Capcom vs SNK 2 EO Mark of the Millennium 2001 Review

Overview

Released in 2003 by Capcom, Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO: Mark of the Millennium 2001 represents an enhanced port of the acclaimed arcade fighting game. This Xbox version introduces the controversial Easy Operation system, designed to make the game more accessible to new players. The game features a massive roster of 44 characters from both companies' fighting game franchises, six different Groove systems based on various fighting games, and a robust set of single-player and training modes. As the definitive home version of this crossover fighter, it attempts to balance preservation of the original's depth with new features aimed at broadening its appeal.

Graphics and Presentation

The visual presentation maintains the high quality of the arcade original, with beautifully detailed sprite work that showcases each character's personality. The marriage of Capcom and SNK's distinct art styles works surprisingly well, creating a cohesive look despite the characters' diverse origins. Stages feature elaborate backgrounds with multiple layers of animation, though some show minor compression artifacts in this home conversion.

Character animation remains fluid and expressive, with each fighter's moves carrying appropriate weight and impact. The game's interface has been thoughtfully redesigned for console play, with clear menu navigation and helpful training mode overlays. The Xbox hardware handles the sprite scaling and effects without issue, maintaining the arcade's visual fidelity.

Special effects for super moves and custom combos are appropriately flashy, though some of the more elaborate sequences can cause brief slowdown. The character select screen and victory animations effectively celebrate the crossover nature of the game.

Sound and Music

The audio presentation shows some compromises in the transition from arcade to Xbox. While character voice samples remain clear and impactful, the soundtrack has notably lower quality than the arcade version. The arrangement of classic themes from both companies still impresses, but the compression is noticeable to those familiar with the original.

Sound effects maintain their arcade accuracy, with each hit and special move carrying appropriate impact. The mixing balances combat sounds with music effectively, though some older SNK character samples show their age. The game includes both Japanese and English voice options for relevant characters.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core fighting system remains one of the deepest and most versatile in the genre. The six Groove systems, based on different Capcom and SNK games, offer dramatically different playing styles. C-Groove brings Street Fighter Alpha's custom combos, while S-Groove features King of Fighters' dodge rolls and charge attacks. This variety allows players to adapt their favourite characters to their preferred fighting style.

The new Easy Operation system proves controversial but interesting. It simplifies special move execution by mapping them to the right analogue stick, similar to modern fighting game conventions. While this makes the game more accessible, it can create balance issues in competitive play, as some complex moves become too easy to execute.

The ratio system for team building adds another layer of strategy, allowing players to choose between powerful single characters or larger teams of weaker fighters. The game's pace strikes an excellent balance between defensive play and offensive opportunities.

Story and Setting

The narrative framework remains minimal, with a basic tournament structure providing context for the crossover. Character endings offer entertaining "what-if" scenarios, though they're less elaborate than those in dedicated entries in either company's series. The game focuses more on celebrating the mechanical merger of these fighting game universes than building a coherent story.

The character interactions in pre-fight and victory sequences provide fun nods to both companies' histories, though the lack of proper story mode means many interesting potential character dynamics go unexplored.

Content and Value

The game offers substantial content beyond arcade mode, including a robust training mode with detailed frame data and combo trials. The colour edit mode allows extensive character customization, while survival and time attack modes provide additional single-player challenges.

Multiplayer remains the core appeal, with versus mode supporting both traditional and EO control schemes. At its current pre-owned price of £16.99, the game offers excellent value for fighting game fans, particularly given the massive roster and multiple control options.

Technical Performance

On the Original Xbox hardware, the game maintains the crucial 60 frames per second required for competitive play, though loading times are notably longer than the arcade version. The training mode's additional features occasionally cause minor slowdown when multiple overlays are active.

The save system reliably tracks unlocks and custom colours, while the practice mode settings persist between sessions. Online play, while included, suffers from the limitations of Xbox Live's original infrastructure.

The Verdict

Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO stands as an ambitious and mostly successful attempt to bring this arcade classic to home consoles while expanding its accessibility. While the Easy Operation system proves divisive and some technical compromises are evident, the core excellence of the original game shines through. The massive roster, deep mechanics, and multiple control options make this a worthy addition to any fighting game fan's collection, even if purists might prefer the arcade original.

Pros

• Extensive roster with excellent character variety
• Deep gameplay mechanics with six Groove systems
• Comprehensive training and practice options
• Strong sprite work and animation quality

Cons

• Controversial Easy Operation implementation
• Increased loading times
• Compressed audio quality
• Limited online functionality

Final Score: 8.5/10

Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO successfully brings this fighting game milestone to the Xbox with meaningful additions, despite some technical compromises. While the Easy Operation system may divide opinion, the core excellence of this crossover fighter remains intact.

By OGXbox Archive