Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (“MvC: Infinite”) is the latest iteration of the popular fighting game crossover series by Capcom. Much like its five predecessors, MvC: Infinite is a 2D fighting game wherein players control characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes to compete against each other in tag team combat battles.
Unlike previous titles, MvC: Infinite includes two-on-two battles rather than the more familiar three-on-three format used in earlier games. This iteration of the franchise has also removed the traditional character call-in assists and instead incorporates a tag-based combo system which allows for instant switching between two characters and the formation of continuous combos. In addition, the game also features a new mechanic, the Infinity Stones, which provide players with temporary special abilities and boosts relating to the type of stone selected.
The game plays fairly similar to other fighting games that I’ve played in the past, though with more fluidity and easier combos to learn. Playing the game in arcade mode was fun, especially while learning the abilities of each character and the boosts provided by each Infinity Stone. Unlike games like Street Fighter and Tekken, MvC: Infinite felt a lot smoother and much easier to jump right into.
There didn’t appear to be anything too different from other fighting games, with similar game modes and a story that was just completely lost on me. The game’s plot didn’t feel very well thought out and the clash of both Marvel and Capcom’s individual universes didn’t seem to gel as well as I had hoped. Bearing in mind, though, that I have never played previous Marvel vs Capcom games before and have no previous iterations of the franchise to compare to.
Perhaps it was the art style that solidified my instant dislike of the game. Don’t get me wrong, I was certainly quite fond of the gameplay, but the art was just not for me. The entire game felt almost too childish with animation that felt as if the characters jumped out of a children’s animated show and decided to allow real life players to control them.
It was equally unnerving to watch the character interaction unfold in the story mode. Once again, the impression given is that of a cartoon, one that would be more entertaining for children than adults. At least MvC: Infinite is a game that can actually be played by both adults and children alike.
However, it is important to note that the game does get progressively more challenging. It took me eight attempts to defeat The Hulk as Street Fighter’s Ryu, something that was so frustrating but felt so good to finally do. It’s the level of challenge and progression within the game that really sold it to me.
If you’re a fan of fighting games but sick of the traditional style of gameplay, then this is the game for you. With a different style of tag-team combat, unique special abilities and powers bestowed by the Infinity Stones, the challenge and fun is most definitely there, so long as you can get past the art style.