Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has come to the PlayStation Vita and this version of this 2D fighter features everything from the console version, along with some great additions. These include replay support for online matches, as well as support for Heroes and Heralds mode at launch. But most importantly is that this version of UMVC3 runs just as smoothly as the console version.
The OLED of the vita just makes this game more colorful than before, even the opening scene seems more detailed. All of the fighters are in full detail and beautifully shown on the bright OLED screen. Not only does the screen provide a great look but you can use the front touch screen in single-player or multiplayer. Movement is performed by swiping in a direction, while tapping the screens makes your character attack, usually with a basic combo that ends with an ultra. It’s little more than a gimmick and can be filtered out when searching for online opponents.
With the 48 fighters in the game you will have you choice of fighting style. Each fighter are different from rush to ranged you will find the right combination for your team. over these changes. With all these fighters bring a new and interesting mode called Heroes and Heralds, this mode has you collecting cards and assigning them to your three-person team to unlock new bonuses and abilities. The cards and new thing you unlock make this an addictive addition.
One the best features for UMVC3 is spectator mode during online play. No longer are you just watching two sets of life bars while you are awaiting your turn. Now you get a front row seat and see all of the action for yourself. Replay support is also included in the Vita version. When viewing replays, you can scroll through the action frame by frame, show input data, and even pull up an overlay that shows character hit boxes. All these things are welcomed features that make you feel that you purchased a full game. Only complaint is that for Mission Mode seems like more instructions could have been provided as I found myself pausing the game and looking for move sets and such as things were not fully explained to me with unfamiliar territory.
Last but not least is online gameplay, 90% of the time you will have smooth, fluid and lag free games online. The other rare times you don’t it will be a hiccup during an ultimate combo or just bad connection over all. Now when it did come up it was brief and nothing that would stay on during a whole match but it was something that should be noted. But with the Vita Near feature, letting you gift costumes and receive them as gifts when you come across another user that has it gifted, is a great addition and has me checking my Vita whenever I go somewhere just to discover a gift.
One last feature is ‘Ultimate Controller’, this works if you have the PS3 console version of this game. Basically once you set it up your Vita becomes the controller. Cool thing about this is you can customize 4 on-screen buttons to do as you wish and it changes for every fighter. You simply touch the screen and will find yourself doing that move or combo. Now this might seem unfair but it cannot be used on online ranked games but if you want to get a good feel on what the potential for Vita/PS3 is this is a good start.
As a whole game this will be a good pick up for a handheld fighting game and also due to limited launch titles for the Vita this might be a good pick up to entertain you til the next game you might be waiting for. For those that have the console version and need a mobile way to play, this will be your best
