The end of the 2D
fighting games is definitely not near. Even when every new Street Fighter is
almost identical to the last, the magic is still there. Street Fighter is a game
that will live with my generation for eternity. While the first batch of sequels
evolved from the last, after awhile they didn’t change too much. These days,
each new Street Fighter game adds new characters, new music, and new levels.
Slight graphical improvements are made as well. So, following tradition, Capcom
vs. SNK 2 EO (CvS2) for the Xbox is just a Capcom Vs. SNK with more Grooves,
characters, levels, and modes. This time around, though, one of those new modes
added a whole new level of play – Network Mode.
As far as graphics go,
not much has changed. The sprites are a little bit smoother than on the original
Capcom vs. SNK, and all the flashy effects are pure eye candy. There are no
problems with the framerate at all, although lag is fairly common when playing
online. The backgrounds are very entertaining and are in beautiful 3D. There’s
always stuff moving around and other events going on during the fight.
The tunes in CvS2 are a
mix of fast paced, yet uplifting beats. Anywhere from Jazz to a Pop rhythm can
be heard during the intense, pulse-pounding fights players will encounter. This
creates an interesting emotion, making the game more like a fun party than a
street fight. This type of music is typical of a Capcom fighter. I also found
while playing that sometimes the music would stop, and the rest of the fight
would consist of only sound effects. Later I found out that this was a minor
glitch that everyone was experiencing. It doesn’t happen very often, and it
almost makes some fights seem more epic.
Capcom vs. SNK 2 also has
plenty of game modes to choose from. Some noteworthy modes not commonly found in
fighting games include Color Edit Mode and Network Mode, among other unlockable
modes. Color Edit Mode allows you to change the name and appearance of every
single character in the game. It’s a little confusing at first, but after some
studying and practice, you can make some cool looking fighters. It’s also a way
to personalize your characters for the Network Mode, which in other words is the
online mode for Capcom vs. SNK 2. That’s right, if you have Xbox Live, you can
challenge other CvS2 players around the world. It’s like a global arcade!
Another great way to
personalize the way you play is the Groove system. Before each fight, players
pick their Grooves. Each Groove provides your fighter with different skills,
strengths, and weaknesses. While one Groove allows you to parry an enemy’s
attack, another lets you block while in the air. They also effect how you fill
up your power gauge, which let you unleash super special moves once full.
I guess the only thing
left to talk about would be the controls. One thing that can definitely ruin a
game is the controller used to play it. The Xbox controller is definitely not
the best fighting game controller, but it’s also not the worst. The trigger
buttons are inconvenient in such a fast game, and the white and black buttons
are too small. These problems really aren’t catastrophic and can easily be
worked around with practice.
Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO is a
well-rounded fighter. Providing tons of characters from both the Capcom and SNK
worlds molded a balanced competition, giving each character his or her own
strengths and weaknesses. Fans of either Capcom or SNK will definitely enjoy
this fighter. Anyone looking for more games to play online should also look in
the direction of Cvs2.
Gameplay: 8.5
Not much
innovation to the gameplay, but hey, don’t fix what’s not broken right? CvS2
still brings Street Fighter’s trademarked fast-paced fighting action, and all
online too. My only complaint is the controller. The d-pad makes doing moves
more awkward than the PS2 or Dreamcast controllers.
Graphics: 9
The character
animations are fast and smooth, and they’re all unique. The backgrounds are
amusing and animated in full 3D making them a slight, but entertaining,
distraction from the fighting. CvS2 runs perfectly, but when playing online
there’s definitely lag to contend with.
Sound: 9.3
From the classic
“Hadouken” to the well-known “Shoryuken” all the sound effects are there. Upbeat
tunes create an intense yet fun-filled ambiance that keeps you moving. The Xbox
has a small glitch, though, and sometimes the music will stop during play. I
usually am too involved to notice, but it might bother some players.
Difficulty: Easy-Hard
It’s hard to pick
a difficulty on this one. First of all, you can select your difficulty in the
options menu. Second, when playing online the difficulty can range anywhere from
laughably easy to frustratingly hard. As far as controls and gameplay go, it’s a
pretty easy game to learn. Getting good is the hard part.
Concept: 9.5
CvS2 is your
typical Street Fighter with new fighters, new modes, and new fighting styles.
What tops it all off, though, was the addition of online play. With online play
reaching console games recently, it was only a matter of time before 2D fighters
went online. It’s the beginning of the end for arcades, sadly. Now if we could
all have a moment of silence…
Multiplayer: 8
While the ability
to go online may seem like some sort of miracle gift, but it can also slap you
in the face and say, “You thought you were good, but you really aren’t.” Many
people online are amazingly good, and will trash talk you until the bitter end.
Plus there’s also the small lag problem.
Overall: 8.9
Capcom vs. SNK 2
EO isn’t as fast as Marvel vs. Capcom 2, as pretty as Guilty Gear X2, or as
smooth as Street Fighter 3, but it’s a 2D fighter that’s online. The Groove
selection can completely change the play mechanics of any of your favorite
Street Fighter or SNK contestants. It’s also really cool to be able to change
the colors and names of your favorite characters. Besides the Xbox controller
itself, there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t play this game.
