A simple port. That’s really all it is. You can refer back to my old review of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 if you want to know any specific details about the game that you may have not already known going into UMvC3. Otherwise, the minor additions going into the Playstation Vita version would only be justified if you like taking your Marvel on the go.
The addition of touch screen control, while interesting, is very limited. It really just essentially goes into a auto-combo type situation where you feel that you have no real control of the character and you’re just tapping the screen to watch the magic happen. Most of these combos aren’t really elaborate or flashy either. You’ll most likely try this once and never again.
Graphically, there were a few sacrifices. Some moves have had their effects toned down but the game maintains a constant 60 frames per second.
Heroes and Heralds Mode was introduced as post-launch free DLC for the console version and is apparently also free DLC for the Vita except that it’s available right at system launch. This mode essentially allows you to add on power up cards to your team to enhance certain elements. It’s much more extreme compared to Street Fighter X Tekken’s Gem System in that you’re able to add abilities that let you parry attacks, drain the opponent’s HP, have three copies of one character in your team and the list goes on. You’re able to take your deck online much like the console version but also much like the console version, you’re unable to play Heroes and Heralds locally with Ad Hoc. Why? I have no idea.
The much advertised “Cross-Play” really doesn’t feature much. All DLC purchased on the Playstation 3 version of UMvC3 can be transferred over to the Vita. You’re also able to connect the Vita via Ad Hoc to the PS3 for the “Ultimate Controller” which basically adds a touch screen to allow you to assign move shortcuts much like the 3DS version of Super Street Fighter 4. Pointless but it certainly shows just what the Vita could be capable of going down the line. You can also get silver Herald colors for your characters and can transfer that to the PS3.
Default controls do feel fairly comfortable on the Vita and I’m pretty content with using the Analog Stick and the Dpad for fighting games. It is definitely a huge step up from the 3DS controls.
Final Verdict:
Again, this is just a simple port but a solid port at that. However, it’s not exactly a great example of what the Vita is capable of and you won’t be amazingly impressed by this game if that’s the reason that you want to buy this. If you really want your UMvC3 on the go, this would be it. Otherwise, I’d stick to your console version or would suggest buying that one instead if you want to play the game in any level of seriousness.
