A long time ago, early in 2011, a fighting game was released that was the continuation of every comic book gamer’s dream come true. Marvel VS Capcom 3 featured 36 fighters from two of the most loved universes, with Marvel characters like Spider-man, Wolverine, The Hulk, Thor and Iron Man - what a line-up! - and Capcom characters like Dante, Ryu and Viewtiful Joe.

Even with such a great roster, however, there were a few whispers of diseent in the crowds. Some were not happy with the list of playable characters.

In response to the concern of gamers (and comic book fans) the Capcom developers spent ages and ages perfecting the list of fighters available. Yes, nine months later Capcom released the ‘ultimate’ collection of Marvel VS Capcom 3. Included are 12 new fighters, along with the previous 36 fighters. So, has it been worth the wait? Or is this a too small re-release that happened too soon?

To start off with, the game is still a tremendous amount of fun. It is rewarding for those who study the characters to discover their strengths and weaknesses. It’s also rewarding for anyone who just picks up the controller and starts to mash some buttons.

Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3 uses a newer version of the Marvel VS Capcom 3 game engine to great effect with visually striking levels and amazing special effects. Every punch feels as powerful or weak as you would expect. Amazingly this is the same game engine used in Lost Planet 2 and the upcoming Dragon’s Dogma… that’s just a little bit of technical info for those interested.

Each fighter has a specific fighting style - these aren’t as technical as a game like UFC, but rather more visually different. Ryu will have a very fast striking attack while Frank West favours some of his wrestling inspired moves from Dead Rising.

The funniest character to emerge in the ‘ultimate’ fighting game is Phoenix Wright! Yes, the investigative lawyer will use his court room savvy to attack his opponents into submission. These include gathering evidence and presenting exhibits. Finally, as a death blow he will present evidence against his opponent declaring him the offender in the crime! Classic stuff!

The game features various modes, too, and the standard mode should be familiar with any of the series’ players: you pick a team of three fighters and compete in 1-on-1 matches. When one of your fighters is knocked out your next fighter is tagged in. Alternatively you can manually call in your partner to take over if your current player is feeling a little weak.

You can also take your battles online and fight against players all over the world, but I found that this requires an even lower ping than first-person shooters as the reactions against moves need to happen in less than a split-second. Latency on the web does not help at all.

Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3 has improved code that allows up to six spectators to view online battles. These battles are ferocious affairs that make me feel inadequate in every way. Counters and blocks follow hit after hit and once they get you into a combo you can kiss your game goodbye. Clearly these guys are far more dedicated than I am. Luckily, however, there is also a training mode that will teach you how to play like a pro. You will still need skill and luck, but it will make you a better fighter.

Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom is a worthy addition to any fighting gamer’s collection. The added roster alone is almost worth the fee of admission, and since the game released for a discounted price it makes the deal even sweeter. It’s a smooth and frenetic fighter dripping with skill and special effects. The moves are not technical and will be so fast and detailed that you are often left disoriented, but an online victory will leave you feeling like a champ. This is what arcade fighters are all about!

It does beg the question, however, of whether or not the ‘Ultimate’ edition launched a little too soon. A mere nine months is how long it takes a baby to gestate (I would know) but it feels a little rushed for such an addition to the franchise. In this age of downloadable content, it’s refreshing to see a developer releasing a multitude of updates, but repackaging a game with a few DLC-style additions and then calling it the ultimate edition is questionable.

Fighter fans won’t care though, and they really shouldn’t. If you have been deprived of a good fighter and are looking to see what would happen when Wolverine finally gets his claws on Phoenix Wright, then this is the game for you! Just be prepared to experience the world a lot slower than before, since everything will pale against Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3.

The Good: Fantastic roster; smooth, fast and furious; Phoenix Wright!
The Bad: Not really worth an upgrade
The Ugly: Getting butt handed to you by a button mashing toddler after learning moves for an hour…

Purchase: