‘Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3’ Review: Is The PlayStation 4 Port Worth The Purchase? [Opinion]

Marvel and Capcom have teamed up again, bringing an iconic series to current generation.

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 was announced at PlayStation Experience this year. Alongside Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite, a game in the works by Capcom, UMvC3 is arguably one of the more iconic titles to have been updated and brought to the PlayStation 4. While access to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita consoles are accessible, what do fans have to gain from purchasing the fighter on PlayStation 4?

At first glance, Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 has a promising update. The game runs smoother, boasting 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution. This allows for better transitions when switching characters, as well as delivering a greater finesse when your character is attacking an opponent. Seeing Wolverine transition from the ground to the air has never looked more crisp. It’s important that a game of this type flow smoothly; with such a fast pace and the demand for command inputs within seconds of each other, the higher resolution and upgrade in frames is a welcome addition.

Here's our review of the re-release of #UMVC3 for the #Playstation 4. https://t.co/slCXNw3OgZ. Let us know what you think. @CapcomFighters

— The Outerhaven (@TheOuterHaven) December 18, 2016

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that much else changes with Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. According to a report by PlayStation Lifestyle, the game’s overall presentation is about the same as its previous versions.

There are no new modes to speak of in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. While it’s true that such a thing wasn’t promised, it was an opportunity that Capcom could have taken advantage of. Of course, the only marketing that was truly done was the announcement of the game’s port to PlayStation 4 during PlayStation Experience. Still, we’re working with more powerful consoles. Why not throw more than a fresh coat of paint to entice players into buying what’s essentially the same game? The “Heroes and Heralds” mode is entertaining, but ultimately becomes nothing more than few upgrades to what’s already present.

Hyper screen flash appears slower in PlayStation 4 version of UMvC3; this video shows comparison with Xbox 360https://t.co/OsD0EOHcWF pic.twitter.com/AKTbe6bkKI

— Event Hubs (@eventhubs) December 5, 2016

The online experience in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is as bad as it was before. Perhaps one of the biggest selling points in a fighting game is the ability to go online. Players from all over the world compete for points and titles, and combinations of teams are interesting to see. However, the capabilities of those teams means nothing if you can’t execute your combos online. It feels as if one is playing underwater. It was speculated that the XBox 360 version of Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 performed better than the PlayStation 3. If this port is any indication, such rumors might be true.

All in all, Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 would be worth buying if you’re a newcomer to the series. It has plenty of characters, each sporting their own style. Those who have thoroughly gone through the game on a previous console won’t be missing anything by skipping out on the PlayStation 4 port. Unless you want the convenience of owning the title on multiple consoles, the increase in frames per second and resolution are the only selling points that truly shine.

It would seem that Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 will be made available for physical ownership. According to a report by PvP Live, physical editions of the game look to be listed by GameStop. It would certainly prove to be convenient for those who don’t want to purchase the game digitally. The game still retails at $29.99. For what it’s worth, the price certainly matches the “new feel” that players get from the updated PlayStation 4 port.

The trailers for Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite look to bring new mechanics to the upcoming game. Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is good enough to still be played when the title drops, but its lifespan will most likely be determined by how fans adjust to what Capcom has in store for change.

How do you feel about Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 on PlayStation 4? Do you feel that the purchase is justified? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Featured Image by Capcom]