Capcom recently re-released the entire early Marvel vs. Capcom franchise library in the highly-anticipated Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, and has since produced some insightful interviews with developers who have been along for ride for the majority of the last three decades.
Hiroyuki Nara is one such dev who recalls the challenges, breakthroughs, and unexpected twists of the franchise. At one point he discusses how, despite designing early MvC titles more as immediately satisfying party games than technical competitive endeavors, one entry set the stage for the franchise to shift into one of the fighting game community’s most beloved tournament staples.
About eight and a half minutes into the interview, Nara digs into his perspective on the competitive side of Marvel vs. Capcom. He admits that it was never supposed to be the kind of game that players sank countless hours into in order to tease out all the most effective and efficient plays.
The bright, colorful, and flashy appeal paired with gorgeously-animated Marvel and Capcom icons was instead meant to entice the attention of any and all who may be passing by. Mashing the buttons could still result in glorious super combos that felt satisfying.
“Back [before the time of Marvel vs. Capcom 2], the game didn’t feel as ‘competitive,'” says Nara. “It was more like a flashy, party-style game where anyone could pull off impressive moves with their favorite characters. It wasn’t designed for intense, serious competition.”
Of course, somewhere along the way Marvel vs. Capcom became a darling of more serious fighting game players. Earlier games, while still fun, are not usually part of tournament line ups. That’s not at all true for 2000’s Marvel vs. Capcom 2, one of the most iconic games in competitive FGC history, and there are a few reasons for that.
“By the time we got to Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and it became a 3v3 game the series incorporated tag mechanics that introduced a level of strategy, adding a competitive edge,” explains Nara. “It created a kind of growth potential unique to this series. And, of course, gathering so many characters together is something only this series could pull off. It’s tough for the players, but it’s exciting for spectators. The characters constantly switch, and the action is flashy. But I never imagined it would turn into such a serious game,” he finishes.
You can see all of what Nara had to say about the competitive evolution of the MvC franchise and plenty more in the full video below.