Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is a game with staying power. Originally released a decade ago, this title gained quite the cult following and experienced a revival of sorts when it was released for digital download last year. Not one to lose momentum, Capcom wisely announced Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds earlier this year, and recently let us get some hands-on time with the title.

Although the look of the game is completely different than what we're used to, the gameplay is almost identical to Marvel vs. Capcom 2 at first glance. We had no problem jumping right in and throwing light, medium, heavy, and combo attacks just like we did in the previous entry. However, after we treaded this familiar ground, we were able to see the improvements that have been made to the gameplay. One of the most overt aspects of the gameplay that has been modified for this release is the presence of a double-team attack where one of your characters launches an enemy into the air and then another comes in to lay the smackdown.

I noticed that combos in the battle system didn't seem as complicated in Marvel vs. Capcom 3. One of the few criticisms that had been levied at Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was its inapproachability at higher gaming levels. Sure, it was easy to get into the game and beat the lower-level A.I., but once you took the game online, it was difficult to succeed if you hadn’t practiced the higher-level combos. However, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is looking to make gameplay more strategic, and success will focus more on how you use your attacks and move around the game's 2D space, rather than how fast you can press buttons.

The battle system felt natural, and even though it has been months since the last time I booted up Marvel vs. Capcom 2, I felt like an expert within minutes of picking up the game. I can't imagine longtime fans would be disappointed with the gameplay, but the real plus here is that newcomers to the franchise shouldn't have any problem getting the battle system basics down in a few minutes. Of course, like any good fighting game, there is plenty of depth to the combo system. I didn't have a chance to check out the full combo roster, but after a few minutes, I was able to execute a few low-level combos, and even a single team combo.

Of course, the gameplay isn't the biggest change in Marvel vs. Capcom 3. The visuals are radically different than the previous entry, and fans are split as to whether this "new look" is a good choice for the franchise. However, personal feelings about the new art direction aside, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 looks like an amazing game. The 3D character models look stunning and feature a great amount of detail. The game's style is also unique and falls somewhere between the bright 3D cel-shading of the Naruto franchise and the dark, calligraphy-inspired style of the Street Fighter series. This visual style helps the game feel true to its roots while pushing it forward in the technical department. The game's 2D environments are also a natural fit for the series and look great. Animations in the game are also fluid, which helps give the title a cinematic feel that its predecessors just couldn't match.

We were able to check out some new characters including Deadpool and Dante (from Devil May Cry.) New characters recently confirmed at this year's Comic-con include Amaterasu (from Okami) and Thor. Of course, the game will also feature plenty of characters from previous iterations including Wolverine, Ryu, Felicia, and Iron Man. The roster is not finalized, so we can expect plenty of new character announcements to trickle out as we get closer to the game's release next year.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 looks like it is going to be a must-have fighter. Even if you missed the blockbuster second iteration, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds will make it easy for anyone to jump in and check it out. With a stellar roster, a battle system that blends conventional Marvel vs. Capcom gameplay with new strategic elements, and a beautiful new style, this looks like the best Marvel vs. Capcom title yet. Unfortunately, with a release window of Q2 2011, it looks like fans will have a bit of a wait for this one. But from what we've seen, the wait will be worth it!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor