Video Game Vintage Title: Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content for the original game, the additional content was made into a standalone title for a discount retail price. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released in November 2011 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and was featured as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita in 2012. As of December 2013, the game sold 1.2 million units worldwide for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Gameplay

The main gameplay of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is largely similar to that of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Players select a team of three different characters to fight a 1 versus 1 battle. The game utilizes the same tag-team feature as its predecessor, where a player may choose to swap between their three characters at any point during a match. During combat, each player can call in one of their off-screen characters to do a selected special move, known as an �assist�, by pressing the corresponding assist button. As characters attack, the team�s Hyper Combo gauge fills with energy, which can be expended by the player to execute certain attacks, such as Hyper Combos and Snap Backs. The goal is to use various attacks to exhaust the opponent�s health meter and defeat the entire enemy team or have the most cumulative health when the timer runs out.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features three-dimensional character models and backgrounds; however, gameplay remains restricted to a two-dimensional plane. The game utilizes an eight-way directional system that allows the player to jump, crouch, and move toward and away from the opponent. The game also uses the simplified, three-button control scheme of undefined light, medium, and heavy attacks introduced in the previous installment. The exchange button, used to launch opponents into the air and switch characters while performing an air combo, returns. The aerial exchange feature has been altered in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3; players can either remove meter from their opponent's Hyper Combo gauge, add meter to their own gauge, or deal more damage. Another new gameplay change is the addition of button-mashing, where certain Hyper Combos will deal more damage the more times the player repeatedly hits a button.

The �X-Factor� mechanic, which grants increased damage output, speed, and health regeneration for a limited time upon activation, also reappears. In Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, X-Factor lasts for a shorter duration compared to its predecessor, but may now be activated in the air. The attack and speed boosts for each character have been adjusted, and the duration of X-Factor for each fighter has also been changed across the board; generally, the more powerful characters receive less time to utilize the increased stat boosts. Additionally, Hyper Combos performed during X-Factor are now subject to damage scaling.

While the core mechanics remain the same, a number of aesthetic changes have been made in the update, including new character and stage select screens. The game's HUD has also been redesigned. In addition, many returning characters receive balancing changes. These include new moves and animation tweaks for certain characters.

An improved netcode is present in the game, providing smoother online play. A new spectator mode allows up to six players to watch online matches between other players. Rematch features and leaderboard functionality have also been improved to enhance the game's online experience.

Reception
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released to generally favorable reviews, garnering scores from Metacritic of 80 and 79 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, respectively, and aggregate scores from GameRankings of 81 for both systems.

The game received praise for addressing several gameplay issues prevalent in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and refining the online experience. G4 praised the game for its "simple, yet deep gameplay", "all-star cast of characters",and "improved online features." 1UP.com cited the game as "a major improvement over the original." GameSpot stated that "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is unquestionably the superior version, and while its feature set still feels lacking compared to other available fighters, the series' unique blend of structured insanity remains strong." Edge commented that the new content "make for a generous package given its budget price-point, and once it clicks, it dazzles."

A common criticism amongst reviewers for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was the lack of additional on-disc content beyond the expanded character roster and gameplay tweaks. IGN noted that while "the inclusion of the new characters is definitely a welcome addition that rectifies one of the main issues with Marvel vs. Capcom 3", the game "doesn't add much in the way of new features and modes, making the forty dollar price tag and retail-only package a little hard to swallow." GameInformer pointed out that "along with the new fighters, hardcore veterans will appreciate the tweaks Capcom has made to damage and combo-timing in an effort to rebalance the game," but "middling fans who already played a bunch of the original and are only interested in new characters for novelty value will likely be left wanting."