REVIEW:  Marvel VS Capcom: Origins is a digital compilation title featuring two classic and player-approved Capcom fighters, Marvel Super Heroes (1995) and Marvel Vs. Capcom (1998). This compilation pack features new features over past console iterations, including: Online Play, Replays & Spectator Mode, Trophies/Achievements, Dynamic Challenges (similar to the real time challenges in SFIII: 3rd Strike Online Edition), and a Vault with various artwork and other extras to unlock.

One of the noteworthy extras to unlock is having ALL hidden characters readily available on the selection screen (in both games). In Marvel Super Heroes, this includes Anita (previously a Japanese version exclusive), Thanos, and Dr. Doom. In Marvel VS Capcom, Shadow Lady, Roll, Red Venom, Orange Hulk, Lilith (Morrigan swap), and Gold War Machine are also easily accessible. For veteran players, this is a much appreciated feature since it spares the trouble of inputting codes every time to use these characters (like the old days).
    

  
Marvel VS Capcom: Origins features a variety of video options and HD graphical filters, which altogether allow for "150 combinations" of viewing options. Along with the visual filters, you can play the game in the nostalgia-inducing Arcade Cabinet Emulation mode, and even an "Over-the-Shoulder" Arcade Cabinet Mode (with several angles & variations itself). As far as graphics go, these old school 2D fighters never looked sharper or more vibrant. While the sprites aren't "HD" by today's standards, the "Smooth" and "Crisp" filters work wonders and really smooth out those pixels on the characters and backgrounds! The classic BGM's also retain their charm and sound arcade perfect.
    

  
The Online Mode builds upon the GGPO netcode from SFIII: 3rd Strike Online Edition, and adds some new options like a Ping Filter (allowing players to restrict other players with high pings to avoid laggy matches). Unlike 3rd Strike Online, MVC: Origins doesn't use color coded pings and actually shows the number. Matchmaking options are also smoother than in earlier GGPO titles, and contain fewer menus, to promote continuous playing. Overall, online isn't perfect and lag seems to occur fairly often. The online lobbies are also pretty quiet in certain hours, meaning you'll be camping out waiting for opponents at times. Also, there should be some sort of "sound notification" when someone joins your room (in case you end up passing out or doing something else while waiting).
  

Page Updated: November 3rd, 2020 Developer(s): Capcom Publisher(s): Capcom Artwork by: Shinkiro  Poster Artwork Bengus, Akiman, Shoei, Sakumizu Platform(s): PlayStation 3 PSN Xbox 360  XBL Release Date(s): Sept. 25th, 2012   PSN Sept. 26th, 2012   XBL Characters:  Ryu, Chun-Li, Zangief, Morrigan, Captain Commando, Mega Man, Strider Hiryu, Spider-man, Jin Saotome, Captain America, Venom, Hulk, Gambit, War Machine, Wolverine, Roll, Onslaught, Shadow Lady , Magneto, Juggernaut, Iron-man, Psylocke, Shuma-Gorath, Blackheart, Dr. Doom, Thanos Featured Video: Related Games: Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel Vs. Capcom, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, MVC: Infinite, X-Men: Children of the Atom, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter, Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom, Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition, Darkstalkers: Resurrection    Gameplay Engine  8.5 / 10 Story / Theme  7.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  8.0 / 10 Animation  8.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.0 / 10 Innovation  7.0 / 10 Art Direction  8.0 / 10 Customization  6.5 / 10 Options / Extras  7.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  7.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  7.5 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  8.0 / 10 Characters  8.0 / 10 BOTTOM LINE 8.3 / 10  Review based on PS3 version      Final Words: The original Marvel Super Heroes was a groundbreaking 2D fighting game in 1995. As a Marvel fan growing up in the 80's / 90's, all of Capcom's Marvel fighting games absolutely blew my mind when they hit my local arcades. While MVC2 is still the epitome of the series (in my book), the original Marvel VS Capcom is still an impressive title in so many ways, and still is one of my all time favorite 2D fighters! There's a certain vibe about MVC's original roster, music, stages, and gameplay mechanics that can't be replicated in MVC2 or MVC3. MVC: Origins arguably offers the best version of MVC1 to date (although, it's worth pointing out that Onslaught is not selectable in MVC like he was in previous console versions). For me, it's all about the furious gameplay, unique mechanics, and (arguably) balanced character roster. I put a ton of competitive hours into MVC1 back in the day, facing off against countless highly-skilled opponents & teams (and there are some doozies, let me tell you). Watch out for those chip-damage Strider Hiryu/War Machine teams... they're tough, but can be defeated with a proper counter pick.   The original Marvel Super Heroes is also worth a revisit as well. There are definitely some fun "classic" match-ups to be had and old school 2D sprites and animations to appreciate all over again. While MVC: Origins is a much-appreciated digital 2-pack... the addition of X-Men VS Street Fighter and MSH VS Street Fighter really would've made this package "complete". On the flipside, if I really had to choose to competitively play ONE game out of all the classic VS Series installments (before MVC2), it would have to be MVC1. The online isn't perfect, but playable with the right conditions. I didn't pick up MVC: Origins at launch (because I was busy with other games at the time). So I ended up waiting about a year later, and picked it up on Dec. 10th, 2013 when the game was discounted to a mere $3.75 (for PS+). Incredible deal. Even if you paid a few more bucks for it, I'd say MVC: Origins is worth a buy... especially if you're an old school Capcom fighting game fan, or if for some reason you missed out on these timeless Capcom fighting games! ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES