Information:
- Introduction
- Gameplay
- Fighters Overview
- Fighters in Detail
- Graphics
- VMU Compatible
- Internet Play
- Summary
- Links

Graphics

Capcom and Sega have always been strong partners in fighting games. Instead of their usual CPS-2 or CPS-3 boards, Capcom opted to write MvsC2 for Sega's Naomi Board, basically a slightly beefed up Dreamcast.

The graphics of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 draw from the previous styles of the Capcom games, but take advantage of the Naomi's extraordinary power for fully 3D backgrounds and effects! Every background is rendered in polygons, then covered with high resolution textures normally associated with high level PC gaming. Additionally, most of the explosion flashes and all the shadows are transparent, and some effects like charging up certain supers are done using 3D. In fact, almost everything besides the fighters themselves are in 3D. Like Killer Instinct, but a whole lot better. See the below shot, for example. Also check out the movies at Fighters.Net.

Transparency and polygons ahoy!

Visual Memory System compatibility

The arcade and Sega Dreamcast versions are being developed for release on 23rd and 30th March 2000 respectively. Some arcade machines will have a Visual Memory System (memory card) slot installed, allowing you to transfer data between the two systems. In this way you can bring your unlocked Dreamcast characters to the arcade. It is also possible that characters will be able to trained or leveled up, in the same fashion as the PlayStation version of Street Fighter Alpha 3. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that VMU capable machines will be released outside of Japan; European, American and other countries unlock characters using the money-driven experience meter on the select screen.

TRANSLATION: VM data support! / You can still use the hidden character you acquired with Dreamcast! / Absolutely DO NOT unplug (the) VM while it's performing a check!

The Visual Memory Unit keeps track of three amounts of points. When enough points are earned, hidden characters can be unlocked at the Dreamcast Secret Factor screen. You can also 'structure' a file to bring to the arcade and trade characters between VMUs.

• D-points are earned by playing the Dreamcast version
• N-points are earned by playing the Naomi (arcade) version
• V-points are earned by playing Versus (on the internet, using the Dreamcast)

VMU screenshots

Internet play

Capcom has joined forces with Japanese communications company KDD to develop an online network for Capcom Dreamcast games. Marvel vs Capcom 2 will be the first game compatible, followed by Power Stone 2, Justice Academy 2, SNK vs Capcom and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.

Summary

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is being gradually released around the globe, to eager but wary crowds. Most have embraced the incredible graphical splendor, but reserve judgement on whether the new features add up to a winning formula. Many are concerned that the novelty will wear off, or that super-cheap tactics involving assists and Delayed Hyper Combos will develop, or that there aren't enough new characters.

This game is undoubtably one the better efforts from Capcom in recent times, along with the home versions of Alpha 3. However it remains to be seen whether Capcom can entice a diminishing and increasingly cynical 2D fighting public.

Links / Bibliography

- MvsC2 FAQ by CJayC
- MvsC2 Mini-FAQ by Robert Iu
- MvsC2 Impressions: US Final Part 2 by Joey Cuellar
- MvsC2 Impressions: US Final Part 1 by Joey Cuellar
- GameFan - Hot Info - At The Arcades
- Madman's Cafe News 19.Mar.00
- Madman's Cafe News 25.Feb.00
- Preview on Fighters.Net including movies
- Madman's Cafe News 4.Feb.00
- Madman's Cafe News 29.Jan.00
- Madman's Cafe News 25.Dec.00
- A rather funny alt.games.sf2 post

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