Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Year released: 2001 (Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 [CvS2]), 2002 (GCN [CvS2 EO]), 2003 (X-Box)

Number of Players: 1-2 simultaneously

Capcom vs. SNK 2 is the sequel to the original CvS game, in which characters from Capcom and SNK fighting games fought head to head in a game that many thought would only be a dream. The GCN version of CvS2 is dubbed “CvS2 EO”. The EO stands for Extreme Offense (Easy Operation in Japan), which refers to one of the simplified control schemes available. How is CvS2 EO? Read on.

Graphics: (85%)
The game uses simple, 2D graphics. It is a 2D fighter after all. Some of the sprites look cool, while others look really outdated. The sprite of Morrigan, for example, looks to be from one of the really old Darkstalkers games. The sprites would’ve looked better if they were all redone in similar styles. CvS2 does have really cool looking 3D backgrounds, as well as some cool looking attacks.

Control: (70%)
This is what hurts CvS2 EO on the GCN the most. Controlling fighters is hard to do using the GCN’s controller. It is extremely hard to play a 2D fighter with an analog stick like that on the GCN controller, the Control Pad is way too small, and the button placement is awkward. There is an alternate option that was mentioned before. The GC-ISM controls make the L button control all three punches, and the R button control all three kicks. The L and R buttons are pressure sensitive. The C-Stick controls all of your characters special attacks. In the hands of a newbie or a pro, the GC-ISM can be cheap. The standard controls are referred to as AC-ISM. You can also customize the controls to your liking.

Sounds: (90%)
CvS2 features a great mix of tunes in the menus and while in fights. The themes have a different range of music genres too, ranging from rock to techno, and more. There are also classic themes found in past Capcom/SNK games found here as well.

Gameplay: (90%)
2D fighting almost at its best. If you know how to play either a Capcom or SNK fighting game, you should know what to expect. Before each match, before you choose the GC-ISM or AC-ISM controls, you must pick a groove. The grooves are C, A, P, S, N, and K. Each groove is different, and operates in a specific way. Each of the six grooves is derived from different Capcom/SNK fighters. There are also plenty of characters to choose from, both from the Capcom side and the SNK side. CvS2 features different modes to choose from as well. Most of the 1P action will take place in the Arcade mode, in which you can choose from three different types of gameplay: ratio, 3-on-3, and singles matches. In addition to the standard Arcade mode, there’s a Survival mode, Vs. mode and a Color Edit mode, in which you can change the colors of any of the fighters. Unfortunately, the controls do hurt the gameplay a lot.

Replayability: (83%)
There are two hidden characters to unlock in CvS2, but both are powered up versions of already available characters. CvS2, like nearly every fighting game, is best enjoyed playing against a human opponent. If you get bored of fighting, you can always mess around with each fighter’s colors.

Bottom Line:
CvS2 EO is a great 2D fighter. I would recommend this only to those who are/were fans of Capcom/SNK fighters, though. Also, I recommend buying a good 3rd party controller, as you will have trouble with the standard GCN controller.

Final Score: (84%) B

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