Today we launch two new characters as DLC for Marvel Vs Capcom 3. Jill Valentine, of Resident Evil fame, and Shuma-Gorath, the “Lord of Chaos, Master of the Great Old Ones, Ruler of a Hundred Dimensions”. So definitely not just a big scary octopus.

Jill has appeared in many Resident Evil games over the years, but it’s her most recent appearance in Resident Evil 5 that defines her as a fighting games character. Which means that she’s FAST, and scary, because she’s being controlled by the device that Wesker has put in her chest. That pesky Wesker! It wouldn’t be entirely inaccurate to say that Jill sits somewhere between Wesker and X-23 in terms of playing style, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself.

Shuma-Gorath is, well, special. A little-known fact about Shuma-Gorath is that for quite a long time, Marvel didn’t want Shuma-Gorath in the game at all. We did, though, so the producer fought relentlessly and eventually Marvel conceded that he’d be allowed to appear, but only as DLC and not as part of the main roster. And so here he is, in all his glory.

And finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all of you who have expressed concern for Capcom staff based in Osaka and Tokyo following last week’s earthquake, and also for your patience and understanding for any possible delay that this DLC might have suffered. I’m pleased to say that all of our Japanese employees are safe and well. Our thoughts go out to the people of Japan and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

Thank you.

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Today sees the launch of the Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 demo on PSN. Hooray! And what better way to celebrate than to give away five redeem codes. More on that in a bit. First, a refresher on why you need Bionic Commando back in your life.

Bionic Commando is old skool; much more so even than Happy Shopper. And so too is Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. Kind of. As with the first PSN remake of the 2D classic it’s been recreated in pseudo 3D (for maximum high def pretty) but remains faithful to the original in all its side scrolling glory. And you still use the bionic arm to traverse progressively trickier levels while shooting bad guys in the face with loads of different weapons but, well, I won’t lie. Bionic Commando Rearmed has changed.

You can now jump.

I know, I know. Really, I know. It’s wrong, and I get that. I really do. But not having the jump was so HARD. People really struggled with that, so we gave Spencer a jump. It’s just a little one, and it’s possible to complete the entire game without it. And you can turn it off. The thing is, it’s fun. Fun! I know! In a videogame!

We’ve also made it possible to play the game in co-op with a friend (on the same console). And we’ve introduced a perks system of sorts – as you explore some of the more hard to reach places in BCR2 you’ll come across abilities that change the way you play, from grenades to health regenerators to upgrades to your arm that turn it into an awesome punching machine. And while these upgrades don’t make things significantly easier, they do make the game obscenely entertaining even when you’re returning to a level on your third run through as you look for that final secret collectable.

This is the best Bionic Commando has ever been. It’s the most accessible, has the deepest gameplay, is the prettiest and offers the most reason to come back to it again and again.

To celebrate the launch of the demo we’re giving away five redeem codes on our twitter feed, @capcomeuro. Head on over to be in with a chance of winning. And if you don’t win, why not check out the demo, available today on the PSN Store.

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If Street Fighter is a game of chess, with carefully chosen strategies played out in a precise and careful manner, then Marvel Vs Capcom 3 is like backgammon. Backgammon starring massive robots with eyes made of rockets that can shoot lasers into your brain, bombarding you with lightning-fast attacks while dressed in skin-tight clothing that would put a glamour model to shame. Roughly speaking.

The Marvel Vs Capcom games, like all of the versus games over the years, have always been more about crazy over-the-top action, super-stylish and comedic characters and screen-filling moves. It’s what sets them apart from other fighting games and gives them such broad appeal. It’s also one of the few occasions a Marvel fan can pit different super heroes against each other, and it’s certainly the only chance you have to pit Capcom characters against Marvel characters (even though everyone knows Capcom characters are the best). Just seeing it in action is probably enough for you to know whether or not you want to play it but, for some, it looks overwhelming and you haven’t really played a fighting game for years.

Here are my top 10 tips for newcomers to the Marvel Vs Capcom series:

1. Take the time to mess around with all the different characters. Some of the characters that have never been in a fighting game before have some really interesting moves, and even characters that you think you know inside out – like Ryu – have something new to play around with. Experiment so that you know you have the right team.
2. Don’t be afraid to use Simple Mode. It may make inputs easier, but winning a game of Marvel Vs Capcom 3 isn’t about who can do the most complicated moves, it’s about strategy and tactics.
3. It’s ok to block sometimes. Honestly. If you never block, you’ll never beat somebody who does block. Not losing health is as important as dealing damage. And since you’re blocking…
4. Use Advancing Guard! It’s easy to forget it’s there as an option when you start out. Just press the attack buttons when you’re already blocking and you’ll push your opponent away. Advancing Guard is a great way to make some space when your opponent is attacking relentlessly.
5. Don’t mash! It’s easier said than done, but if you don’t stop mashing, you’ll never learn how to play fighting games. It’s like that eureka moment when you suddenly realise that you have to brake early in Gran Turismo to get round a corner; that temporary sacrifice of instant gratification opens up an entire genre of gaming to you. And there’s never been a better time to get into fighting games. Instead, learn the basic Light Mid Heavy chain. Almost all the characters can use it to link into pretty much anything. It’s easy to do, and is a good replacement for the mashing that you’ve just given up.
6. Learn the timing for launching. The trick is to jump IMMEDIATELY after hitting the S button. And don’t forget to combo in the air.
7. Don’t be intimidated by Mission Mode. They’re meant to span the entire range of skills a good MvC3 player will have after extended play. If you only make it to the third or fourth mission, don’t be disheartened. You’ll be surprised how soon you’ll be coming back to smash previously insurmountable walls.
8. Don’t rage quit! It will increase a hidden rating you have that increases your chances of meeting other people that rage quit. Which, I guess, is fine if you don’t mind playing with dishonourable people.
9. Have fun! It’s easy to get involved in discussions on which character is the best, and to feel that your character choice is one of the weaker ones. Remember, ‘tiering’, as it’s called, is determined by tournament players, and you might not even be able to take advantage of the things they’re doing with a certain character to make them top tier. Make your choices based on characters that you like, both from how they play and how they look. In the end you’ll enjoy your game more and who knows, maybe one day you’ll become the player people associate with that character. Many players make a name for themselves by playing with ‘weaker’ characters.
10. And finally, always make sure your team synchronise their outfits. Red Hulk with red She Hulk and Viewtiful Joe makes a great team. So does Captain America, Chun Li and blue Iron Man. If you’re not colour co-ordinated, you’re nothing.

Marvel Vs Capcom 3 is available on PS3 tomorrow so grab it and follow these tips to make an early impact on the online arena. Tell us: which three-fighter team-up will you be using?

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Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

For more information, visit —

• Website: marvelvscapcom3.com
• Twitter: @marvelvscapcom
• Community: capcom-europe.com

Taking you 4 a new ride in Spring 2011.

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Sadder than Aeris dying, sadder than realising you’ve hit 100 per cent and there’s nothing left to do in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, sadder even than the inevitable demise of that big pet animal in Trico in the final scenes (and you KNOW that game won’t end any other way), is the news that the Gathering Hall is closing. In fact, this Sunday is the closing party. I can’t even find a smiley that accurately conveys how sad this makes me.

In the two months we’ve been open we’ve had thousands of visits from Monster Hunters from all over the UK, proving to us not only the popularity of Monster Hunter but also the dedication of its players. Dwarfing even the efforts of visitors from as far as Scotland were the visitors from Poland, one player’s pilgrimage from Kuwait for two whole weeks (thanks for the home-made baklava, Sai) and a surprise two-day visit from a middle-eastern royal family whose origin I dare not disclose. It seems geographical location is no barrier for the dedicated Hunter.

So this is your last chance! Your last chance to experience Monster Hunter the way it was meant to be played – with others, in the flesh. It’s true social gaming at its best. So if you’re free (or just need to get away from the Notting Hill Carnival) then please, come visit us one last time. Help us drink the last of our alcohol (over 18s only) and be a part of the end of a truly unique gaming experience.

The Gathering Hall will open on Sunday 30th August at 12pm for the last time, and close at 10pm for the last time. The final playoffs for the Rajang time trial challenge will begin at 12.30pm and the winners declared by 4pm at the latest. The Hall is located at 121 Charing Cross Road, which is an extremely short walk from Tottenham Court Road tube station. Entry is free and exclusive to anyone with a PSP and a copy of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.

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