When I think of classic fighting games, my mind goes to the usual. Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and then Marvel VS Capcom 2. Marvel VS Capcom 2 is one of the most influential and popular fighting games of all time. What makes it so incredible is the fact that it was only the second mainline entry in a new fighting game series. Marvel VS Capcom 2 holds up incredibly well for a plethora of reasons.

What’s so shocking is how well this game has aged. It was released in arcades and subsequently on consoles in 2000. Crazy how this game started the new millennium. Marvel VS Capcom 2 is known for many things, particularly its cult following. This game has a multitude of loyal fans, that play this game religiously. Let’s dive in and find out why.

Marvel VS Capcom 2 Has a Great Roster

If there is one thing Marvel 2 is known for, it has got to be its colossal roster. Marvel 2 has a total of 56 playable characters. Most of these characters are unique. There are some clone characters, like regular Wolverine and then Bone Claw Wolverine, but this game still has a stacked roster. This is any fighting game fan’s dream. 

Why is having a ton of characters so important? Well, it adds to the entire game. Having a lot of characters in a fighting game is like having a lot of levels and mechanics in a single-player game. They add so much more to the complexity of the game’s systems and mechanics. Tons of great characters are here, classic Capcom and Marvel character main stays, some characters that are exclusive to this game, and some original characters too. How cool is that?

Marvel VS Capcom 2 Has Great Visuals

One element that is incredibly important for fighting games is the visual elements. Look at Marvel VS Capcom Infinite for a great example. That game, while it has fun gameplay, is utterly abysmal visually. That is one of the biggest reasons why that game ended up failing and dying off. Gameplay can only get you so far. Marvel VS Capcom 2 on the other hand is the way to go. This game has an incredible visual style. It is peak pixel art.

Every character’s sprite here looks great. The animations and sprites are mostly from previous games, whether it’s in the same Marvel VS Capcom series or other series like Street Fighter and Dark Stalkers. While the characters are in 2D, the backgrounds are in 3D. Shockingly, these 3D stages look quite appealing. Don’t get me wrong, they have definitely aged, but they are sparingly used, and are quite charming. The presentation in this game is incredible.

Marvel VS Capcom 2 Still Has Style and Charm

All these years removed, Marvel VS Capcom 2 still has so much swagger and heart. This game’s presentation, as I mentioned before, is still beloved and holds up incredibly well. This installment is quite interesting, due to how the music was handled. Instead of having character themes, the main original soundtrack is composed of stage themes and jazzy pieces. How iconic is the “take you for a ride” character select screen?

They even remixed it for the game’s sequel, Marvel VS Capcom 3. And that proves how long-lasting this game’s legacy is. It has a great roster, gameplay, and aesthetic, and this is reflected by the game’s die-hard and still-growing fanbase. It’s incredible how this game is still being played, learned, and enjoyed by new and old fans alike. If you want to pick up a retro fighting game, or just revisit an old classic, plug in Marvel VS Capcom 2. It’ll take you for a wild ride!

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