Parents' Guide to

Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Classic fighting game glamorizes violence, sexualizes women.

Game PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 2011
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Game: Screenshot #1
  • Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Game: Screenshot #2
  • Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Caroline Sheehan
Caroline Sheehan Parent of 11 and 14-year-old
March 14, 2013
age 10+

Commonsense is full of over protective parents. Let me explain..

This game is NOT only fighting. Common sense has failed to mention that you and the characters are fighting to save the earth from the super villain named "Galactus" and an evil character from Resident Evil 5 named "Wesker" Common sense barely even plays the games and over exaggerates even the smallest drop of blood. The characters do swear but is rarely heard and in the options you can turn it off. This game is full of many comic super heroes such as Hulk, Wolverine, Iron man, Captain America,and Thor. Great game play and the game is greatly detailed.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
asjklas
asjklas Adult
March 5, 2013
age 12+

In general, fun; mild violence, however, very suggestive content.

Despite its lack of single player value, characters, and innovation, Marvel vs Capcom 3 (and its special edition) should be very exciting for multiplayer events. It is a fighter, so it does contain some violence (although mild). Several female fighters appear sexually suggestive (the Darkstalker characters, to be specific) and it contains mild language and suggestive themes. But otherwise, should be just fine for teens. Maybe even kids if you can get passed the aforementioned.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 5 parent reviews

What’s It About?

It's been an entire decade since we last saw a new Marvel vs. Capcom fighting game -- 2000's Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes for the Sega Dreamcast -- but the once-popular series is back after a long hiatus in MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3: FATE OF TWO WORLDS. This fast-paced, colorful brawler includes classic fighters -- such as Hulk, Wolverine, and Iron Man from the Marvel universe and Ryu and Morrigan from Capcom's Street Fighter and Darkstalkers franchises, respectively -- as well as new characters like Resident Evil's Chris Redfield, Thor, and Viewtiful Joe. Some characters have undergone a makeover, such as the uber-muscular Hulk, while others have a more retro look, such as the classic design of Iron Man's shiny red and gold suit. Capcom says they've gone for "living comic book art style" powered by a tweaked version of the advanced graphics engine used for Resident Evil 5.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (13):

Whether you're partial to fighting games in general, a fan of this series specifically, or have a soft spot for characters from the Marvel and/or Capcom universes, this reimagined classic brawler will please. It features wild, over-the-top action, mid-air battles, terrific special effects, and multilayered combos designed to inflict as much damage on your opponents as possible. Gamers can also create their dream team of fighters for 3-on-3 tag team duels, which include "assist attacks" where one character helps out another. Online play is smooth and fast, and delivers five different modes from which to choose.

Capcom also spent a lot of time creating depth, offering many dozens of moves for hardcore players to master. Newbies, meanwhile, can use a simplified controls option to help them get into the swing of things. The story is shallow (hey, it's a fighting game) and we noticed some minor balancing issues, but there's very little to complain about in this thrilling fighter. Note: the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game are the same.

Online interaction: Up to eight players can battle it out online and talk freely with one another via an optional headset microphone. That means players can easily share personal information and may be exposed to unsuitable language and subjects of discussion.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how fighting games can help hone a player's reflexes and hand/eye coordination. How might these skills help gamers in the real world?

  • Families can also discuss the depiction of female characters in video games. Fighting games tend to sexualize women. How do you think male players interpret these unrealistic images? How about female players? Can you think of other genres in which women tend to be portrayed in a more lifelike manner?

Game Details

  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release date: February 15, 2011
  • Genre: Fighting
  • Topics: Superheroes
  • ESRB rating: T for Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence
  • Last updated: August 30, 2016

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