Marvel vs. Capcom 2

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for the Dreamcast can be construed as Capcom's apology for the original Marvel vs. Capcom! The sequel may not be perfect, but chances are it's the most complete 2D fighting game you will be able to buy on the Dreamcast.

I can say that for the first time since Super Street Fighter II I have been blown away by a Street Fighter game. It's easy to get wrapped up in polygonal fighters, but Capcom has a strong case for their classic line of 2D beat 'em ups. They didn't just sit on their laurels; this time around they upgraded the game enough to be something completely different.

You see, this time we have a three on three contests that, once mastered, can be highly confusing, but always intense. Gone are the days of two rounds, now you just have to be the last one standing ... but that's not as easy as it sounds. With the addition of three playable characters per team, you can bet that there is some strategy involved, or at least there better be if you plan on winning.

The graphics have been given a huge upgrade, now with more polygonal backgrounds (that manage to look good). But the big news is really the amount of new characters that show up to play. The first Marvel vs. Capcom game kind of fizzled out due to a lack of characters and Capcom wasn't ready to make that mistake again. Enter 56 fighters (the most since Tobal 2) from Capcom games and Marvel comics. While you only start with a handful, by beating the game, and earning points you will unlock all sorts of goodies.

New to the mix are characters from Resident Evil, Tron Bonne, Rival Schools, and all kinds of Marvel comics. And each one is unique, though not always balanced. Actually, some are extremely unbalanced, one of the characters is one of Tron Bonne's little servebots, it doesn't actually do anything, and it's really small, but it's fun to play.

Missing is the four player mode of the original, which could have been, somehow, branched out to realize a six player game. Actually, gone all together is the two on two game play, which is good, but it would have been nice to see a more customizable game.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 does make up for a lot when it comes to sheer presentation. You know you are in for a treat when you see the intro screen. Everything about the game screams professional, and there was no expense cut when bringing you a great looking front end. To be honest, this game has one of the most attractive menu displays of any game I have ever seen. It's truly a highlight.

Everything has been thought of for this sequel. Big things, small things, and stuff you wouldn't even notice, it's all here ... so there's just one question: Why the heck don't you own this game?