So, after rumors started circulating mere months after the release of MvC3, we get vindication. Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 has been confirmed. Hell, you can even pre-order it on Amazon right now.
So why do we buy the game over again?
Sales points, as stated by Capcom:
- ULTIMATE ROSTER: Twelve new legends from Marvel and Capcom join the fray, bringing the total roster of characters up to 50.
- MORE LEGENDS: Includes the first fighting game appearance of some of the most iconic and celebrated characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes, including Strider and Firebrand from the Capcom side and Ghost Rider and Hawkeye from the Marvel universe.
- NEWLY BALANCED: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 offers re-balanced gameplay that will provide accessible depth for both newcomers and pros alike.
- ENHANCED MODES: After many fan requests, Spectator mode is now available as part of an overall improved online experience along with other new modes and enhancements
It’s also got a bit of a graphical overhaul from the looks of it, but that’s fairly trivial. See for yourself:
Now, to be frank, I have some very mixed feelings about this turn of events, “PREDICTABO!” as they are. While I’ve always been a heavy advocate of fixing the problems with MvC3 as it was, and the opportunity for the sweeping reform that certain parts of MvC3 needed in order to be a better game (mainly netcode, spectator mode, damage output and X-Factor) has me excited, this doesn’t come without a bit of a sour aftertaste.
Let’s look at some history. MvC3 was originally slated to be released in April. It was actually moved up in release date to February, which is extremely rare in the world of video games. It was released with barebones features, less than stellar netcode, and not even the ability to view matches in a multiplayer lobby (a standard feature in almost any fighting game with netplay). A few months down the line, we get a couple patches fixing some (hilarious) glitches, slightly rebalancing the game, though not necessarily for the better (poor Sentinel…), and some DLC that, aside from Jill and Shuma (which were developed before launch) was fairly insignificant.
After that, it’s all quiet on the Capcom front. No more characters, no more balancing. There has been quite some time since Capcom had even shown any indication that MvC3 was going to continue to be supported. Capcom staff suddenly becomes very tight lipped on MvC3, even those kind enough to give interviews. With Capcom’s silence, rumors got louder. That MvC3 was done, that a new version was coming out. Turns out they’re both right.
While MvC3 needed to be fixed post haste, and seemed like a rushed product since release, UMvC3 both gives us what we want and almost admits that what we got in the first place amounts to pretty much a rushed beta version. With UMvC3’s November release date, it’s plausible that all the commitment to balance Capcom showed and DLC characters we were promised have pretty much been held off for the new model. An 8 month turnaround time to release a new version of a game is fast, and that’s probably why. It also means that within the FGC (and likely within your home), that $60 copy of MvC3 you bought has been rendered obsolete in under a year, with few of the additions and fixes it desperately needed. Anyone wanna take bets on the characters rumored to be MvC3 DLC being in the additional 12? Elektra, Doctor Octopus, Frank West, etc.? Didn’t think so.
Hopefully, Cable stays a rumor. Yeesh. At least we got Strider.
So, it’s with a bittersweet sentiment that I give you the first look at UMvC3. It pays to listen to the rumor mill it seems.
To Capcom, In Closing:
Megaman X or GTFO. Balance AE please.