old maps like the “Danger Room” or the “Kattlelox Island” stage, along with some “re-skins.” For new maps you can battle through the sky on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, or take on a new dystopian future of the Metro City map. Is it groundbreaking, no, does it add a little more visual flavour, sure why not. Nine new maps is better than none, although we would have liked to see the videogame space hold more ground in this department.

A few game modes have been added to this “Ultimate” remake, however they are nothing that stops the boredom of tackling Galactus for the hundredth time. A challenge tower perhaps, or even a Capcom boss to go up against would have been ideal. Something, anything, please!! What they did include was a new self-explanatory Spectator Mode, a new Galactus Mode; lets you play as the big purple planet eater with three characters on his side. Lastly, a free post-release piece of DLC (Heroes and Heralds) that lets you equip your characters with a selection of cards that change attributes. While not what we expected, the H&H mode spices up the action from the norm, fitting perfectly with some in-room competitive action.

Capcom might be pushing their luck by releasing a “Ultimate” edition of a game that was already released early in the same year. However, it is this confidence that helps ease us into this timely update. Featuring an updated roster, some new modes and a plethora of general optimizations, anyone serious about fighting games will be lured in. If you missed out Marvel vs. Capcom 3 the first time around, you can't go wrong picking up this colourful fighter. The price is right and the additions are more than welcomed.

still the same great game, now with more! new modes, levels, and fighters in-depth optimzation across the board fighting Galactus for the hundreth time gets old quick; Capcom needs an end boss still could have used more modes casual fans, you'll get by with your old Marvel vs. Capcom Quote: "Capcom might be pushing their luck by releasing a “Ultimate” edition of a game that was already released early in the same year. However, it is this confidence that helps ease us into this timely update." Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy | 02.29.11

Similar Games: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (8.0) | Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (8.6)