As if there wasn't enough to talk about the past EVO weekend as is, we have a very special surprise to share with you all. During EVO Finals on Sunday, we were invited to play a very early build of Arcade1UP's Marvel VS Capom 2 machine and have an exclusive interview as well. While the video is posted on top, I wanted to take a bit of a deeper dive into my experience with this beautiful machine as well as fill the page with more photos of the cabinet.
The announcement was made early in the morning during Day 1 of EVO. I'm talking first thing in the morning as the announcement was held as doors opened. While it was a "blink and you miss it" announcement, word traveled like wildfire on social media and it became the talk of the weekend. For good reason, as this is the first time since the XBLA and PSN ports that Marvel vs Capcom 2 was released as a consumer product. Following a rallying cry from the fanbase, the team was able to work with Capcom to make what many believed the impossible, possible yet again.
The cabinet itself is a faithful recreation of the classic Marvel vs Capcom 2 cabinet that was similarly used for other Capcom fighters during that era. The steel grey artwork stands out as much as the classic American Happs-inspired bat top and buttons. The bat top and perfectly horizontal buttons were used as a base design for the legendary MAS fight stick, one of the first complete handmade fight sticks meant to replicate the arcade experience.
Compared to the high tension sticks and buttons I've used as an arm exercise during my high school years at Chinatown Fair (RIP), this layout is easier to handle. Controls feel responsive and tight, although I know this won't be everyone's cup of tea. As a bat top purveyor myself, I felt right at home. I may not be the best or even a good Versus series player myself, but I know those who are will appreciate the craftsmanship.
Marvel vs Capcom 2 isn't the only game featured in this collection as one may have guessed. Every Marvel-based fighting game is here in one complete package. X-Men Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter, Marvel vs Capcom, and Marvel vs Capcom 2 are all here. Unfortunately, for MSH vs SF, the Japanese comedian Norimaro isn't a part of this collection as the games featured are based on its Western releases.
Still, every Marvel fighter ever released in one package is more than enough to make up for it. There's even more content, as the SNES titles, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse and Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems are also included. This offers a unique experience as the platformers are better known to be played on a controller than on an arcade cabinet. Still, it's a unique experience that only Arcade1UP can provide!
Pre-orders begin a month from now on September 8th, 2022. Those interested can check it out here and click the "Notify Me" button for more information. If the preview build is anything like what the finished product will be, fans of Mahvel will have a fun time on their hands and with the inclusion of WiFi, it will be the only official way to play against others across the nation. Now, let's get #FreeCVS2 trending...
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