Capcom Fighting Evolution
Score: 60% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Fighting
Graphics & Sound: Your first clue that something isn't right with Capcom Fighting Evolution is the game's look. It is not the coupling Street Fighter, Darkstalkers and Warzard fighters that makes the game look so bad, its that all the character's sprites are more or less ripped from their respective games with no touch-ups or upgrades. This leads to a messy look where some characters are a little less detailed than others or some have almost completely different art styles altogether. Even animations look off since some, such as the Street Fighter III crew, animate smoothly between moves while others, like Darkstalkers or Street Fighter Alpha, are missing a few frames. Going from looks alone, the selection of fighters is a bit eclectic. Again, the mix of fighters isn't what makes the game unsettling since we've seen most of these guys together in the Versus games. However, you have to wonder where the Warzard fighters come into play because they don't really fit in anywhere in the game's look; especially when you're matched up against fighters like Hauzer, who is so big he doesn't fit on the screen. On the plus side, Fighting Evolution does include some new backgrounds to brawl in, many of which feature cameo appearances by other characters. This actually works against the game since you'll inevitably see a character in the background that you wish was playable in the game. Sound is mostly recycled samples and tunes from other Capcom games. None of the songs are as memorable as the Street Fighter II songs, but they do what they need to do in relation to the on-screen action. Fighting Evolution also includes a new annoying announcer who you'll really wish was a playable character so you could reach out and punch him.
Gameplay: Capcom Fighting Evolution offers very little in the way of gameplay, or at least in giving you a compelling reason to play for more than 10 minutes -- even when you have some friends over. Game modes are limited to one-on-one game matches where you take on either a friend or a computer-controlled opponent. A Tournament mode is also available, but only lasts through six matches and is really over before you even start. The first of two big twists is that instead of selecting one character per match, you select two. However, anyone harboring ideas of a tag-team style format like Capcom's Versus titles will quickly be disappointed. You can only switch characters between rounds. The only advantage to this is that you can switch up fighters, or more importantly fighting styles, and keep your opponent on his toes. The selection of fighters available is pretty disappointing as well. While 20+ (some need to be unlocked) may seem like a lot, it seems much smaller when you realize that they're being pulled from five games. All of the iconic fighters like Ryu, Ken, Demitri and Felicia make appearances, but fan favorites like Morrigan and Dhalsim are no where to be found. When you consider that Capcom did little more than snag character data and images from previous games, it makes you wonder if more could have made the trip over. An online mode is also available for those who want to take their skills online. The prospect of an online 2D fighter is great, but when it's something like Fighting Evolution, I'll have to pass. One of the pluses to Fighting Evolution's online mode is the possibility of new character and background downloads. Until then, expect the same level of fun online as you'll experience offline.
Difficulty: The major problem facing Capcom Fighting Evolution is a lack of balance. I can overlook the cut and paste job with the graphics, but even character data has been ported over with little consideration given to balance. As a result, some characters are much more powerful than others -- ultimately leading to a select group of "cheap" fighters who can absolutely dominate in one-on-one matches, whether they be controlled by the AI or another player. Balance issues really pop up during online matches where characters like Dimitri or Ryu can take out opponents in a few moves. Of course, a certain level of skill is needed when fighting, so its not completely an issue with balance. Still, the game should be more about player skill rather than choosing the overpowered character.
Game Mechanics: With the mixing and matching of characters from various games comes a hodge-podge of fighting systems. The one thing that has separated Capcom fighters (which are generally all built on the same engine) are the fighting systems, bringing us to the second gameplay twist – the mixing of fighting styles from various games. Some systems are based on how many special moves you pull off, while others are based more on defense. Watching these styles together feels cobbled together, which helps to bring up some balance issues, but its still fun to match the systems up on head-to-head matches to see which works the best. This interest is, unfortunately, something that only the really hardcore Capcom fans will dig. To the casual player, it looks messy and can get a bit confusing. Capcom Fighting Evolution is an interesting idea that really could have been a better game had more fighters been included and some work gone into balancing. For casual fighting fans, this one is a definite pass and the money would be much better spent on one of the other 2D fighters available on the Xbox -- many of which can be found for a cheaper price than Fighting Evolution. Even hardcore Capcom fanboys may want to make this one a rent first title. You might have fun for a few minutes, but once the novelty wears off, you'll likely find yourself going back to other fighters.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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