I’ve been clocking a lot of time with this one, so I figured I’d do a write up because of the negative reviews this one has been getting.
I was a fan of the Vs System card game from Upper Deck. I think I have a deck buried somewhere in my things. The problem was I never had anyone to play with. Most of my friends were into role playing games, never really being into card games. Rather than spending time with card games we’d play RPG’s instead. But still this game fascinated me, and I collected a few cards before I abandoned the idea of ever getting anyone interested in it.
I was pretty excited to learn that there was a PSP game in the works. At last, I could finally play the game with someone! (even if it was an “artificial” someone.) Of course, I couldn’t use the deck I bought and built, but still I wouldn’t have to pay for anything else- just the price of the game.
This game is definitely for the fan, since the mechanics can get a bit complex. I had to re-read some of the rules from the original box set to get a fell of the game mechanics again. The game’s built in tutorials included are adequate, but I never really learned the rules until I used the box set’s manual. Then I went back over the tutorials, and figured out how to play the game again.
The controls are clunky. You sometimes forget where the cursor is and have to move it around to see where it is. Sometimes you may end up hitting buttons you don’t intend to, which is problematic when you make a move you didn’t intend to (like pass a phase), and there is no take back especially when the computer begins its phase. This forces you to make sure you’re paying attention to who’s doing what, but I would’ve liked a “take back” feature included until you got used to the controls, or at least a better control scheme.
The game looks okay, after all it is a card game shrunk down to the size of a PSP. It’s not too difficult to follow once you get the hang of things. I do wish the artwork on the cards was a bit clearer, but I take it they had to save space on the UMD by downgrading the quality of the images. Not a huge strike against it, but still nothing to entice you to want to play the game. Also, to read the text on the cards requires you to move the thumbstick. Nothing major, but it is a good idea to read the entire card being played so you can figure out the effects during gameplay, and how and when to use the card.
Now to the “actually playing the game” part. It can be frustrating at times because of the controls. Once you get the hang of it the game can be a blast. The computer plays a decent game (I’m guessing) but there is that random factor about which cards come into play, so if you looking for more strategy you may be disappointed. Once you can figure out what the your opponent has in his deck (usually by losing, yelling at the PSP then chucking the UMD across the room…oh, wait, that’s just what I do), you can formulate a good enough strategy to and build a decent enough deck to beat him into submission. Once again, that randomness factor still comes into play, so if you’re looking for that pure strategy game look elsewhere.
Overall, this is a pretty decent game, and it has me hooked. I have to stress: if you are not a fan of either Marvel Comics, card games, or the Vs System, your money may be better spent elsewhere. The price point is decent ($29.99 in some stores). But if you think you are up for it, rent before you buy is a good option.
