The digital delights of Sony’s scrumptious PlayStation Network service know no bounds. Aside from letting punters compete in online gaming, stream films, browse the Internet and more, its premier attraction rests in the copious supply of downloadable games ripe for the picking. From PSN exclusives to PSOne Classics, minis and plain old add-on content, Sony’s online space is chock full of goodies battling it out for your hard-earned digital dollars.
Welcome back to another installment of Inside PlayStation Network, where every Monday – Friday we’ll pluck a PSN release—be it new or old—and put it in the spotlight for a thorough dissection. Fancy getting a new PSN game but don’t know what one to plump for? Perhaps this feature will help. Didn’t realize that a game was available in your region until now? We’ve got you covered. Or, perhaps you were musing over what those lucky Japanese folk were tucking into over in the Land of the Rising Sun? You can be sure our coverage will extend to those rare regional exclusives as much as those firmly embedded on the public consciousness.
Our latest entry shines the spotlight on classic fighter Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.
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Developer: Capcom
Region(s) available: North America, Europe
Players: 1-2
Originally conceived for SEGA’s Naomi-powered arcade machines, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes eventually found its way to the ill-fated Dreamcast before making the transition to PlayStation 2 back in 2002. Fans of the recent third entry in the ostentatious fighting series will know exactly what to expect here: 2D-based combat, heaps of characters and outrageous combos.
Conceptually, MvC 2 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor, though Capcom has seen fit to bin the Street Fighter-esque six-button control scheme for a simplified four-button layout. Also fresh to the table is the ability to call upon three partners instead of two, which can link together super combos for a devastating onslaught of health-draining manoeuvres – that is, providing you pick the right characters for the job.
MvC 2 introduces a number of iconic brawlers to the fray, including Resident Evil heroine Jill Valentine, Cable and Amingo among others. All in all, 56 playable fighters are up for grabs and the best part is they’re all available from the get-go. The rest of the action is very much your bread-and-butter MvC affair; indulge in eyeball-popping air combos, unleash gigantic projectile attacks and generally engage in some of the most over-the-top shenanigans you’ll experience in a fighting game. Meanwhile, the use of 2D character sprites and living, breathing 3D backdrops makes for quite a striking juxtaposition, though one that has ultimately lost some of its impact in the passing of time.
Happily, MvC2 boasts plenty of replay value, with gamers able to rake in cash to spend at in-game shops and invest in various goodies such as extra costumes and artwork. All in all, there’s a fair amount of content up for grabs. Furthermore, the PS3/Xbox 360 re-release also packs Smooth, Crips and Classic filters for character sprites, widescreen support, and that all-important multiplayer component. For the latter, players can even spectate matches while you sit twiddling your thumbs waiting for a bout.
Tune in again same time tomorrow for another glance Inside PlayStation Network.