Ultra fast, ultimate crossover game Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the newest addition to the Capcom vs. beat ‘em up series. The game has an incredible cast of characters, with the Street Fighter gang going head-to-head with Spiderman and friends in this ridiculous three-on-three tag-team battle.

The game, as with any fighting game, has a loose storyline with the basic premise of good vs. evil. The bad guys from both franchises have joined forces to bring chaos upon each world. It’s time to grab that control and button bash as if your life depended on it.

The game is an addictive blend of bright colourful combos and ludicrous move-sets. The controls have been simplified from the last two prequels. They’ve now reduced the main attack buttons from six to three, doing away with kicks and punches, and leaving just light, medium and heavy attacks; with an added fourth button for special air combos. It retains the two assist buttons, calling on your team mates to attack the opponent. And let’s not forget the hyper combo button which releases an onslaught of ultimate moves. The reworked button system makes the game very accessible to beginners and experienced players alike. With beginners able to pull off special moves and the experts able to execute dangerously damaging air combos.

This game is incredibly fast paced, with the ability to turn a five minute session into hours of game play. A slight hitch though, maybe its online capabilities which at points can become a bit tedious; with often long waits before battles and disconnecting players it can become somewhat tiresome.

During online play you’re reminded that characters are slightly offset with clear defined top tier players. Marvel fans, such as myself, have waited eons for a game where Phoenix is a playable character, only to be disheartened discovering that she’s got the weakest vitality of all the line-up – however, in all fairness, I don’t think I’d like a punch in the face from Hulk either.

The zany selection of characters leaves you wanting more and that’s exactly what Capcom were counting on. Instead of unlockable characters within the game, they’re charging for additional downloadable characters. Although it keeps the game fresh, the expense is a move I don’t think all fans will be too happy with.