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| | Title:
Capcom Fighting Evolution
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System:
Xbox
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Genre:
Fighting
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Publisher:
Capcom
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Developer:
Capcom
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Release:
6/14/2005
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Teen
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When you think of Capcom, it's hard not to think about the classic arcade fighting games like Street Fighter and a few of the others. Although the time of these classic arcade-type games is long gone, Capcom is bringing them back to the Xbox with games like Capcom Fighting Evolution. The game mixes five of these oldschool fighting games, Street Fighter Alpha, SF II, SF III, Darkstalkers, and Red Earth (Japanese-only copies) all into one game.
Gameplay Types
Capcom Fighting Evolution is a very small game. It offers the same arcade fighting gameplay in just a few different gameplay types. It has the arcade, versus, and training mode as well as fighting online via Xbox Live. In arcade mode, you can play with either one or two players or combat against the CPU in a number of different rounds. Before a round begins, you must choose two different characters to play with. The computer will then pick its two fighters, and the match will begin. After the fight is over, a screen will come up where you will have the opportunity to either keep the same character, or if you press nothing, your character will be switched to your second chosen fighter. This can be helpful because you always have control over what character you want to use once you see who you are up against. This gives you the chance to use a player that has a better chance against that specific opponent, based on their strengths and weaknesses. Although the use of two characters sounds pretty unique, it really isn't because you can only use one at a time. However, it would be more interesting if you could use both characters in the same fighting match, or be able to swap out characters during the match; sort of like tag team wrestling or other Capcom fighting titles such as X-men Vs. Street Fighter.
The versus mode is not that much different from the arcade mode. In versus mode, you have to play with two human players and, instead of combating a computer, the two players go head-to-head. With the arcade mode, you can change a number of additional options such as handicaps, level select, and a few others. Unfortunately, if you don't even have a second controller plugged in, you can't even begin the versus mode.
However, if you are looking to brush up on some skills, or learn the techniques of a new fighter, the best place to do this is in the training mode. In training mode you get to pick your player as well as the computer's. After you pick the level you wish to play on, you will be thrown into a match and you can try out any move you could possibly think of while the computer helplessly gets beaten up and won't retaliate. If arcade mode is too difficult for you, you may want to start off here, you won't lose! Luckily there are some other settings that you can change to control what your opponent is doing so you can simulate an actual battle.
The last gameplay type is Xbox Live. Like most Live games, once you enter Xbox Live you have a number of options such as Quick Match, Optimatch, and your Rankings. The quick match will place you in any available fighting match to get the game started quickly. The Optimatch searches for games that matches your preferences that you can set. For example, you can search for games based on the amount of rounds, if you are allowed to select your character, and a few other minor options. If you are unable to join a game that you prefer, (which is extremely unlikely due to the sheer amount of people using Xbox Live) you can always create your own match and set everything up exactly the way you want it. Lastly, the rankings on Xbox Live will let you know how good of a fighter you really are stacked up against the rest of the world. You can view stats of the current week, month, or the total rankings and then by pressing Y button, you can see where you stand amongst every gamer that has ever played a match on Xbox Live.
Controls and Fighting Styles
In Capcom Fighting Evolution, you have have three different types of the normal punch and kick, as well as a number of different variations and specialty moves. The basic kick and punch consist of a weak, normal, and strong kick or punch, each using up a separate button on the controller. Another basic move is the block. By pressing L or R and the opposite direction of your opponent you can block an attack. With the addition of the somewhat complicated button combo, blocking is something that will take practice and keep people from blocking 24/7. Also considered basic moves are the throw and the counter-throw, which (obviously) allow you to grab your opponent and throw him or her onto the ground --or not, if you counter it.
Special moves are a big part of the fighting system. Sure you can beat an easy opponent by just using the light punches if you are good enough, but special moves not only deliver a large amount of damage, but also look cool and adds some fun to the game, unless, of course, you aren't the one performing it. To pull off a special move you have to press L, R and a number of directions, and then some form of kick or punch. Once you finish the long string of buttons that are required and, if you are close enough to hit your opponent, you will pull off some insane moves and all you have to do is sit back and laugh!
Characters
Each and every character in Capcom Fighting Evolution is unique, has their own characteristics, fighting style, and special attacks. A total of four characters have been taken from five previous Capcom games each, totaling twenty, plus an extra girl fighter that was thrown into the mix. The characters drawn from each game have a wide variety of characteristics. The players range from the typical male, muscular fighter such as Ryu--who can hurl a fireball with his bare fists--to a giant raptor named Hauzer that takes up half of the screen, to an innocent looking little girl that goes by the name of Ingrid.
Graphics
The graphics of Capcom Fighting Evolution are decades old and completely two dimensional. However, the point of the graphics in this game are not meant to be stunning but rather to keep things the "oldschool" way with the arcade-type graphics. The sprites used in this game look just like ones in the old arcade games and the backgrounds make each level feel completely different. The animations of the characters are extremely well done and are very fluid. The special moves that are usually used to finish off an opponent look simply amazing.
Overall
Capcom Fighting Evolution is a fun game, but when you really get down to it, it is barely worth the $30 price tag. The gameplay is fun, but not anything you have never seen before. There are very few gameplay types and each gameplay type is exactly the same except who you are playing against. Xbox Live is a major plus, but not to make up in the other areas this game lacks. The graphics and audio do a great job of complimenting the game and giving it that arcade-type feel, but won't be winning any awards. Overall, if you are a fighting fan, this is well worth your time and money, otherwise wait it out until Dead or Alive 4 on the Xbox 360.
| The Core Score |
Overall
6.5 |
| Fun |
|
7 |
| Gameplay |
|
6.3 |
| Graphics |
|
7.4 |
| Audio |
|
7.6 |
| Replay |
|
6 |
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