We’ve heard a lot about the expanded roster in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 in the last few weeks, but we’ve seen little of how the new fighters play. We’ve finally got an in-depth look at eight new (and returning) fighters we’ll see in UMvC3. Seth Killian fromCapcom sat down to demonstrate and details new abilities, stages, and special moves in these quick-look commentary videos. Kick back, watch, and learn something about everyone.

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As a lawyer, Phoenix isn’t the fighting type. He has more methods in his arsenal than violent skull-crushing. Phoenix relies a lot on assists and oddball attacks — yelling at his opponents, for instance. The goofball can also investigate just the same as he would in an Ace Attorney game — he hunts down evidence hidden in the area and uses it to…convict his foe. This is fancy way of hammering an opponent with a weird courtroom special that deals huge damage. We don’t get it either. Just watch, because it’s delightful.

Who? Nova isn’t a hero many of us probably aren’t familiar with, but he’s a speedy badass with oodles of energy-centric strikes. Seth shows us he’s great as a starter character with awesome aerial or launching follow-ups. Nova is fast to the point of being almost unpredictable as he bounces all over the place. Speed doesn’t sacrifice power in this case — his combos are devastating, more so if he’s taken a beating. Nova can use damage taken to dish out more attacks during hypers.

Look at how slow this undead, experiment-gone-wrong moves! How are we supposed to–oh. Nemesis has a fierce reach, incredible power, and a gigantic rocket launcher. The Resident Evil 3 villain looks fairly easy to get around, but he hits hard and can power through others’ attacks. The fugly dude looks like a more manageable Hulk, if you’re the kind of person who prefers nimble characters but misses the power of the big guys.

Ghost Rider looks to have a great balance of up-close and distance abilities. Most importantly, he excels at lighting your face on fire. His chain whip works wonders for pulling opponents toward his flame breath, as well as keeping folks at a distance if he opts to smash through ’em with a motorcycle. This is going to be even better when we pretend we’re kicking ass as Nicolas Cage.

Naturally, the Avengers’ weakest link rocks at a range. His arrows pierce, electrocute, and lock enemies in place. Hawkeye’s greatest defense is a strong offense, and keeping melee specialists away is really his forte. His moves aren’t on the same level as the incomprehensible craziness most characters bring to the table, but he’s a quick and precise fighter. He doesn’t have time for nonsense, so don’t make fun of his purple suit.

Hey, an evil Daredevil in the background of Strange’s stage? Never mind this fast, flying fighter — we want to punch Ben Affleck. Oh, fine. Strange is admittedly pretty rad. The good doctor’s lightning beams and seeking energy orbs work well to close gaps on opponents before laying into ’em with juggling combos. Dropping glyphs around the arena looks like a big risk/reward ability we’ll never be good enough to use effectively. The mystical magician has plenty of flashy moves that could make him one of the best new characters. Also, he wears a killer cape.

Strider Hiryu is the only new character from an earlier Marvel vs. Capcom game — he was rad in MvC2, and his return in UMvC3 is one we’re all about. He can launch between the walls and teleport, so he’s a way-mobile dude. Strider is the kind of character with high speed and impressive power, so he looks to be a great starter as well as someone skilled players will wipe the floor with. Plus, he can call in robot jaguars to mess up opponents. Ah, Strider, you’re the best ninja from the future.

No, no, not the obscure Marvel character. This Firebrand is the pesky dragon from Ghosts ‘n Goblins. Of course, the flying thing relies on a lot of aerial combos, launches to facilitate said combos, and scorching his opponents, often in an effort to launch them into aerial combos. He’s an effective little dude, and an unexpected choice for a fighting game.

 

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