:Marvel vs. Capcom
{{short description|Series of crossover fighting games}}
{{about|the series|the video game|Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Marvel vs. Capcom
| image = Marvel vs Capcom logo.png
| caption = Logo used for Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
| creator =
| composer=
| platforms = Arcade, Dreamcast, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Sega Saturn, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One
| developer = Capcom
Backbone Entertainment{{efn|Backbone Entertainment developed the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.}}
Eighting{{efn|Eighting co-developed Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 with Capcom.}}
Iron Galaxy Studios{{efn|Iron Galaxy Studios developed Marvel vs. Capcom Origins.}}
| publisher = Capcom
Virgin Interactive Entertainment{{efn|Virgin Interactive Entertainment published the Dreamcast versions of Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes in Europe.}}
| genre = Fighting
| first release version = The Punisher
| first release date = 1993
| latest release version = Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
| latest release date = 2024
}}
{{nihongo foot|Marvel vs. Capcom|マーヴル VS. カプコン|Māvuru bāsasu Kapukon|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a series of crossover fighting games developed and published by Capcom, featuring characters from their video game franchises and comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series originated as coin-operated arcade games; later releases were specifically developed for home consoles, handhelds, and personal computers.
Its gameplay borrows heavily from Capcom's previous Marvel-licensed fighting games X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes; however, instead of focusing on single combat, the games incorporated tag team battles. Players form teams of two or three characters and, controlling one fighter at a time, attempt to damage and knock out their opponents. Players can switch out their characters during the match, allowing team members to replenish their health and prolong their ability to fight. The series' gameplay is distinguished from other fighting game franchises due to its character assist mechanics and emphasis on aerial combat.
The Marvel vs. Capcom series has received generally positive reviews from critics, who have praised its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant visuals, and wealth of playable characters. The series has enjoyed broad appeal, selling approximately 12 million units as of 2024.
Games
{{Video game timeline
| compressempty = yes
| 1996 = X-Men vs. Street Fighter
| 1997 = Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
| 1998 = Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
| 2000 = Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
| 2011a = Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
| 2011b = Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
| 2012 = Marvel vs. Capcom Origins
| 2017 = Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
| 2024 = Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
}}
; Main Games
- X-Men vs. Street Fighter was initially released as an arcade game in 1996.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/16/ign-presents-the-history-of-street-fighter?page=7 |title=IGN Presents the History of Street Fighter (Page 7) |last=McLaughlin |first=Rus |website=IGN |date=February 16, 2009 |access-date=January 3, 2016}} The game was later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1997 and PlayStation in 1998.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=sat&path=feb98&doc=xmsf |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter - Sega Saturn |magazine=Game Informer |issue=58 |date=February 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990921173526/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=sat&path=feb98&doc=xmsf |archive-date=September 21, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 8, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/x-men-vs-street-fighter-ex/ |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter EX |website=NowGamer |date=February 26, 1998 |access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204190156/http://www.nowgamer.com/x-men-vs-street-fighter-ex/|url-status=dead}} It established the series' basic gameplay conventions by combining Street Fighter-style combat with tag team features.{{cite book|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works|author=UDON Entertainment|year=2012|publisher=Diamond Comics|location=Hong Kong|isbn=9781926778495|page=3}} X-Men vs. Street Fighter also borrowed gameplay concepts from Capcom's previous Marvel Comics-licensed fighting games, X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/street-fighter-retrospective-article?page=4|date=February 15, 2009|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Edwards|first=Matt|website=Eurogamer|title=Retrospective: Street Fighter • Page 4}}
- Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter was released in arcades in 1997. It was then ported to the Sega Saturn in 1998 and PlayStation in 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter-import-revie/1900-2532883/ |title=Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (Import) Review (Saturn) |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |website=GameSpot |date=November 30, 1998 |access-date=February 8, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/10/15/first-look-marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter |title=First Look: Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter |last=Perry |first=Douglass C. |website=IGN |date=October 14, 1998 |access-date=February 8, 2017}} The game expanded the playable roster to the larger Marvel Universe, introducing characters such as Captain America, Hulk, and Spider-Man. It was also responsible for introducing character assist moves to the franchise, a gameplay element which would influence future Marvel vs. Capcom installments.
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes debuted in arcades in 1998. Ports to the Dreamcast and PlayStation soon followed in 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/08/marvel-vs-capcom-clash-of-super-heroes-review |title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes Review (DC) |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |website=IGN |date=October 7, 1999 |access-date=February 8, 2017}} Rather than strictly using Street Fighter characters, the game included characters from other Capcom video game franchises, such as Mega Man, Morrigan, and Strider Hiryu. It removed the character assist feature used in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and implemented its own system, which randomly allocated guest characters to each player.{{cite web|title=Marvel vs Capcom: a history of the Vs fighting series|website=GamesRadar |last=Elston |first=Brett |date=April 20, 2010|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/marvel-vs-capcom-a-history-of-the-vs-fighting-series/|access-date=February 8, 2017}}
- Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes was released in arcades in 2000 and ported to the Dreamcast within the same year.{{cite web|url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8637|access-date=February 8, 2017|website=Killer List of Videogames|title=Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 New Age Of Heroes}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/30/marvel-vs-capcom-2-new-age-of-heroes|date=June 29, 2000|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes}} The game received ports to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-2-release-dates-set-in-japan/1100-2870446/|date=June 12, 2002|access-date=February 8, 2017|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 release dates set in Japan}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-2-xbox-still-on-for-march/1100-2911788/|date=February 27, 2003|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Xbox still on for March}} It was then re-released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 through the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, respectively, in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-2-psn-dated|date=July 16, 2009|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|work=Eurogamer|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 PSN dated}} Lastly, a version for iOS devices was released in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/marvel-vs-capcom-2-begins-a-new-new-age-of-heroes-on-ios/|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Fletcher|first=JC|work=Eurogamer|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 begins a new New Age of Heroes on iOS}} Featuring a large playable roster, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 reused the assist features from Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and changed the series' two-on-two battle system to three-on-three fights.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-vs-capcom-2-review/1900-6227712/|date=September 22, 2009|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Chiappini|first=Dan|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Review}}
- Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/14/marvel-vs-capcom-3-the-basics|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2017|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: The Basics}} The series' traditional sprites transitioned into 3D character models while retaining the 2D-style combat. The game includes various gameplay features designed to make it more accessible to newer players, such as the additions of a comeback mechanic and a simplified control scheme.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds-primer/1100-6298911/|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=February 8, 2017|last=Seid|first=Kurtis|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Primer}}
- Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, a standalone updated edition of the original Marvel vs. Capcom 3, was released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox 360 in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-given-november-release-date|date=July 21, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Orry|first=James|website=VideoGamer.com|title=Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 given November release date}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/events/tgs-2011/story.html?sid=6334311|date=September 13, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Parker|first=Laura|website=GameSpot|title=PlayStation Vita launching in Japan December 17}} The game was also released for the PlayStation 4 via the PlayStation Network in 2016; releases for the Xbox One via the Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Windows via Steam followed in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-dated-for-xbox-onepc-p/1100-6447079/|date=January 19, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Pereira|first=Chris|website=GameSpot|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Dated for Xbox One/PC, Physical Xbox One/PS4 Versions Coming}} It features new characters, stages, modes, and other enhancements to improve game balance and online functionality.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/20/comic-con-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-announced|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Reilly|first=Jim|website=IGN|title=Comic-Con: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Announced}}
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite was released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/03/psx-2016-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-announced|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|website=IGN|title=PSX 2016: Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite Announced}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-officially-announced/1100-6445942/|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Hussain|first=Tamoor|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite Officially Announced}} It features two-on-two battles, similar to earlier Marvel vs. Capcom games, and removes traditional assist moves in favor of its own dual-character combo system.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2016/12/03/two-on-two-fights-are-made-more-chaotic-by-infinity-stones.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205193936/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2016/12/03/two-on-two-fights-are-made-more-chaotic-by-infinity-stones.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=December 5, 2016|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Vazquez|first=Suriel|magazine=Game Informer|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite - Two-On-Two Fights Are Made More Chaotic By Infinity Stones}} The game also implements a gameplay mechanic involving the Infinity Stones, which grants players unique abilities and upgrades depending on the stone selected. It is the first game to feature a cinematic story mode.
; Compilations
- Marvel vs. Capcom Origins, a compilation game which includes Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 through the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, respectively, in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/brelston/blog/2012/07/05/marvel_vs_capcom_origins_coming_to_xbla_and_psn_in_september|title=Marvel vs Capcom Origins coming to XBLA and PSN in September|date=July 5, 2012|access-date=February 9, 2017|author=Elston, Brett|website=Capcom-Unity|archive-date=July 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708080134/https://www.capcom-unity.com/brelston/blog/2012/07/05/marvel_vs_capcom_origins_coming_to_xbla_and_psn_in_september|url-status=dead}} It features high-definition visuals, online multiplayer, dynamic challenges, and unlockables.
- Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a compilation comprising all seven Capcom-developed Marvel games originally released for arcades: The Punisher, X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2024/06/18/marvel-vs-capcom-collection-wants-to-take-us-for-a-ride-later-this-year|title=Marvel Vs. Capcom Collection Wants To Take Us For A Ride Later This Year|date=June 18, 2024|access-date=June 18, 2024|last=Shea|first=Brian|website=Game Informer|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618152746/https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2024/06/18/marvel-vs-capcom-collection-wants-to-take-us-for-a-ride-later-this-year|url-status=live}} It was released in 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows and in 2025 for Xbox One.
=Related media=
In 2011, a series of Minimates based on the playable characters from Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds were released by Art Asylum.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/06/21/a-look-at-art-asylum-39-s-marvel-vs-capcom-3-minimates.aspx?PageIndex=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082657/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/06/21/a-look-at-art-asylum-39-s-marvel-vs-capcom-3-minimates.aspx?PageIndex=2|url-status=live|archive-date=April 8, 2017|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=April 7, 2017|magazine=Game Informer|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|title=A Look At Art Asylum's Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Minimates}}
Udon Entertainment published Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works art book consisting of promotional artwork, sketches and bonus material from the video game collaborations between Marvel and Capcom, beginning with the 1993 arcade game The Punisher to Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a388898/marvel-vs-capcom-art-book-announced/|date=June 21, 2012|access-date=January 20, 2017|website=Digital Spy|last=Langshaw|first=Mark|title=Get Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works}}{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/06/19-1/udon-to-release-marvel-vs-capcom-official-complete-works-art-book|date=June 19, 2012|access-date=January 20, 2017|website=Crunchyroll|last=Green|first=Scott|title=Udon to Release "Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works" Art Book}} It contains contributions from a variety of artists and illustrators, including Akiman, Bengus, Shinkiro, Joe Madureira, Adi Granov, Joe Ng, Long Vo, Chamba, Adam Warren and Takeshi Miyazawa. Official Complete Works made its international debut at San Diego Comic-Con on July 11, 2012, in an exclusive hardcover edition. The hardcover also featured a wrap-around cover designed by Udon Entertainment and Capcom artist Alvin Lee, and digitally-painted by Udon's Genzoman. A standard-format softcover was released in November 2012 by Diamond Comics.
Within the Marvel Comics multiverse, the Marvel vs. Capcom universe is designated as Earth-30847. The series' iteration of Spider-Man appears in the crossover event Spider-Verse (2014–15), where he is defeated by Morlun as he hunts Spider-Totems across the multiverse.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/14/the-marvel-vs-capcom-version-of-spider-man-showed-up-in-a-recent-marvel-comic.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118142239/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/14/the-marvel-vs-capcom-version-of-spider-man-showed-up-in-a-recent-marvel-comic.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=January 18, 2015|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=December 29, 2020|magazine=Game Informer|last=Futter|first=Mike|title=Marvel Vs. Capcom Spidey Gets Knocked Out In Marvel's Spider-Verse #2}}
Gameplay
File:MvC3 gameplay.jpg, featuring Hsien-Ko and Felicia from Capcom's Darkstalkers series and Iron Man from the Marvel Universe]]
The basic gameplay of the Marvel vs. Capcom series was originally derived from X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes. Players compete in battle using characters with unique moves and special attacks.{{cite book |url=http://gamesdbase.com/Media/SYSTEM/Sony_Playstation/manual/Formated/X-Men_vs._Street_Fighter_-_1998_-_Capcom_Co.,_Ltd..pdf |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter - PlayStation (Manual) |publisher=Capcom |access-date=January 20, 2017}} Using a combination of joystick movements and button presses, players must execute various moves to damage their opponent and deplete their life gauge, or alternatively, have the most cumulative health when the timer runs out.{{cite book |url=http://gamesdbase.com/Media/SYSTEM/Sony_Playstation/manual/Formated/Marvel_Super_Heroes_Vs._Street_Fighter_-_1999_-_Capcom_Co.,_Ltd..pdf |title=Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter - Sony Playstation - Manual |publisher=Capcom |access-date=January 20, 2017}} However, unlike the two aforementioned games, which focus on single combat, the Marvel vs. Capcom series revolve around tag team-based combat. Instead of choosing a single character, players select multiple characters to form teams of two or three. Each character on the team is given their own life gauge.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=sat&path=feb98&doc=xmsf |access-date=January 20, 2017 |magazine=Game Informer |title=X-Men Vs. Street Fighter - Sega Saturn - Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990921173526/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=sat&path=feb98&doc=xmsf |archive-date=September 21, 1999 }}{{cite magazine|date=January 1998|title=X-Men vs Street Fighter - Exclusive!|url=http://retrocdn.net/images/b/bd/SSM_UK_27.pdf|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|access-date=January 20, 2017|issue=27|pages=52–61}} Players control one character at a time, while the others await off-screen. Players are also free to swap between their characters at any point during the match.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-vs-capcom-review/1900-2540395/ |title=Marvel vs. Capcom [Clash of Super Heroes] Review (DC) |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |website=GameSpot |date=April 2, 1999 |access-date=January 21, 2017}} As characters take damage, portions of their life gauge will turn red, known as "red health", which represents the amount of health that a character can recover if the player tags them out.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/12/16/review-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-ps4/239911/|date=December 16, 2016|access-date=January 20, 2017|last=Shive|first=Chris|website=Hardcore Gamer|title=Review: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PS4)|archive-date=December 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217141948/https://hardcoregamer.com/2016/12/16/review-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-ps4/239911/|url-status=dead}} The off-screen, dormant characters will slowly replenish their red health, allowing players to cycle through their team members and prolong their ability to fight. Furthermore, as characters deal and receive damage, a colored meter at the bottom of the screen known as the "Hyper Combo Gauge" will gradually fill.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/marvel-vs-capcom-3-beginners-guide/|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=January 20, 2017|last=Grimm|first=Michael|website=GamesRadar|title=Marvel vs Capcom 3 Beginner's Guide}} By expending meter from their Hyper Combo Gauge, players can perform "Hyper Combos" – powerful, cinematic attacks that deal heavy damage to the opponent – in addition to several other special techniques. If one character loses all of their health, they are knocked out and the next available fighter will automatically come into play.
Each successive Marvel vs. Capcom installment has added, removed, or altered gameplay elements over the course of the series' history. X-Men vs. Street Fighter added two-on-two tag team features. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter introduced the concept of the "assist" by allowing the player to summon their off-screen partner to perform a special move without switching characters.{{cite web |url=http://shoryuken.com/2012/03/16/a-history-of-tag-team-fighting-game-innovations/ |title=A History Of Tag Team Fighting Game Innovations |last=Co |first=Franz |website=Shoryuken |date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=January 20, 2017|archive-date=March 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317125257/http://shoryuken.com/2012/03/16/a-history-of-tag-team-fighting-game-innovations/|url-status=dead}} This feature was replaced in Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, which instead randomly allocated an unplayable guest character with a preset assist move before each match; in addition, assists were limited to only a few uses per round. The assist features from Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter were re-incorporated into the following sequel, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, once again granting players the ability to call in their off-screen characters at any time during the match without constraint.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/12/marvel-vs-capcom-2-new-age-of-heroes-2|date=May 11, 2000|access-date=January 20, 2017|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes}} Marvel vs. Capcom 2 also increased the number of characters per team by one, providing a three-on-three battle format. Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds introduced "X-Factor", a comeback mechanic which offers increased damage, speed, and red health regeneration for a limited time upon activation. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite reverts to two-on-two partner battles and removes traditional character assists, in favour of a free-form tag system where the second character switches in at any point, irrespective of whether the player is mid-combo or in air. Infinite also implements the Infinity Stones as a gameplay mechanic, where each of the six stones grants unique abilities and enhancements to the player.
Another gameplay element that helps to distinguish the Marvel vs. Capcom series from other fighting game franchises is its emphasis on aerial combat.{{cite magazine|date=September 1998|title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter|url=http://i.imgur.com/6mwSmFn.jpg|magazine=Next Generation|issue=45|page=138|access-date=January 20, 2017}}{{cite magazine|date=February 1998|title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/45478630@N07/4243211205/in/photolist-7sXyRT-7sXyfe-7sXy4H-7t2wH5-7t2wvm-7t2vYo-7t2oMs-7t2fGy-7t2B4N-7sXeGZ-7sXFDF-7t2zLL-7t2uqW-7sXm6B-7t2BPj-7t2hnW-7sXDUB-7sXv74-7t2rwL-7sXmhV-7t2k8L-7t2ra5-7t2Bmd-7sXkED-7sXKNc-7sXE7K-7sXz3v-7sXren-7t2i5b-7sXnHR-7t2irm-7t2CVG-7sXtk6-7t2mXC-7t2gsS-7t2xSJ-7t2ohu-7sXhma-7sXmFk-7sXAfF-7sXp8D-7sXze8-7sXAUB-7sXutX-7sXsr4-7t2mKA-7sXzBK-7sXqZv-7sXkeV-7t2Aau|magazine=GameFan|volume=6|issue=2|pages=74–79|access-date=January 20, 2017}} Every character in the Marvel vs. Capcom series is given a "Launcher" move, which sends the opponent flying up into the air. The player can then choose to follow up immediately by using a "Super Jump", which allows a character to jump much higher than normal, in order to continue their combo; these airborne combos are called "Air Combos" or "Aerial Raves". Marvel vs. Capcom 3 introduced a gameplay feature known as the "Team Aerial Combo" or "Aerial Exchange", giving players the opportunity to extend their Air Combos further by quickly tagging in their other characters while mid-air.
As Capcom's design philosophy for the series has changed to appeal to a wider audience, the control scheme has been repeatedly modified to accommodate people less familiar with the fighting game genre.{{cite web|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds First Impressions|website=G4TV |last=Klepek |first=Patrick|date=April 20, 2010|url=http://g4tv.com/articles/70546/Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worlds-First-Impressions/|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063247/http://g4tv.com/articles/70546/Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worlds-First-Impressions/|url-status=dead}} The first three installments utilized the same layout of six attack buttons, separated as three pairs of light, medium, and hard punches and kicks. In Marvel vs. Capcom 2, in order to make the game more accessible, the layout was tweaked to four attack buttons, consisting of two pairs of light and heavy punches and kicks, and two dedicated assist buttons.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/06/simplifying-marvel-vs-capcom-3|date=January 6, 2011|access-date=February 20, 2017|last=George|first=Richard|website=IGN|title=Simplifying Marvel vs. Capcom 3}} The control scheme was further simplified with the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which included three attack buttons designated to undefined light, medium, and hard attacks, two assist buttons, and an "exchange button" used to perform Launchers and switch between characters during Air Combos.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds-hands-on/1100-6265675/|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Hands-On |last=Varanini |first=Giancarlo |website=GameSpot|date=June 15, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2017}} In addition, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 included two different control scheme options: Normal Mode and Simple Mode.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/16/tgs-marvel-vs-capcom-3-gets-simple|title=TGS: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Gets Simple |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |website=IGN|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5661915/the-argument-for-marvel-vs-capcom-3s-super-simple-controls|title=The Argument For Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's Super-Simple Controls |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |website=Kotaku|date=October 12, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2017}} Simple Mode, designed for casual players, allows players to perform special moves and Hyper Combos with single button presses at the expense of limiting a character's available moveset. Though Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite returned to a control scheme similar to Marvel vs. Capcom 2 ― with four attack buttons, one dedicated button for character tagging, and another for activating Infinity Stone abilities ― it introduced a new "auto-combo" system to improve accessibility that allows players to repeatedly mash the light punch input to automatically execute ground and air combos without any damage penalty.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2017/04/27/50-details-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite.aspx|date=April 27, 2017|access-date=April 27, 2017|last=Vazquez|first=Suriel|magazine=Game Informer|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite - 50 Details We Learned During Our Hands-On Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505023052/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2017/04/27/50-details-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite.aspx|archive-date=May 5, 2017|url-status=live}}
Characters
Marvel vs. Capcom has featured over 100 playable fighters, primarily drawn from comic book series published by Marvel Comics and video games franchises developed and produced by Capcom. The games have introduced a few original characters, which include Norimaro from Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, and Amingo, Ruby Heart, and SonSon from Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-56-characters-of-marvel-vs-capcom-2/|date=April 9, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2017|last=Gilbert|first=Henry|website=GamesRadar|title=The 56 characters of Marvel vs Capcom 2}} In addition to the playable cast, other characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes make appearances in the games in varying capacities. Both Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes include secret characters which can be played by inputting specific sequences of joystick movements on the character select screen.{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8635 |title=Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter |website=Killer List of Videogames |access-date=January 21, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8636 |title=Marvel Vs. Capcom |website=Killer List of Videogames |access-date=January 21, 2017}} These secret characters consist of palette swaps of existing fighters with different moveset properties. Clash of Super Heroes also has unplayable summon characters as part of its "Guest Character/Special Partner" assist system.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/29/marvel-vs-capcom-4 |title=Marvel vs. Capcom (Preview) |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |website=IGN |date=July 28, 1999 |access-date=January 21, 2017}}
Many Marvel vs. Capcom installments also allow players to fight as the games' boss characters in special game modes, with the exception of Abyss from Marvel vs. Capcom 2.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/27/marvel-vs-capcom-3-whos-the-boss|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2017|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Who's the Boss}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/galactus-revealed-as-playable-in-his-own-little-mode-for-ultim/|date=October 15, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2017|last=Gilbert|first=Ben|website=Engadget|title=Galactus revealed as playable in 'his own little mode' for Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3}} Characters that have not been playable frequently make cameo appearances in the games' cutscenes and stage backgrounds.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-43-character-cameos-of-marvel-vs-capcom-3/|date=February 18, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2017|last=Elston|first=Brett|website=GamesRadar|title=The 43 character cameos of Marvel vs Capcom 3}} Lastly, numerous non-playable Marvel and Capcom characters are featured as "Ability Cards" in the Heroes and Heralds game mode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/17/pick-a-side-in-umvc3s-heroes-and-heralds-mode|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2017|last=Hopper|first=Steven|website=IGN|title=Pick a Side in UMvC3's Heroes and Heralds Mode}} Out of all the playable characters, Ryu and Chun-Li are the only ones to have appeared in every game released thus far.
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ {{nowrap|List of playable characters}} | |||||||
| Character
! Side ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|XvSF ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|MSHvSF ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|MvC ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|MvC2 ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|MvC3 ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|UMvC3 ! style="text-align:center; width:50px;"|MvCI | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scope="row"| Akuma
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref1|group=Note}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref4|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Albert Wesker
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Amaterasu
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Amingo
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Anakaris
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Apocalypse
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref1|group=Note}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref1|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Arthur
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| B.B. Hood
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Blackheart
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Black Panther
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Black Widow
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Cable
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Cammy White
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Captain America
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Captain Commando
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Captain Marvel
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Charlie Nash
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Chris Redfield
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Chun-Li
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Colossus
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Crimson Viper
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Cyclops
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Dan Hibiki
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Dante
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Deadpool
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Dhalsim
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Doctor Doom
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Doctor Strange
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Dormammu
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Felicia
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Firebrand
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Frank West
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Galactus
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref1|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Gambit
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Gamora
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Ghost Rider
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Guile
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Hawkeye
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Hayato Kanzaki
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Hsien-Ko
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Hulk
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Iceman
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Iron Fist
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Iron Man
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Jedah Dohma
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Jill Valentine
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Jin Saotome
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Juggernaut
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Ken Masters
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref4|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Magneto
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Marrow
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| M. Bison
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Mega Man
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Mike Haggar
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| MODOK
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Monster Hunter
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Morrigan Aensland
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Nathan Spencer
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Nemesis
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Norimaro
| {{N/A|N/A}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref3|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Nova
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Omega Red
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Onslaught
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref1|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Phoenix
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Phoenix Wright
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Psylocke
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Rocket Raccoon
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Rogue
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Roll
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Ruby Heart
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Ryu
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Sabretooth
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Sakura Kasugano
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Sentinel
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Servbot
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| She-Hulk
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Shuma-Gorath
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Sigma
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Silver Samurai
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| SonSon
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Spider-Man
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Spiral
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Storm
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Strider Hiryu
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Super-Skrull
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Taskmaster
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Thanos
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Thor
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}}{{r|ref5|group=Note}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Trish
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Tron Bonne
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Ultron
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Venom
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Vergil
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Viewtiful Joe
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| War Machine
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Winter Soldier
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | data-sort-value="Y (DLC)" {{Yes2|{{Abbr|DLC|Downloadable content}}}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Wolverine
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref6|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| X
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| X-23
| {{shade|color=red|50|Marvel}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Zangief
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}}{{r|ref2|group=Note}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | |||||||
| scope="row"| Zero
| {{shade|color=blue|50|Capcom}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | |||||||
| class="sortbottom" style="text-align:center;"
! colspan="2"|Total{{r|ref7|group=Note}} | 18 | 20 | 17 | 56 | 38 | 51 | 36 |
=Notes=
{{Reflist|group=Note|refs=
Alternate, palette-swapped versions of Blackheart (Mephisto), Captain America (U.S. Agent), Charlie (Shadow), Chun-Li (Shadow Lady), Hulk (Orange Hulk), Morrigan (Lilith), Sakura (Sunburned Sakura), Spider-Man (Armored Spider-Man), Venom (Hyper Venom), War Machine (Mega War Machine), and Zangief (Mech-Zangief) appear as secret characters.
Appears as a summonable assist character.
Totals include playable boss characters and downloadable content characters, where applicable.}}
History
File:E3 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo (48044948312).jpg at E3 2019]]
Capcom's partnership with Marvel Comics began in 1993 with the release of The Punisher, an arcade beat 'em up based on the comic book series of the same name. Capcom then created their first Marvel-licensed fighting game, X-Men: Children of the Atom, in 1994. Marvel Super Heroes soon followed in 1995. Many of the gameplay mechanics used in the Marvel vs. Capcom series were first developed and refined in these two fighting games, serving as precursors to the series.{{cite video|people=Killian, Seth|date=February 11, 2011|title=Marvel vs Capcom: a history of the Vs fighting series|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EysnJBzlEtg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/EysnJBzlEtg| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|website=GamesRadar|access-date=January 20, 2017|time=00:17-00:52|quote=Seth Killian: So the history of the Versus series technically starts with X-Men vs. Street Fighter, but many fighting aficionados including myself really date some of the origins back to games called X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes which introduced things like chain combo and aerial rave [...] all of that lead us eventually into X-Men vs. Street Fighter...}}{{cbignore}} In 2011, then-current Capcom USA Strategic Marketing Director of Online and Community Seth Killian stated that many fighting game aficionados, including himself, consider them to have laid the foundation for the series.
The idea for implementing tag teams was allegedly inspired by an easter egg from Capcom's own 1995 fighting game Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams.{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/marvel-vs-capcom-4-infinite-trivia-facts/|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=February 21, 2017|last=Pascual|first=Oliver|website=Screen Rant|title=15 Things You Didn't Know About Marvel Vs. Capcom}} In a secret "Dramatic Battle" mode, two players, controlling Ryu and Ken, were able to fight against an AI-controlled M. Bison at the same time. The easter egg itself had drawn inspiration from the final battle sequence of Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, which featured a similar fight scene. Recognizing the uniqueness of a team-up concept, Capcom began to work on their next project. After their earlier licensing ventures with Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes, the company decided to combine Marvel's X-Men franchise, their own Street Fighter franchise, and their team-up concept, leading to the creation of X-Men vs. Street Fighter.{{cite web|title=IGN Presents the History of Street Fighter|website=IGN|last=McLaughlin|first=Rus|date=February 16, 2009|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/16/ign-presents-the-history-of-street-fighter?page=7|access-date=January 22, 2017}} The game debuted in Japanese arcades in 1996, establishing the series' fast-paced, tag team-based gameplay style.
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter was then released in 1997, which replaced most of the X-Men cast with other heroes from the Marvel Universe and introduced the character assist mechanic. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes later followed in 1998, exchanging the majority of the Street Fighter cast with characters from other Capcom video games series, such as Mega Man and Darkstalkers. In 1999, Capcom announced the development of yet another sequel, called Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/18/marvel-vs-capcom-2-on-the-way|date=August 17, 1999|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Langan|first=Matthew|website=IGN|title=Marvel Vs Capcom 2 On The Way?}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/marvel-vs-capcom-2-and-power-stone-2-officially-announced|date=December 1, 1999|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Power Stone 2 Officially Announced}} Marvel vs. Capcom 2 heavily re-used assets from previous Capcom-developed games, including Street Fighter Alpha, Darkstalkers, and the earlier Marvel vs. Capcom titles, resulting in a large roster of 56 playable characters.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/265496/17_moldbreaking_fighting_games_that_all_developers_should_study.php|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Miller|first=Patrick|website=Gamasutra|title=17 mold-breaking fighting games that all developers should study|archive-date=February 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212083459/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/265496/17_moldbreaking_fighting_games_that_all_developers_should_study.php|url-status=dead}} Shortly after the release of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox ports for Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom lost the use of the Marvel license, putting the series on an indefinite hiatus.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/07/29/you-know-porting-marvel-vs-capcom-2-wasnt-easy/|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Yip|first=Spencer|website=Siliconera|title=You Know, Porting Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Wasn't Easy}} However, with the resurgence of 2D fighting games in 2008, owing to the success of Street Fighter IV, Marvel requested Capcom to collaborate with them once again.{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/interview/2017/vol01/|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|last=Ono|first=Yoshinori|website=Capcom|title=Interview 01: Seeking a Fighting Game with Infinite Potential - The Celebrated Crossover Franchise Returns|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109031031/https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/interview/2017/vol01/|url-status=dead}} Capcom would announce the development of the next installment in the Marvel vs. Capcom series, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-3-due-q2-2011-on-ps3-360/1100-6259100/|date=April 20, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3 due Q2 2011 on PS3, 360}} The game was eventually released in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shippin-out-february-13-19-marvel-vs-capcom-3/1100-6298532/|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|website=GameSpot|title=Shippin' Out February 13–19: Marvel vs. Capcom 3}} An updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, titled Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, was released later in the same year. The high-definition compilation game Marvel vs. Capcom Origins was then released in 2012.
Following the release of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, Marvel's new parent company, The Walt Disney Company, which acquired Marvel in 2009, chose not to renew Capcom's license with the Marvel characters, instead opting to put them in its own self-published Disney Infinity series.{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsbeat.com/theres-a-growing-rumor-about-a-new-marvel-vs-capcom-game-in-2017/|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Nieves|first=David|website=The Beat|title=There's a growing rumor about a new Marvel vs. Capcom game in 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/02/marvel-titles-no-longer-available-digitally|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Karmali|first=Luke|website=IGN|title=Marvel Titles No Longer Available Digitally}} As a result, Capcom had to pull both Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 off their online platforms in 2013. However, in 2016, Disney announced its decision to cancel the Disney Infinity series, discontinue self-publishing efforts, and switch to a licensing-only model, allowing them to license their characters to third-party game developers, including Capcom.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/10/disney-cancels-infinity-no-longer-self-publishing-games|date=May 10, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Macy|first=Seth G.|website=IGN|title=Disney Cancels Infinity, No Longer Self-Publishing Games}}{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/18/12514296/disney-game-industry-history|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Clark|first=Willie|website=Polygon|title=Disney's Many, Many Attempts at Figuring Out the Game Industry}} Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite was revealed in 2016, and then released in 2017.
In June 2024, Capcom announced Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Windows.{{Cite web |title='MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics' Brings Seven Timeless Games in an All-in-One Package |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-arcade-classics-announce-trailer |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=www.marvel.com}} The compilation features the seven Marvel titles developed and published by Capcom for arcades from The Punisher through Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.{{Cite web |title=Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Drops Six Classic Crossovers Into One Game |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-drops-six-classic-crossovers-into-one-game/1100-6524367/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} It notably marks the series' debut on Nintendo platforms, the first time the classic entries have been made available on PC, as well as the first general re-releases for Marvel Super Heroes, Clash of Super Heroes and New Age of Heroes since the original Origins compilation and the remaster of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 were digitally delisted from seventh generation console storefronts.{{Cite web |last=Bueno |first=Daniel |date=2024-06-18 |title=Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection Coming in 2024 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-coming-in-2024/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-18 |title=Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Will Get Super On Switch This Year |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/06/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-arcade-classics-will-get-super-on-switch-this-year |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}
Reception
{{VG Series Reviews
|gr = yes
|game1 = X-Men vs. Street Fighter
|gr1 = 64% (PS){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199373-x-men-vs-street-fighter/index.html |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter for PlayStation |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406003105/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199373-x-men-vs-street-fighter/index.html|url-status=dead}}
82% (SAT){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/199374-x-men-vs-street-fighter/index.html |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter for Saturn |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=May 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504200916/http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/199374-x-men-vs-street-fighter/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc1 = N/A
|game2 = Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
|gr2 = 74% (PS){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197866-marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter/index.html |title=Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter for PlayStation |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303023027/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197866-marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter/index.html|url-status=dead}}
77% (SAT){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/197867-marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter/index.html |title=Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter for Saturn |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=July 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706234917/http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/197867-marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc2 = N/A
|game3 = Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
|gr3 = 80% (DC){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197868-marvel-vs-capcom/index.html |title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes for Dreamcast |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303223911/http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197868-marvel-vs-capcom/index.html|url-status=dead}}
75% (PS){{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197869-marvel-vs-capcom-clash-of-super-heroes/index.html |title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes for PlayStation |website=GameRankings |access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=March 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322032451/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197869-marvel-vs-capcom-clash-of-super-heroes/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc3 = N/A
|game4 = Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
|gr4 = 90% (DC){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/914427-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Dreamcast - GameRankings|archive-date=March 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321210103/http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/914427-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
76% (PS2){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/561477-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for PlayStation 2 - GameRankings|archive-date=June 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615042915/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/561477-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
67% (Xbox){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561479-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Xbox - GameRankings|archive-date=August 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822111023/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561479-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
83% (X360){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/959864-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html |access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Xbox 360 - GameRankings|archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012151630/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/959864-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
86% (PS3){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/959865-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for PlayStation 3 - GameRankings|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162939/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/959865-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
61% (iOS){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/667771-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for iOS (iPhone/iPad) - GameRankings|archive-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510190721/http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/667771-marvel-vs-capcom-2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc4 = 90/100 (DC){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Dreamcast Reviews - Metacritic}}
76/100 (PS2){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for PlayStation 2 Reviews - Metacritic}}
65/100 (Xbox){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Xbox Reviews - Metacritic}}
82/100 (X360){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for Xbox 360 Reviews - Metacritic}}
85/100 (PS3){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for PlayStation 3 Reviews - Metacritic}}
64/100 (iOS){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-2/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for iPhone/iPad Reviews - Metacritic}}
|game5 = Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
|gr5 = 86% (X360){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/995376-marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds for Xbox 360 - GameRankings|archive-date=September 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908180127/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/995376-marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/index.html|url-status=dead}}
86% (PS3){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/995375-marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds for PlayStation 3 - GameRankings|archive-date=August 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829084230/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/995375-marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc5 = 85/100 (X360){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
84/100 (PS3){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
|game6 = Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
|gr6 = 81% (PS3){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/637240-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation 3 - GameRankings|archive-date=September 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905052859/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/637240-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|url-status=dead}}
81% (X360){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/637241-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for Xbox 360 - GameRankings|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502190402/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/637241-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|url-status=dead}}
82% (Vita){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/643141-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation Vita - GameRankings|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011616/http://www.gamerankings.com/vita/643141-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/|url-status=dead}}
79% (PS4){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/202470-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|access-date=February 24, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation 4 - GameRankings|archive-date=March 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307231452/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/202470-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc6 = 80/100 (PS3){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
79/100 (X360){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
80/100 (Vita){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation Vita Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
77/100 (PS4){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|access-date=February 24, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PlayStation 4 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic}}
|game7 = Marvel vs. Capcom Origins
|gr7 = 72% (PS3){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/676132-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom Origins for PlayStation 3|archive-date=February 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203184946/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/676132-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/index.html|url-status=dead}}
80% (X360){{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/676131-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/index.html|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom Origins for Xbox 360|archive-date=February 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203173000/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/676131-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc7 = 72/100 (PS3){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-origins/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom Origins for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More}}
78/100 (X360){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-origins/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|access-date=January 22, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom Origins for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More}}
|game8 = Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
|gr8 = 71% (PS4){{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/202465-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for PlayStation 4|archive-date=January 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116172647/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/202465-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|url-status=dead}}
77% (XONE){{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/202474-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for Xbox One|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215155454/https://www.gamerankings.com/xboxone/202474-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|url-status=dead}}
70% (PC){{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/202527-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=GameRankings|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for PC|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215161403/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/202527-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/index.html|url-status=dead}}
|mc8 = 72/100 (PS4){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for PlayStation 4 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More}}
77/100 (XONE){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for Xbox One Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More}}
69/100 (PC){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|access-date=October 21, 2017|website=Metacritic|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More}}
}}
The Marvel vs. Capcom series has received reviews ranging from average to positive from critics. According to Capcom President and COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto, the games have enjoyed broad appeal, especially in markets outside of Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e161205b.html|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2017|last=Tsujimoto|first=Haruhiro|website=Capcom|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite Announced!}} {{As of|2023|12}}, {{nowrap|11 million}} units of the series have been sold.[http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/finance/salesdata.html CAPCOM | Game Series Sales]
The series' first three titles, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, and Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, received praise for their frantic gameplay style, visual flair, playable character rosters, and the quality of their sprite animations.{{cite magazine |url=https://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4233 |title=Marvel Vs. Capcom [Clash of Super Heroes] - Dreamcast |last1=McNamara |first1=Andy |last2=Anderson |first2=Paul |last3=Reiner |first3=Andrew |magazine=Game Informer |issue=78 |date=October 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001203224700/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4233 |archive-date=December 3, 2000 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 23, 2017}} The games' Dreamcast and Sega Saturn ports were also lauded for their technical performance, matching the capabilities of the arcade versions. Conversely, the PlayStation ports were criticized for their removal of tag team battles and noticeable decline in frame rate and animation quality – changes which stemmed from the console's RAM limitations.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/x-men-vs-street-fighter-review/1900-2550327/ |title=X-Men vs. Street Fighter Review (PS) |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |website=GameSpot |date=March 17, 1998 |access-date=January 23, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/26/marvel-super-heroes-vs-street-fighter |title=Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (PS) |last=Nelson |first=Randy |website=IGN |date=February 25, 1999 |access-date=January 23, 2017}}
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes received similar praise, with particular attention given towards the large cast and the addition of three-on-three combat.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-vs-capcom-2-review/1900-2580028/|date=May 31, 2000|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Review}} The Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions were criticized for their lack of online multiplayer support outside Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/01/marvel-vs-capcom-2-review-2|date=April 1, 2003|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Boulding|first=Aaron|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs Capcom 2 Review}} These concerns were addressed with the release of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 ports, which reviewers commended for their smooth online experience.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-marvel-vs-capcom-2-142074.phtml|date=July 31, 2009|access-date=January 23, 2017|last1=Cantler|first1=Topher|last2=Holmes|first2=Jonathan|website=Destructoid|title=Review: Marvel vs. Capcom 2|archive-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311212330/https://www.destructoid.com/review-marvel-vs-capcom-2-142074.phtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/mvc2/review-2.html|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|website=VideoGamer.com|title=MvC2 Review}} A common source of complaints was the game's jazz-inspired soundtrack, which critics deemed as out of place.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/18/marvel-vs-capcom-2|date=November 18, 2002|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mvc2_ps2|date=December 26, 2002|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Taylor|first=Martin|work=Eurogamer|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 2}}
In addition to its character variety and visual presentation, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds garnered praise for simplifying the series' combat mechanics and control scheme, thus making it more accessible for newcomers.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fate-of-two-worlds-review/1900-6298805/|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=McGee|first=Maxwell|website=GameSpot|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Review}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/14/marvel-vs-capcom-3-review|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=George|first=Richard|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Review}} Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom was applauded for its additions to the character roster, gameplay tweaks, and improved online functionality.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-review/1900-6345660/|date=November 14, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=McGee|first=Maxwell|website=GameSpot|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Reviews on Xbox 360}}{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1212390p1.html|date=November 14, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Hopper|first=Steven|website=IGN|title=Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Review - PlayStation 3 Review at IGN}} Both games, however, were criticized for their lack of game modes and single-player content.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/ultimate_marvel_vs_capcom_3/b/xbox360/archive/2011/11/14/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-review.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115210515/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/ultimate_marvel_vs_capcom_3/b/xbox360/archive/2011/11/14/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-review.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=November 15, 2011|date=November 14, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Turi|first=Tim|magazine=Game Informer|title=Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Review}} Marvel vs. Capcom Origins was praised for preserving the original arcade releases' integrity and its addition of online multiplayer, dynamic challenges, and unlockable content; however, in remaining faithful to the arcade versions, some reviewers criticized the games for their outdated gameplay and unbalanced fighters.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Carsillo|first=Ray|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|title=EGM Review: Marvel vs Capcom Origins|archive-date=November 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130223159/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-marvel-vs-capcom-origins/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/26/marvel-vs-capcom-origins-review|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=January 23, 2017|last=Cocke|first=Taylor|website=IGN|title=Marvel vs. Capcom Origins Review}} Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its implementation of new gameplay mechanics, such as the "Active Switch" combo system and the addition of the six Infinity Stones.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/18/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-game-informer-review.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918224547/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/marvel_vs_capcom_infinite/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/18/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-game-informer-review.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=September 18, 2017|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017|last=Reeves|first=Ben|magazine=Game Informer|title=Battle Of The Brands - Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/18/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-review|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017|last=Huskey|first=Darry|website=IGN|title=Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite Review}} On the other hand, the game was criticized for its presentation, particularly its art direction, and its character roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-460396.phtml|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=September 19, 2017|last=Carter|first=Chris|website=Destructoid|title=Review: Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021110938/https://www.destructoid.com/review-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-460396.phtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/18/16323994/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-review|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017|last1=Stark|first1=Chelsea|last2=Ramos|first2=Jeff|website=Polygon|title=Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite review}}
In 2012, Complex ranked Marvel vs. Capcom at number 37 on the list of the best video game franchises, commenting that "a frenetic pace and over the top effects work together to make this franchise stand the test of time".{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/marvel-vs-capcom|date=September 25, 2012|access-date=January 23, 2017|last1=Jones|first1=Elton|last2=Vincent|first2=Brittany|last3=Hester|first3=Larry|website=Complex|title=The 50 Best Video Game Franchises}}
{{Clear}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{KLOV game|id=8636|name=Marvel vs. Capcom}} - Arcade version
{{Marvel vs. Capcom series}}
{{Marvel Video Game Crossovers}}
{{Capcom}}
{{Disney franchises}}
{{Street Fighter series}}
{{Fighting game community}}
Category:Video game franchises
Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1996