In Marvel vs. Capcom 3, players select a team of three characters to engage in combat and attempt to knock out their opponents. It features similar tag team game mechanics to earlier games in the series, along with new methods of play designed to make the game more accessible to new players. The game was produced by Ryota Niitsuma, who had previously worked on Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, which utilizes the same simplified three-button attack system. Contributing artists include Shinkiro, Bengus and Kinu Nishimura.
The game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay and character roster, while criticizing its online component, lack of features and game modes, and absence of certain fan favorite characters. More than 2 million units were shipped worldwide a month after its debut, rendering it a commercial success. Less than a year after its release, Capcom announced an updated version of the game, titled Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. The standalone update was released in November 2011, and featured additional characters, stages, and gameplay tweaks. A proper sequel, titled Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, was released in September 2017.
Gameplay
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds is a fighting game in which players compete in battle using characters with different fighting styles and special attacks. The game features tag team-based gameplay similar to previous installments of the series. Players select teams of three characters to engage in one-on-one combat, and can choose to switch between them at any point during the match. During combat, players can call in one of their off-screen characters to perform a single special move, known as an “assist”. As characters deal or receive damage, their team’s “Hyper Combo Gauge” will gradually fill with energy, which can be expended by players to execute certain techniques, such as hyper combos, which are stronger versions of special moves; “snapbacks”, which force the current opponent off the screen and replaces them with one of their other teammates; and “crossover combinations”, which summon the player’s entire team to use their hyper combos all at once. Players must use the various attacks in their arsenal to exhaust their opponent’s life gauge and defeat the entire enemy team, or have the most cumulative health when time runs out. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the first entry in the franchise to feature 3D character models as opposed to two-dimensional sprites. However, gameplay remains restricted to two dimensions, resulting in a 2.5D graphical design.
Unlike Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which featured four attack buttons separated as two pairs of low and high-strength punches and kicks, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 uses a simplified, three-button control scheme of undefined light, medium, and hard attacks modeled after Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, which aims to “knock down the wall of complicated controls and open up the field of strategic fighting to all comers”. The game includes a new “exchange button”, which is used to launch opponents into the air, swap characters while performing combos, and slam the opponent into the ground. Players can use each button to string together attacks and form combos, as well as perform special moves using a combination of button presses and joystick movements. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 also features an alternate control scheme designed for players unfamiliar to fighting games called “Simple Mode”. Simple Mode allows players to perform special moves and hyper combos with single button presses at the expense of limiting a character’s available move set.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 introduces a new game mechanic known as “X-Factor”, which offers increased damage, speed, and health regeneration for a short period of time. It can be activated by players once per match, and can also be used to extend combos. The duration and intensity of X-Factor is dependent on the number of active characters in the player’s team; as a player loses fighters, X-Factor lasts longer and grants higher damage boosts.
Modes
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features various offline game modes, such as Arcade Mode, where the player fights against AI-controlled opponents to reach the final boss character, Galactus, a supervillain from Marvel Comics‘ Fantastic Four series. Each character has their own unique ending sequence, which is earned upon completion of Arcade Mode. Other offline modes include Versus Mode, where two players can fight against each other locally; Training Mode, which features several customization options for training purposes, such as the ability to adjust the Hyper Combo gauge, set AI difficulty, record and playback moves, and even simulate input lag; and Mission Mode, which features character-specific challenges designed to test players on their ability to execute complex combos.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 includes online play using Microsoft’s Xbox Live and Sony’s PlayStation Network services. Online multiplayer includes ranked matches, where players battle to increase their rank and ascend the game’s leaderboards; player matches, which do not bestow rank and offer options for quick rematches; and player lobbies, which allow up to eight players in a single room to compete in a king of the hill-style format. When an online match begins, both players can view their opponent’s License Card. License Cards keep track of players’ tendencies based on fighting style, record player points and total number of wins and losses, and allow players to see the positive and negative points of their play styles. Included among the online features is Shadow Battle, a series of downloadable content packs that allow the player to fight against a team of AI-controlled opponents programmed after the techniques and preferences of Capcom‘s development staff and famous players from the fighting game community.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds is a fighting game in which players compete in battle using characters with different fighting styles and special attacks. The game features tag team-based gameplay similar to previous installments of the series. Players select teams of three characters to engage in one-on-one combat, and can choose to switch between them at any point during the match. During combat, players can call in one of their off-screen characters to perform a single special move, known as an “assist”. As characters deal or receive damage, their team’s “Hyper Combo Gauge” will gradually fill with energy, which can be expended by players to execute certain techniques, such as hyper combos, which are stronger versions of special moves; “snapbacks”, which force the current opponent off the screen and replaces them with one of their other teammates; and “crossover combinations”, which summon the player’s entire team to use their hyper combos all at once. Players must use the various attacks in their arsenal to exhaust their opponent’s life gauge and defeat the entire enemy team, or have the most cumulative health when time runs out. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the first entry in the franchise to feature 3D character models as opposed to two-dimensional sprites. However, gameplay remains restricted to two dimensions, resulting in a 2.5D graphical design. Unlike Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which featured four attack buttons separated as two pairs of low and high-strength punches and kicks, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 uses a simplified, three-button control scheme of undefined light, medium, and hard attacks modeled after Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, which aims to “knock down the wall of complicated controls and open up the field of strategic fighting to all comers”. The game includes a new “exchange button”, which is used to launch opponents into the air, swap characters while performing combos, and slam the opponent into the ground. Players can use each button to string together attacks and form combos, as well as perform special moves using a combination of button presses and joystick movements. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 also features an alternate control scheme designed for players unfamiliar to fighting games called “Simple Mode”. Simple Mode allows players to perform special moves and hyper combos with single button presses at the expense of limiting a character’s available move set. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 introduces a new game mechanic known as “X-Factor”, which offers increased damage, speed, and health regeneration for a short period of time. It can be activated by players once per match, and can also be used to extend combos. The duration and intensity of X-Factor is dependent on the number of active characters in the player’s team; as a player loses fighters, X-Factor lasts longer and grants higher damage boosts. Modes
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features various offline game modes, such as Arcade Mode, where the player fights against AI-controlled opponents to reach the final boss character, Galactus, a supervillain from Marvel Comics‘ Fantastic Four series. Each character has their own unique ending sequence, which is earned upon completion of Arcade Mode. Other offline modes include Versus Mode, where two players can fight against each other locally; Training Mode, which features several customization options for training purposes, such as the ability to adjust the Hyper Combo gauge, set AI difficulty, record and playback moves, and even simulate input lag; and Mission Mode, which features character-specific challenges designed to test players on their ability to execute complex combos.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 includes online play using Microsoft’s Xbox Live and Sony’s PlayStation Network services. Online multiplayer includes ranked matches, where players battle to increase their rank and ascend the game’s leaderboards; player matches, which do not bestow rank and offer options for quick rematches; and player lobbies, which allow up to eight players in a single room to compete in a king of the hill-style format. When an online match begins, both players can view their opponent’s License Card. License Cards keep track of players’ tendencies based on fighting style, record player points and total number of wins and losses, and allow players to see the positive and negative points of their play styles. Included among the online features is Shadow Battle, a series of downloadable content packs that allow the player to fight against a team of AI-controlled opponents programmed after the techniques and preferences of Capcom‘s development staff and famous players from the fighting game community.
Synopsis
Ten years had passed after Ruby Heart and a legion of heroes she summoned defeated Abyss. Earth was safe until…
In the Marvel Universe, Victor von Doom has assembled a large number of known Marvel villains. Soon, they made contact with the Capcom Universe, and joined forces with Albert Wesker in order to unite both “Earths” into one, so that the villains will have free access to conquer the two universes. Little do they know that the plan they conjured would unleash an even greater threat…
Now it’s up to Ryu, Wolverine, Spider- Man, and the rest of the Marvel and Capcom super heroes are up to put a stop to this evil before it is too late…”
In the Marvel Universe, Victor von Doom has assembled a large number of known Marvel villains. Soon, they made contact with the Capcom Universe, and joined forces with Albert Wesker in order to unite both “Earths” into one, so that the villains will have free access to conquer the two universes. Little do they know that the plan they conjured would unleash an even greater threat…
Now it’s up to Ryu, Wolverine, Spider- Man, and the rest of the Marvel and Capcom super heroes are up to put a stop to this evil before it is too late…”
Characters
The game features new and returning characters to the Marvel vs. Capcom series, with accompanying artwork by Shinriko. The final build features 40 characters. Returning characters have distinct play style changes, such as Hulk being able to perform steady air combos, Captain America’s shield hitting back on the return after being thrown, and Iron Man’s new stance and Proton Cannon firing at a 45° angle.
Marvel
Marvel
Development
Capcom‘s design philosophy for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was to maximize gameplay depth and minimize complexity. According to Niitsuma, the development team sought to create a game that would reach out to longtime fans of the series, while simultaneously expanding their user base to those familiar with the characters, but perhaps not with fighting games in general. The urge to reach out to new players also stemmed from Marvel‘s recent success in the Hollywood film industry. Capcom‘s global head of production, Keiji Inefune, expressed interest in appealing to a worldwide audience. These ideas drove the decision to retool the fighting system, which was criticized in past iterations for being too complicated for casual players. These changes include the implementation of the three-button attack system from Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and the addition of Simple Mode. Unlike previous titles in the series, Capcom had no plans for an arcade release, and focused only on console versions for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. When asked if Capcom was planning to release the game on other consoles, Niitsuma did not dismiss the possibility for a Nintendo Wii version; however, this ultimately did not come to fruition.
Employees from Marvel Comics worked closely with Capcom‘s art design team to ensure that each character from their company was properly represented. As a result, several Marvel characters were modeled after their more recent comic book appearances. For example, Iron Man sports his Extremis Armor, while Wolverine wears his costume from Astonishing X-Men. The development team originally planned to have English and Japanese voice actors for all characters. Niitsuma eventually decided against it, stating that having the Marvel roster speaking Japanese did not mesh well with the characters’ image.
Character selection
Marvel worked closely with Capcom to include dialogue quips and mid-match events between the companies’ characters. Comic book writer Frank Tieri was assigned to write the character dialogue and endings for the game. Marvel also gave Tieri full use of their library of characters for storyline purposes. As a result, several unplayable characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes, such as the Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Mega Man, Volnutt, Nemesis and Phoenix Wright make cameo appearances in the campaign stages and Arcade Mode endings.
In regards to scrapped characters, Nemesis was excluded because of concerns that it’s inclusion would change the game’s content rating.
The primary members of Marvel‘s Fantastic Four were excluded at the company’s suggestion for currently undisclosed reasons.
Despite the high demand of Capcom character Strider Hiryu, who appeared playable in the previous installment, Niitsuma stated that he “didn’t fit in with [the game’s] concept”.
Additionally, legal troubles with the Strider series’ manga company was another reason for Hiryu’s exclusion.
Frank West of Dead Rising fame, was deep in development but was taken out due to unexpected extra work.
The original incarnation of Capcom mascot Mega Man was also disconfirmed because developers felt Zero was a more appropriate representive.
Original characters from Marvel vs. Capcom 2 such as Ruby Heart, Amingo and Sonson are not featured in the game.
Story mode
Characters would meet, interact, speak, and travel with other characters, similar to that of the basis of the storyline in Arc System Works’ BlazBlue series. There would have been CG animated scenes of the characters speaking to each other with full voice overs.
Marvel also stated that Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is “all about fan service”, and spoke of plans to work with Capcom to include dialogue quips and mid-match events between the company’s characters that reference past Marvel Comics storylines.
In the end, MvC3 features no story mode, mid-match interactions or additional CG animated cut-scenes. Other than the intro movies and the character endings, the plot of the game is no different from previous installments. The promise of a robust plot was nonexistent in the final release of the game.
DLC costumes for characters were later announced by Capcom and Marvel, which were released on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Marketplace on March 1, 2011. The costume pack contained new outfits for Ryu, Thor, Dante, Iron Man, Chris Redfield, and Captain America. The release of the pack coincided with the release of the Shadow Battle DLC.
Following the game’s launch, a Marvel vs. Capcom merchandise program was launched in April 2011. Apparel wholesalers Mad Engine and Philcos sold T-shirts and sweatshirts bearing Marvel vs. Capcom 3 promotional artwork. Diamond Select Toys created a line of Mini-mates based on various characters from the game. Hollywood Collectibles debuted collectible statue sets featuring Akuma, Dante, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Ryu, and Wolverine. In 2012, after the release of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, UDON Entertainment unveiled a 200-page art book, titled Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works, containing compilations of existing Marvel vs. Capcom imagery alongside new commissioned pieces by comic book artists.
Reviewers praised Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for its simplified, yet deep gameplay and diverse cast of characters. According to GameSpot’s Maxwell McGee, the game’s simplified core combat mechanics worked harmoniously to drive the action forward. McGee also praised the addition of Simple Mode, saying that its simplicity was ideal for series newcomers. Richard George of IGN stated that the alterations to the control scheme helped to mature the franchise by removing needless complexities. Neidel Crisan of 1UP.com complimented the uniqueness of the characters’ play styles, stating that he enjoyed exploring the roster and possible team combinations. Brian Leahy of G4 also praised the variety and balance of characters, claiming that, unlike Marvel vs. Capcom 2, in which a large majority of the cast was “severely underpowered” compared to its top fighters, almost every character in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 seemed to be a viable option.
In contrast to its character roster, the game was criticized for its lack of diversity in game modes and online features. George expressed his disappointment that the development team did not supplement Marvel vs. Capcom 3‘s core experience with extras to add variety to the total package and extend its lifespan. GameTrailers criticized the Arcade Mode, stating that its “underwhelming Powerpoint-style” endings left much to be desired, especially in comparison to the intro, outro, and rival battle sequences seen in Street Fighter IV. Tim Turi of Game Informer stated that fans expecting to see extensive online functionality similar to Street Fighter IV should “regulate their excitement”. Eurogamer’s Simon Parkin pointed specifically to the absence of a spectator mode, noting that the exclusion of viewable matches also presented a serious shortcoming.
At the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds received the award for “Best Fighting Game” from the Game Critics Awards. It also earned “Best Fighting Game of E3” awards from IGN, 1UP.com, and X-Play/G4.
Prior to its release, Capcom expected to sell 2 millions units of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 worldwide across both platforms. The game reached number 2 in the United Kingdom PlayStation 3 sales chart, behind Call of Duty: Black Ops. On March 30, 2011, the company announced that it had shipped more than 2 million copies of the game a month and a half after its debut. In response to reaching the milestone, Capcom dubbed Marvel vs. Capcom 3 a commercial success.
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