Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: A Hopeful Investigation
 

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is one of the most fantastically fun fighting games in videogame history.


It isn't the most balanced fighter ever made, far from it. Nor is it as deep as you'd want it to be, but all that garbage can wait while you're calling Peter Parker for an anti-air assist while you ready up Ken's Shoryu-Reppa. Seriously, this game was crack for fanboys and a high point for Capcom's addictive Vs. Series. With leagues more characters in both company's stables, and Capcom being notoriously partial to sequels, people were imagining a dream list of heroes and villains from the two universes facing off in a third game.

But then... nothing.

There are several stories explaining what was discovered to be some sort of fallout between Marvel and Capcom. The popular case is Marvel not liking how certain characters were displayed and who they actually wanted in the series. Less dramatic stories reveal a simple case of a license running its course. Whatever the reason, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 eventually ceased production. Coupled with the perfect arcade port on the Dreamcast becoming inherently rare due to the console's own demise, gamers were left clawing for watered down ports of Xbox and PS2 versions - even as their price shot up along with cult-like demand.

Dreams for MvC3 faded, as owning MvC2 became victory enough. But a seemingly disconnected series of events may yet lead us to very good news. Could these be signs that MvC3 may see light of day? And soon?

Let's look at the state of things: fighting games are... fighting their way back into the mainstream arena. After years of shooters and minigame collections dictating the industry, fighting games saw renewed interest by the public at large. From big name releases like Soulcalibur 4 and Street Fighter 4, to niche titles like Battle Fantasia, people seem ready and willing to beat each other up again. But this alone isn't evidence enough of MvC3 becoming reality.

ESRB released updated ratings for MvC2, leading many people to believe that not only are Marvel and Capcom kissy face again, but digital ports were in store for XBLive and PSN. As owners of the rare (and expensive) Dreamcast ports curse the Gods, we still await more news of this development. What does this mean for the future? An online enabled MvC2 is kick-ass enough, but we're talking about entirely new stuff here.

Not long ago, Capcom released Capcom Vs. Tatsunoko - a game that put Capcom characters against characters from the famed anime studio. The excitement in seeing Capcom return to it's Vs. style with a brand new game was quelled by the fact that it couldn't in any way be localized in the States. Tatsunoko's properties were translated stateside via different dub studios. In order for CvT to be ported here, those studios would have to play nice in regard to their investments brawling with each other. This is not going to happen. You can argue that this licenses are of old properties and stand to only gain from renewed interest in their dubs due to the game, but all know better. CvT was ported to Wii in Japan, with no further ports in mind.


But a strange thing was going on during several tournaments in the States, CvT (Arcade) was available to play in exhibition in what seemed like focus testing. CvT is not being translated here, but why test the game in our hands? Why tease us in such a way?

At a recent Comic-Con, a Marvel executive was pressed on the idea of Capcom developing another Marvel Vs. game. As it stood, Capcom execs were at this very event, and what transpired must have been as electrifying as seeing your divorced parents flirting before your eyes. They had a chat, and teased fans of being interested in doing something. Nothing more was said on the matter. This is not proof enough of MvC3's eventual creation, though...

Street Fighter 4 drops on the masses. Pat yourselves on the back, because Capcom really had no interest in producing another Street Fighter game. It was because of the success of the digitally distributed Hyper Fighting and the fans constant request (demands) that Ono-san convinced Capcom to move ahead with the game. This may also lead to returns of other Capcom titles loved by the public....

Right now, Tatsunoko's mother company, Takara-Tomy, will be making Marvel heroes toys, and Tatsunoko will be making an anime that crosses both companies. This doesn't really add to my thoughts of a new MvC game, just thought it was interesting.

So let's review: MvC2 appears to be headed for release. Capcom develops the first new Vs. title in ages, but for limited regions. Still they focus test it on our shores, for reasons unrevealed. Marvel and Capcom tease interest in the continuation of MvC, aided by Capcom's return to fighters and Marvel's clear cut plan of being related to quality products. Capcom also reveals itself to be at least partially susceptible to the cry of fans.

I mean, would Capcom seriously deny TvC's engine a chance at making sells stateside? Wouldn't it be logic to take the game, create new Marvel character models and moves, redress TvC and finally drop MvC3 to fans everywhere? It would be less than a year of development, including translation and supplement media. Capcom stands to gain any way you put it. Capcom is huge right now, and so's Marvel - I can't be thinking this while both companies wave the idea off.

So I predict Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 at least announced during Capcom's 'second wave' of next-gen fighters. It may even coincide with the digital release of MvC2. What do you guys think?

WTF Capcom, you know what it is, It time to DELIVER godammit.

MVC2 is like the best fighting game I've ever played. The amount of awesome characters is unreal too.

To be honest, I'm not really devestated that there isn't a 3rd. How much will it change? How much better could it be? They pretty much covered all bases in part 2. Aside from minor roster additions, I don't think the game could improve or change at all unless they changed the whole style and animation. That would suck.

The only characters missing are E Honda and Blanka on the Capcom side, and a few guys like Punisher, Carnage, Blade, Thor and the Fantastic Four on the Marvel side.
I don't know how they didn't include those guys, but it's a very small list in the grand scheme of things.

I found out about CVT because the original Tekkaman is one of the characters. My interest is limited because I'm only a fan of a couple of the anime properties, but another Capcom V (whatever) in the states would be fun.

Yeah, that's my logic. I only recognize G Force dude and Karas from the Tatsunoko side, but fuck if I wouldn't play another VS game just for the sake of it being there.

A Marvel vs Tatsunoko game isn't too out of the question, but I don't know who'd make it.

They're redistributing MvC2. That wouldn't be possible if Capcom still didn't have the rights.

It still wouldn't come here, because the dub studios will cry foul.

So should I sell my PS2 version or what? I pciked it up for I dunno, I think $70 but I can probly flip it for more.

I brought this up in a thread I made and completely forgot all about it.

You should until you know how long you'd be without the game, unless you wanna make a buck before the new port comes around.

so what platforms is that game out for?

How positive are we that a new port is coming?

Which game?

If ESRB lists a game that doesn't come out, I'll eat my hat.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2

Dreamcast, PS2, XB. Soon to be XBL/PSN.

Yeah, great. Another fighting game to distract me from the ones I already have.

Done barely anything in DOA 4, Tekken 5 DRO, Street Fighter 4, Street Fighter II HD, and Soul Caliber 4, and have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING with Guilty Gear and Virtua Fighter 5.

Thank god Tekken 6 doesn't come out til Q3 09'.

You have a collection, there. Almost as good as Khuntry's. You'd fit right in to one of our offline 'group sessions'.

Watching EVO tourney games of MvC2 piss me off and really make me look at some of the flaws of the game. Watching people get a perfect by juggling in the corner is not my idea of being an awesome player.

But I love the game as much as everybody, and there is a definite amount of skill and depth in the game. Surprisingly is more balanced than not, though the best players seem to pick the same six characters or so.

My fighting game collection, and for tat matter my game collection in general, is why I suck at every one of them. I'm spreadtoo thin. Between 360, PS3, PC, and the wii before I sold it, I have probably close to 100 games.

Fucking blockbuster and their dirt cheap previously payed game temptations.

Betting one of them is Storm.

You need to find a good game, settle down, and raise a family.

I actually enjoyed Capcom vs SNK more than I did MvC 2.

Capcom vs. SNK 2 is my favorite 2D fighting game, receiving a direct challenge from Street Fighter 4. I imagine CvS2 will win out due to sheer character and gameplay options, but Street Fighter 4 Turbo/CE might sway me provided they correct some issues and add characters.

Uhhh...Haven't they done so already?

I'd have to look that up.

Word.

I am like Figburt. I have all those games except the online version of Tekken 5 and more.

Fuuuuck. Was so pissed when I found out CvT wasn't coming here. It's just like fucking Super Robot Wars with all the god damned licenses not playing nice. GIVE IN TO FAN DEMANDS YOU BASTARDS.

You're missing out on Guilty Gear. You can totally disregard DOA4

I fucking already told you to do it. Fuck you. You shouldn't have to ask other people after I give my answer.

DOA4's about as deep as the puddle that forms when you spit on the ground.

I hear ya. It was like a slap to the face when they refused to release NamcoXCapcom stateside.

Is that the one where you fall like 5 stories.

Yeah, DOA 4 has a lot of massive drops off cliff and down stairs and shit.

I COMPLETELY FORGOT ALL ABOUT IT

DOA 4 may not be as deep as other fighters, but it's still fun.

And no, not just for the jigglys.

Add Battle Fantasia to Figgys list and you've got my list. SF4's had the most playtime, but now I've unlocked all the characters (and my XBox Live is back to not working properly) I don't have much desire to turn it on.

:wtf:

You don't have friends around?

I'd love to have the SRW games that include GoLion and Tekkaman Blade over here. It's fucked up that licensing is all that's keeping us from them.

How can they not just let shit like this happen? It creates interest in the very licensed animes they are keeping from us.

Like the last game on the DS had Voltron and some other shit. You wanna get people to buy Voltron DVDs? You put out a game with a bad ass Voltron/Gundam/those other shits teaming up in a dream match. FUCK! :mad:

Not that wanna play sf. Everyone wants to play pes, FIFA or Rock Band.

Got my live working again anyways!

GoLion. I mean, Voltron was heavily edited, so if they wanted to make it Voltron, I bet they'd be editing the storylines involved, HEAVILY.

Still, I bet it would promote some of the lesser-known anime if they did bring it out, so it's likely in everyone's interest.

There's another SRW coming out for the DS. All I gotta say is I don't know 90% of the shit in these games, though I'd probably enjoy them anyway. If for no other reason then to wreck shit with Blade and GoLion/Voltron.

Gotta love that. I have so many games where I have like, no or only one friend who likes the game.

The one coming in April isn't quite the same. SRW tend to use a lot of the same original characters in their games and these are all new people with the same last names as famiiar characters (their kids, maybe?). Also, everyone seems to be on foot from the screens I've seen.

I don't know much about the new game. In fact, I know little about the series in general, having my interest piqued primarily by the presence of GoLion (I was looking up the differences between GoLion and Voltron online out of curiousity when I found the tie in with the game....).

Do those kickass looking Voltron dvd sets have the original japanese versions, with no edited storylines? Or was it made by 1950's conservatives?

The Voltron DVD sets are Voltron only. They've released GoLion in the States, though.

GoLion was butchered on it's way here, but that was a long time ago. I'd like a new series based on GoLion, although I do like certain things about Voltron (the rename mostly). We're a lot more respectful of anime source material these days so something like that would work.

Didn't watch the CGI revision from a few years ago.

Voltron was the gateway for a lot of people into anime, so it did something for sure. GoLion i now available in its original form.

We still have a tendency to butcher anime pretty bad in this country, mind.

Yup. Some of these Japs should really take a look at past translations of other animes before licensing their shit out to certain western companies.

It would if they just ask who the dub studio is gonna market to.

I don't think they care, long as they get money.

After all it is after the fact.

There are cases, like Super Sentai/Power Rangers, where they like the changes we make.

Random Dream Roster:

Considering Capcom would most likely keep their characters from TvC (already modeled and all), this is my dream roster for the Marvel side of things. And I'll still add some Capcom love in case they were to add some fighters.

Marvel:
Wolverine
Cyclops
Spider-Man
Iron-Man
X-23
Captain America (Winter Soldier Ver.)
Hulk
Iron Fist
Dare Devil
Spider Woman
Deadpool
Pixie (Dark Ver.)

Capcom Additions:
Crimson Viper
Sheva Alomar (With an evolved Jill Valentine moveset)
Nero (Although I'm a mark for Dante, Nero's Devil Arm would make for interesting gameplay)
Strider

CAPCOM ADDITIONS:
MEGAMAN (classic)
DUO (MM8)
ROLL (classic)
X (he gets no love ,why? THEY PICK MEGAMAN VOLNUTT OVER HIM in TvC (sad face))
AXL
ZERO (again, gets no love)
ZERO (mmz)
SIGMA (MMX or MMX5 ver.)
BASS (classic)
BASS (MMBN)
PROTOMAN (classic)
MEGAMAN (MMBN)
MEGAMAN (MMSF)
PROTOMAN (MMBN)

My Dream teams:
( X, ZERO, AXL)
(MEGAMAN, PROTOMAN, BASS)
(MEGAMAN, PROTOMAN, BASS (MMBN))

I can care less who they get for marvel

Frank West for MvC 3. He's covered wars, ya know.

MORE CAPCOM ADDS:
Demitri Maximoff
Lord Raptor
Strider Hien (not HIRYU)
Tron Bonne and her servbots
Sylphie (forgotten worlds)
Cody
Guy
Mike Hagger
Rose
Regina (Dino Crisis)
Lilith
Hideo, Shoma (Rival schools)
Lei Lei

Might as well call it Mega Man vs Marvel.

Shoma!

Tyrant or Nemesis. Or both. Also, Dante would work pretty well.

Tatsunoko vs Capcom is coming to America.

Generally people back this sort of thing up with links. Especially since in the MvC2 thread the guy in the article was rather explicit about the game not coming to the west due to licensing issues.

Nintendo Power's reporting it. I believe them.

Also, I'd think my credibility can pass on word alone.

No, it can't. Sorry.

Kotaku, somewhere on the first page.

I'm not even sure I believe Nintendo Power

Also, Kotaku is citing Nintendo Power.

Nintendo Power reports a release for a (most likely) Wii exclusive title and you're skeptical?

Whatever, doesn't ruin my day.

I'm euphoric right now so I'll just keep enjoying my high.

I think what I'm saying is that this sounds too good to be true.



I'm not used to good shit actually happening.

Come now, 2008 delivered some good shit. The game was here during certain events, which made people think it was being location tested (mentioned in the OP). However, I would rather they take the engine and start crunching MvC3.

Yeah we all saw the picture on Kotaku

E3 come on by.

Yeah, I seen it on other sites after that post. Not a fan of Kotaku.

There's now talk of the American version of Tatsunoko vs Capcom getting online multiplayer.

Can Wii online handle that?

God that fucking sucks. Can wii even handle this game? Graphics looked pretty good when I was checking it out.

It plays on Wii fine, online multiplayer is something to prove.

I've said it before I'm sure, but Mario Kart had fucking spotless online multiplayer. Smash Brothers was total ass, but Mario Kart was absolute perfection. I think it's a coin flip at this point.

Bump.

Fryza's sure got egg on his face right now.