Details Title:
Platform:
Release Date:
Genre:
Pros:
Cons:Capcom vs. SNK 2
Playstation 2
13 September 2001 (JP)
6 November 2001 (US)
30 November 2001 (PAL)
Fighting
Plenty of playability options, total of 48 characters from Capcom and SNK, aesthetically pleasing backgrounds
Low resolution sprites with high resolution backgrounds isn't visually appealling, not much lastability
Review Ever since the introduction of the vs. series of fighting games, starting with X-men vs. Street Fighter, before going on to Marvel vs. Capcom, it's not suprising that the two largest fighting game companies would come together to duke it out. This time, Capcom goes up against SNK, the company behind King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown to name a few games.
I think the graphics are the weakest aspect of the game, simply because it tries to use 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds. The backgrounds look fine, as it takes advantage of the power of the PS2, but the characters aren't done in high resolution, meaning the outline of characters look very ugly. Most of the character sprites were recycled from previous games, meaning that the designers were a little bit lazy in doing minor updates to the sprites.
The music for Capcom vs. SNK 2 is wide variety. While generally it's all right, some music (especially the snow level) just makes the match less serious. However, the three different boss music tracks really suit the boss battles. The speech for each character is done in its original language, mostly Japanese with exception of a few characters (Dhalsim, Terry and Zangief as examples, though with a somewhat japanese accent behind it it). Most characters' voices are very clear and distinguished and it's cool to listen to the character introductions just before the match (if you don't understand japanese, you can find translations at gamefaqs.com).
The gameplay is what you would expect from a fighting game. Aside from your usual single player, versus, and training modes, the game uses some of SNK's fighting system, such as the three on three match, and ratio match. Three on Three is self explanitory (you can't switch in between rounds though), while ratio gives you the chance to allocate 4 points between your character(s), 4 being the strongest, 1 being the weakest. You can either have 1 character with a 4 point ratio, 2 characters with 3 points and 1point, or 3 characters with 2 points, 1point and 1point.BR> To add to that, you've got 48 characters in total (including Shin Akuma and Ultimate Rugal) from SNK and Capcom to choose from, some making their appearance for the first time in several years. Also, to add more to the game, you've got 6 different fighting styles (aka 'grooves') to choose from: 3 from Capcom, and 3 from SNK. All of them have their own strengths and advantages, and some will take a while to master.
It's pretty average in single mode, once you get the secret characters (Shin Akuma and Ultimate Rugal), but plug in an extra controller and have some mates along for 3 on 3, and it's much more amusing. Even though there are only 2 controllers available, you and 5 other friends can still have a blast in 3 on 3 mode and ratio mode. But depending on how often you'll play a fighting game, your interest in this game may wear a bit thin after a while.
All in all, Capcom vs. SNK 2 is a good game, but not great. The game has a large character roster, and the gameplay is sufficient, but the graphics make me feel that some aspects of this game are a bit rushed. If you can get past the graphics part, it's a fighting game worth checking out.