Why It’s Rare #7: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 | Dreamcast | PS2 | Xbox
Why It’s Rare: Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Welcome to Why It’s Rare, where we dive into the history of iconic video games and explore what makes them so hard to find today. This time, we’re looking at a true gem in the fighting game genre: Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
What is It?
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom, released in 2000. The game is renowned for its massive roster of 56 characters, bringing together beloved heroes and villains from both the Marvel and Capcom universes. It’s known for its fast-paced, high-energy gameplay, featuring 3v3 battles and stunning visuals that were ahead of their time. The combination of accessible controls, deep strategy, and chaotic action made it a fan favorite and a staple in competitive fighting game tournaments.
Why is it Rare?
Limited Physical Releases: When Marvel vs. Capcom 2 first hit the shelves, it saw limited physical releases across various platforms, including the Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. The Dreamcast version had a more substantial print run, but the PS2 and Xbox versions were far scarcer, making those versions particularly hard to find.
Licensing Issues: The rarity of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was compounded by licensing issues between Marvel and Capcom. These legal complications made it difficult to re-release the game for years, causing prices for existing physical copies to skyrocket as demand grew among collectors and fans alike.
Popularity vs. Availability: Unlike some of the other titles in the series, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was an instant hit, celebrated for its diverse roster and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s unique three-on-three battle system and extensive combo possibilities created a deep and rewarding experience for both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts.
Impact of the Digital Era: While the game did see a brief revival in digital form, it was removed from digital storefronts in 2013 due to the same licensing issues that plagued its physical releases. This removal further increased the game’s scarcity, leaving fans with few options beyond hunting for an original physical copy or waiting for the next re-release.
How Much is It?
Today, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 hasnt really changed in price, the dreamcast version is more expensive running around $250 for a complete version and the PS2 and Xbox versions are around $120 - $180 for a complete copy.
