Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom: PS Vita Review

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Released by THQ
Platform: PS Vita

It was fairly successful when it was released on the PS3 late last year - and to be honest, those in charge of these things haven't fiddled too much with the formula with this launch title.

Much like the console one, the portable version has been ported over to the handheld format - with a couple of adaptations for the Vita's tech which is now being utilised in some pretty cool ways.

For those who can't remember, this is a smack 'em up with players being given the chance to play as the likes of She Hulk, Captain America et al from the Marvel universe as they take on each other in a fight to the death.
However, this time rather than being just one player against a horde of many, there's a chance to pick three fighters to form part of a tag team against three opponents. Sure the usual fights are there and the chance to punch all kinds of buttons to achieve all kinds of combos, but being part of the tag team means you're usually given a better chance to defeat the opposition. Add into that mix, aerial combos, moves you can bust out under an X factor move (a more powerful and longer burst of fighting goodness) and there's enough to keep you, your friends and the online community amused.

The Vita format's allowed for twin stick uses as well as the rather cooler Touch screen version of the game where you can let your fingers doing the smackdowns rather than having to fiddle with joysticks. It takes a little time to get used to but it's great fun using the touch tech to unleash a powerhouse can of whup ass.

Wifi lets you take the game online too for challenges and to expand the world out as well - which is great and doesn't have many issues. Graphically on the OLED screen, the game is as good as ever - and  it's nice to see the comics of Marvel embraced in a very cool way into the gameplay. Characters come to life, cartoon style words are employed on screen and the whole thing starts with a comic flick book - it's a nice nod to the genre it's taking from and gives the game a feel of authenticity.

Once again, it's a nice use of the handheld format and visually it looks great. Using some of the VITA's capabilities makes a difference too - Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom shows THQ is off to a good solid start on the Vita - here's to more.

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