So, after nearly a year long wait, the GameCube finally receives its first 2D fighter courtesy of the now undisputed grand master of the genre (R.I.P. SNK) Capcom. Capcom vs. SNK 2: EO is the third console port of a now year-old arcade game, and contrary to what many feared after the sub-par PS2 port, it is excellent.

CvS2 is the latest in Capcom’s line of 2D fighting games. After the somewhat disappointing original Capcom vs. SNK, this game truly is a breath of fresh air for both Capcom and SNK fighting fans. With over 20 characters representing each company’s roster, and six different “grooves” to compliment the varied fighting styles of the characters, this is what fans had been expecting all along. From the standard Alpha-esque C-groove to the classic SNK-styled S groove, there is something for everyone.

CvS2:EO’s major addition to the original (and earlier ports) is of course the much talked about GC-ism control style. Probably thrown in to accommodate the odd arrangement of buttons on the standard GC controller, GC-ism forces the player into a set configuration. The control stick is used in lieu of the D-pad for movement, the L & R shoulder buttons for kicks and punches respectively, and the C-stick for every special/super move in the game. What this means then is that GC-ism takes "advantage" of the analog sensitivity of the shoulder buttons and the C-stick to determine whether your punch/kick/super/special move is either a weak, medium, or strong move. This does lend itself well to casual players, which is exactly the point of course, but because it is so difficult to get just the right move you need with the GC-ism setup it is nearly impossible to truly master the game. Fortunately, Capcom left in the standard 6-button setup as AC-ism for those brave enough to try to use the non-fighter-friendly GC pad. Yet, this is not as great an issue as some may have you believe. While it isn’t the most natural pad to use, the standard GameCube controller can be used quite effectively for 2D fighters. For instance, I have gotten used to using the GC pad quite well, and now feel much more comfortable in rolling than I ever did with my Dreamcast import of CvS2. Also, as an alternative to using the GC pad, you could always just buy a PSX-GC controller adapter for $10.

Graphically, Capcom vs. SNK 2: EO is absolutely solid. The backgrounds look very nice and detailed with an added “in-your-face” 3D effect going on in pretty much all of them. The sprites themselves are usually very well done (with the rare exception of an older over-used sprite), especially those that were remade especially for this game. Special mention goes to Haohmaru and Chun Li’s new sprites. The animation is very fluid as well, even surpassing the previous DC port, which was nearly arcade-perfect. Sound effects and voice-acting are perfect, as usual for Capcom. Every character sounds just the way they should, and every punch, kick, and special move is accompanied by an equally satisfying sound. The game also features an announcer that chatters non-stop before and after fights. With the announcer, it is either a love or hate relationship, as his campy lines such as “Whoa! Who let these fighters into the tournament?! They’re way too strong!” will either make you laugh or cringe. The background music accompanying the game is also well done. The songs are well suited for each stage they play on, and while it would be nice to have a theme for each fighter (as was the tradition in older Capcom games), the music does the job nicely. As a nice bonus, Capcom included various tunes from older Capcom and SNK classics.

As every fighting game fan knows, a good fighting game is endlessly replayable as long as you have someone to play against on at least a semi-regular basis. Of course, this is true with Capcom vs. SNK 2, but then the true test of a truly long-lasting fighter is the depth of the game. Fortunately, CvS2:EO delivers this in spades. With the incredibly large roster (plus the two unlockable secret characters) and the six selectable grooves, there is more than enough to play with even if you are just going it solo.

All in all, Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO is the complete package. The only reason for fighting fans to waver on their purchase is if they are already satisfied with the port they have on the PS2 or DC. Just make sure to be prepared to get used to the GC controller or just go out and buy an arcade stick or a PSX-GC adaptor.