Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Encyclopedia
is a crossover
fighting game
developed by Capcom
. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content
for the original game, the additional content was made into a standalone title for a discount retail price. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released in November 2011 for the PlayStation 3
and Xbox 360
, and will also be featured as a launch title
for the PlayStation Vita.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features three-dimensional character models and backgrounds; however, gameplay remains restricted to a two-dimensional plane. The game utilizes an eight-way directional system that allows the player to jump, crouch, and move toward and away from the opponent. The game also uses the simplified, three-button control scheme of undefined light, medium, and heavy attacks introduced in the previous installment. The exchange button, used to launch opponents into the air and switch characters while performing an air combo, returns. The aerial exchange feature has been altered in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3; players can either remove meter from their opponent's Hyper Combo gauge, add meter to their own gauge, or deal more damage. Another new gameplay change is the addition of button-mashing; a Hyper Combo will deal more damage the more times the player repeatedly hits a button.
The “X-Factor” mechanic, which grants increased damage output, speed, and health regeneration for a limited time upon activation, also reappears. In Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, X-Factor lasts for a shorter duration compared to its predecessor, but may now be activated in the air. The attack and speed boosts for each character have also been adjusted. Additionally, Hyper Combos performed during X-Factor are now subject to damage scaling.
While the core mechanics remain the same, a number of aesthetic changes have been made in the update, including new character and stage select screens. The game's HUD
has also been redesigned. In addition, many returning characters receive balancing changes. These include new moves and animation tweaks for certain characters.
An improved netcode is present in the game, providing smoother online play. A new spectator mode allows up to six players to watch online matches between other players. Rematch features and leaderboard functionality have also been improved to enhance the game's online experience.
. The "ability cards", which feature various characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes, unlock special power-ups, such as invisibility, super armor, and projectile invincibility, for use during mode-specific combat. Up to three different cards may be equipped at once, with more than 100 cards available to collect.
and Shuma-Gorath
, the two characters released as downloadable content
for the previous game, remain available for download. A new mode allows players to use Galactus
, who was a non-playable boss character in the first installment. The following characters are exclusive to the Ultimate update.
, Capcom video game producer, Yoshinori Ono, would later announce that the game would also be released as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita. The handheld edition promises to contain the same content as the console versions, and will support touchscreen controls.
After the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, the game's development team had plans to release more downloadable content (DLC). However, after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and staff health issues delayed the development schedule, director and producer Ryota Niitsuma and his team decided to release the proposed DLC on a new disc, along with rebalanced gameplay and new content. As a result, the makeup of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is split "about half and half" between DLC meant for the original game and brand new content.
Much like its predecessor, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was designed to make the game more accessible to players new to the fighting game genre. Capcom noticed a great emphasis on execution in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and sought to build Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as a more strategic fighter. Projectiles and control over space were aimed to become a more intuitive part of gameplay, allowing for deeper strategy.
To promote the expansion, special retailer-exclusive costume packs, which include new 3D-modeled costume variations, were available as a pre-order bonus. If the game was pre-ordered from GameStop
, the players received the Femme Fatale Pack (Chun-Li
, Morrigan
, Storm, X-23
). Amazon
offered the New Age of Heroes Costume Pack (Akuma
, Doctor Doom
, Sentinel
, Strider Hiryu
), while Best Buy
gave access to the Villains Costume Pack (C. Viper, M.O.D.O.K., Super-Skrull
, Wesker
).
of 82 and 80 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, respectively, and aggregate scores from GameRankings of 84 and 82.
The game received praise for addressing several gameplay issues prevalent in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and refining the online experience. G4
awarded the game 4 out of 5, lauding the game for its "simple, yet deep gameplay", "all-star cast of characters",and "improved online features." 1UP.com
scored the game with a B+ rating, citing the game as "a major improvement over the original." GameSpot
gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, saying that "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is unquestionably the superior version, and while its feature set still feels lacking compared to other available fighters, the series' unique blend of structured insanity remains strong." Edge
, rating the game a 7 out of 10, commented that the new content "make for a generous package given its budget price-point, and once it clicks, it dazzles."
A common criticism amongst reviewers for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was the lack of additional on-disc content beyond the expanded character roster and gameplay tweaks. IGN
gave the game a 8.5 out of 10, stating that while "the inclusion of the new characters is definitely a welcome addition that rectifies one of the main issues with Marvel vs. Capcom 3", the game "doesn't add much in the way of new features and modes, making the forty dollar price tag and retail-only package a little hard to swallow." GameInformer rated the game 8 out of 10, explaining that "along with the new fighters, hardcore veterans will appreciate the tweaks Capcom has made to damage and combo-timing in an effort to rebalance the game," but "middling fans who already played a bunch of the original and are only interested in new characters for novelty value will likely be left wanting."
Fictional crossover
A fictional crossover is the placement of two or more otherwise discrete fictional characters, settings, or universes into the context of a single story. They can arise from legal agreements between the relevant copyright holders, or because of unauthorized efforts by fans, or even amid common...
fighting game
Fighting game
Fighting game is a video game genre where the player controls an on-screen character and engages in close combat with an opponent. These characters tend to be of equal power and fight matches consisting of several rounds, which take place in an arena. Players must master techniques such as...
developed by Capcom
Capcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It features Capcom's own characters and characters from American comic book company Marvel Comics. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel vs...
. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
for the original game, the additional content was made into a standalone title for a discount retail price. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released in November 2011 for the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, and will also be featured as a launch title
Launch title
A launch game, or launch title, is a video game released to consumers synchronously with the release of its respective video game console, meaning they are the only available games at the time of the console's launch. Several of these games are also packaged with the console...
for the PlayStation Vita.
Gameplay
The main gameplay of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is largely similar to that of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Players select a team of three different characters to fight a one-on-one battle. The game utilizes the same tag-team feature as its predecessor, where a player may choose to swap between their three characters at any point during a match. During combat, each player can call in one of their off-screen characters to do a selected special move, known as an “assist”, by pressing the corresponding assist button. As characters attack, the team’s Hyper Combo gauge fills with energy, which can be expended by the player to execute powerful Hyper Combos. The goal is to use various attacks to exhaust the opponent’s health meter and defeat the entire enemy team or have the most cumulative health when the timer runs out.Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features three-dimensional character models and backgrounds; however, gameplay remains restricted to a two-dimensional plane. The game utilizes an eight-way directional system that allows the player to jump, crouch, and move toward and away from the opponent. The game also uses the simplified, three-button control scheme of undefined light, medium, and heavy attacks introduced in the previous installment. The exchange button, used to launch opponents into the air and switch characters while performing an air combo, returns. The aerial exchange feature has been altered in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3; players can either remove meter from their opponent's Hyper Combo gauge, add meter to their own gauge, or deal more damage. Another new gameplay change is the addition of button-mashing; a Hyper Combo will deal more damage the more times the player repeatedly hits a button.
The “X-Factor” mechanic, which grants increased damage output, speed, and health regeneration for a limited time upon activation, also reappears. In Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, X-Factor lasts for a shorter duration compared to its predecessor, but may now be activated in the air. The attack and speed boosts for each character have also been adjusted. Additionally, Hyper Combos performed during X-Factor are now subject to damage scaling.
While the core mechanics remain the same, a number of aesthetic changes have been made in the update, including new character and stage select screens. The game's HUD
HUD (video gaming)
In video gaming, the HUD is the method by which information is visually relayed to the player as part of a game's user interface...
has also been redesigned. In addition, many returning characters receive balancing changes. These include new moves and animation tweaks for certain characters.
An improved netcode is present in the game, providing smoother online play. A new spectator mode allows up to six players to watch online matches between other players. Rematch features and leaderboard functionality have also been improved to enhance the game's online experience.
Modes
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 includes gameplay modes from the original game including Arcade, Versus, and Training. "Heroes and Heralds" is a new downloadable single-player and multiplayer, team-based mode where players earn new abilities with upgrade cards, customize their characters with new powers, and compete in factions as either the Heroes defending Earth or as one of Galactus’ HeraldsHerald of Galactus
The Heralds of Galactus are fictional characters appearing in publications from Marvel Comics. The Herald concept was introduced in Fantastic Four #48 - with the character the Silver Surfer - by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
. The "ability cards", which feature various characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes, unlock special power-ups, such as invisibility, super armor, and projectile invincibility, for use during mode-specific combat. Up to three different cards may be equipped at once, with more than 100 cards available to collect.
Playable characters
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features the original 36 characters from Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and introduces 12 new playable fighters. Jill ValentineJill Valentine
is a fictional character in the Resident Evil survival horror series by Capcom.Jill is one of the two protagonists of the original Resident Evil game, where she was introduced as a member of the Raccoon Police Department's Special Tactics And Rescue Service , trapped in a secret research complex of...
and Shuma-Gorath
Shuma-Gorath
Shuma-Gorath is a fictional character created by Robert E. Howard, best known for his later interpretations as a demonic enemy of Doctor Strange in Marvel Comics publications. He is also well known for being an unconventional playable character in the Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom video...
, the two characters released as downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
for the previous game, remain available for download. A new mode allows players to use Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
, who was a non-playable boss character in the first installment. The following characters are exclusive to the Ultimate update.
| Marvel | Capcom |
|---|---|
| Doctor Strange Doctor Strange Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 .... |
Firebrand |
| Ghost Rider Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) Ghost Rider is a fictional character, an antihero in the Marvel Comics Universe. He is the second Marvel character to use the name Ghost Rider, following the Western hero later known as the Phantom Rider, and preceding Daniel Ketch.Johnny Blaze was portrayed both in the 2007 film Ghost Rider and... |
Frank West |
| Hawkeye Hawkeye (comics) Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye... |
Nemesis T-Type Nemesis (Resident Evil) Nemesis, also called the Pursuer or , is a fictional character in Capcom's Resident Evil franchise. It first appears in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, before later emerging in other titles and cameo roles. It is also featured on various merchandise and in the 2004 film Resident Evil: Apocalypse... |
| Iron Fist | Phoenix Wright Phoenix Wright (character) Phoenix Wright, known as in original Japanese language versions, is a fictional defense attorney in Capcom's Ace Attorney video game series. As of , the series has sold 3 million copies and is Capcom's 11th best-selling series of all time. Phoenix has been featured as the main protagonist in three... |
| Nova Nova (comics) Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic... |
Strider Hiryu Strider Hiryu is a fictional character jointly owned by Capcom and Moto Kikaku.Although primarily known as a game character, Hiryu debuted in 1988 as the protagonist of a manga published exclusively in Japan by Kadokawa Shoten... |
| Rocket Raccoon Rocket Raccoon Rocket Raccoon is a fictional character, a superhero in the . He first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 . Rocket Raccoon is an intelligent, anthropomorphic raccoon.-Publication history:... |
Vergil |
Development
On July 20, 2011, at the San Diego Comic-Con International, Capcom announced that an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was under development. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 would add new characters, stages, modes, story elements, and many other enhancements to improve the game's balance and online functionality for a budget price. Many new features and refinements, such as the addition of a spectator mode and tweaks to X-Factor, were the results of Capcom taking fan feedback into consideration. At the 2011 Tokyo Game ShowTokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
, Capcom video game producer, Yoshinori Ono, would later announce that the game would also be released as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita. The handheld edition promises to contain the same content as the console versions, and will support touchscreen controls.
After the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, the game's development team had plans to release more downloadable content (DLC). However, after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and staff health issues delayed the development schedule, director and producer Ryota Niitsuma and his team decided to release the proposed DLC on a new disc, along with rebalanced gameplay and new content. As a result, the makeup of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is split "about half and half" between DLC meant for the original game and brand new content.
Much like its predecessor, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was designed to make the game more accessible to players new to the fighting game genre. Capcom noticed a great emphasis on execution in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and sought to build Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as a more strategic fighter. Projectiles and control over space were aimed to become a more intuitive part of gameplay, allowing for deeper strategy.
To promote the expansion, special retailer-exclusive costume packs, which include new 3D-modeled costume variations, were available as a pre-order bonus. If the game was pre-ordered from GameStop
GameStop
GameStop Corporation is an American video game and entertainment software retailer. The company, whose headquarters is in Grapevine, Texas, United States, operates 6,500 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New...
, the players received the Femme Fatale Pack (Chun-Li
Chun-Li
is a video game character produced by Capcom. First introduced in Street Fighter II, she has since appeared as a player character in nearly all subsequent games....
, Morrigan
Morrigan Aensland
is a video game character from the Darkstalkers series of fighting games developed by Capcom. She is voiced by Yayoi Jinguji in many of her video game appearances, except in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds where she was voiced by Rie Tanaka....
, Storm, X-23
X-23
X-23 is a fictional comic book superheroine appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those featuring the X-Men. X-23 is a female clone of Wolverine.-Publication history:...
). Amazon
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
offered the New Age of Heroes Costume Pack (Akuma
Akuma (Street Fighter)
Akuma known in Japan as , is a video game character from the Street Fighter series of fighting games. Akuma made his debut in Super Street Fighter II Turbo as a secret character and hidden boss. In the storyline of the Street Fighter video games, he is the younger brother of Gouken, Ryu and Ken's...
, Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
, Sentinel
Sentinel (comics)
Sentinels are a fictional variety of mutant-hunting robots, appearing in the Marvel Comics Universe. They are usually portrayed as antagonists to the X-Men. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, they first appeared in The X-Men #14 .According to Marvel canon, Sentinels are programmed to locate...
, Strider Hiryu
Strider Hiryu
is a fictional character jointly owned by Capcom and Moto Kikaku.Although primarily known as a game character, Hiryu debuted in 1988 as the protagonist of a manga published exclusively in Japan by Kadokawa Shoten...
), while Best Buy
Best Buy
Best Buy Co., Inc. is an American specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, accounting for 19% of the market. It also operates in Mexico, Canada & China. The company's subsidiaries include Geek Squad, CinemaNow, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada operates...
gave access to the Villains Costume Pack (C. Viper, M.O.D.O.K., Super-Skrull
Super-Skrull
The Super-Skrull is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #18 The Super-Skrull (Kl'rt) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The...
, Wesker
Albert Wesker
is a character in the Resident Evil franchise. Although portrayed as a supporting character in the first game, he was later established as the primary antagonist of the series; he usually manipulated story events behind-the-scenes and had a role in more games than the other main characters...
).
Reception
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was released to generally favorable reviews, garnering scores from MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
of 82 and 80 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, respectively, and aggregate scores from GameRankings of 84 and 82.
The game received praise for addressing several gameplay issues prevalent in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and refining the online experience. G4
G4 (TV channel)
G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
awarded the game 4 out of 5, lauding the game for its "simple, yet deep gameplay", "all-star cast of characters",and "improved online features." 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
scored the game with a B+ rating, citing the game as "a major improvement over the original." GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, saying that "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is unquestionably the superior version, and while its feature set still feels lacking compared to other available fighters, the series' unique blend of structured insanity remains strong." Edge
Edge (magazine)
Edge is a multi-format computer and video game magazine published by Future Publishing in the United Kingdom. It is known for its industry contacts, editorial stance, distinctive anonymous third-person writing style, yearly awards and longevity....
, rating the game a 7 out of 10, commented that the new content "make for a generous package given its budget price-point, and once it clicks, it dazzles."
A common criticism amongst reviewers for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was the lack of additional on-disc content beyond the expanded character roster and gameplay tweaks. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave the game a 8.5 out of 10, stating that while "the inclusion of the new characters is definitely a welcome addition that rectifies one of the main issues with Marvel vs. Capcom 3", the game "doesn't add much in the way of new features and modes, making the forty dollar price tag and retail-only package a little hard to swallow." GameInformer rated the game 8 out of 10, explaining that "along with the new fighters, hardcore veterans will appreciate the tweaks Capcom has made to damage and combo-timing in an effort to rebalance the game," but "middling fans who already played a bunch of the original and are only interested in new characters for novelty value will likely be left wanting."