by: Michael Barnes

It’s one thing when Capcom decides to release a new version of a game after a year or so like they’ve traditionally done with the Street Fighter games, but it’s another thing entirely when they release an upgraded, updated version of game released not even nine months ago. What makes it even worse is there are no new features or additions that could not have been applied through a DLC package. Instead, “Ultimate” Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a $40 retail-only purchase with no upgrade path for those who already bought the game back in February.

But wait, it gets worse. At the very least, Ultimate MvC3 was a good opportunity for Capcom to address some of the complaints many had with the game. I rated the game an A- here at Gameshark.com and I stand by my rating- regardless of marketing and distribution, this is the same over-the-top orgy of color and light filled with great characters and plenty of meta-humor and compelling match-ups to spare. But the game needed more game modes, better documentation, and a larger roster.

We got more characters out of the deal at least, and they’re some good ones. 1970s Marvel fans will love the opportunity to add Iron Fist, Doctor Strange, and Rocket Raccoon to their teams and Capcom acolytes have Frank West, Strider Hiryu, and Phoenix Wright in their corner. All of the new characters are interesting, fun, and fit right into the zany concept of the game—it’s not hard to come up with crazy themes for your three-man teams; you can rock an all-Resident Evil squad, “guys with swords”, nothing but robots, the Avengers, whatever you want. Fan favorites from the series are still missing from the lineup and their absence is actually acknowledged in a stage that replicates the classic X-Men “Days of Future Past” cover, with a wanted poster showing everyone that’s missing including Mega Man. With this kind of thing, you’ll never please everybody. I want more Darkstalkers characters.

The characters from the non-Ultimate version of the game have been rebalanced and some minor changes were made to the X-Factor power-up mechanic, but most alterations are the kinds of things that only high-level players will notice or care about. Likewise, only the most hardcore player probably cares about spectator mode, but it’s here if for some reason you want to watch rather than do. Improved online matchmaking, which makes it easier and quicker to get your ass kicked, is definitely something any player will appreciate, as is an overall improved comic book-styled presentation.