The end of the 2D fighting games is definitely not near. Even when every new Street Fighter is almost identical to the last, the magic is still there. Street Fighter is a game that will live with my generation for eternity. While the first batch of sequels evolved from the last, after awhile they didn’t change too much. These days, each new Street Fighter game adds new characters, new music, and new levels. Slight graphical improvements are made as well. So, following tradition, Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO (CvS2) for the Xbox is just a Capcom Vs. SNK with more Grooves, characters, levels, and modes. This time around, though, one of those new modes added a whole new level of play – Network Mode.

As far as graphics go, not much has changed. The sprites are a little bit smoother than on the original Capcom vs. SNK, and all the flashy effects are pure eye candy. There are no problems with the framerate at all, although lag is fairly common when playing online. The backgrounds are very entertaining and are in beautiful 3D. There’s always stuff moving around and other events going on during the fight.

The tunes in CvS2 are a mix of fast paced, yet uplifting beats. Anywhere from Jazz to a Pop rhythm can be heard during the intense, pulse-pounding fights players will encounter. This creates an interesting emotion, making the game more like a fun party than a street fight. This type of music is typical of a Capcom fighter. I also found while playing that sometimes the music would stop, and the rest of the fight would consist of only sound effects. Later I found out that this was a minor glitch that everyone was experiencing. It doesn’t happen very often, and it almost makes some fights seem more epic.

Capcom vs. SNK 2 also has plenty of game modes to choose from. Some noteworthy modes not commonly found in fighting games include Color Edit Mode and Network Mode, among other unlockable modes. Color Edit Mode allows you to change the name and appearance of every single character in the game. It’s a little confusing at first, but after some studying and practice, you can make some cool looking fighters. It’s also a way to personalize your characters for the Network Mode, which in other words is the online mode for Capcom vs. SNK 2. That’s right, if you have Xbox Live, you can challenge other CvS2 players around the world. It’s like a global arcade!

Another great way to personalize the way you play is the Groove system. Before each fight, players pick their Grooves. Each Groove provides your fighter with different skills, strengths, and weaknesses. While one Groove allows you to parry an enemy’s attack, another lets you block while in the air. They also effect how you fill up your power gauge, which let you unleash super special moves once full.

I guess the only thing left to talk about would be the controls. One thing that can definitely ruin a game is the controller used to play it. The Xbox controller is definitely not the best fighting game controller, but it’s also not the worst. The trigger buttons are inconvenient in such a fast game, and the white and black buttons are too small. These problems really aren’t catastrophic and can easily be worked around with practice.

Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO is a well-rounded fighter. Providing tons of characters from both the Capcom and SNK worlds molded a balanced competition, giving each character his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Fans of either Capcom or SNK will definitely enjoy this fighter. Anyone looking for more games to play online should also look in the direction of Cvs2.

Gameplay: 8.5
Not much innovation to the gameplay, but hey, don’t fix what’s not broken right? CvS2 still brings Street Fighter’s trademarked fast-paced fighting action, and all online too. My only complaint is the controller. The d-pad makes doing moves more awkward than the PS2 or Dreamcast controllers.

Graphics: 9 
The character animations are fast and smooth, and they’re all unique. The backgrounds are amusing and animated in full 3D making them a slight, but entertaining, distraction from the fighting. CvS2 runs perfectly, but when playing online there’s definitely lag to contend with.

Sound: 9.3
From the classic “Hadouken” to the well-known “Shoryuken” all the sound effects are there. Upbeat tunes create an intense yet fun-filled ambiance that keeps you moving. The Xbox has a small glitch, though, and sometimes the music will stop during play. I usually am too involved to notice, but it might bother some players.

Difficulty: Easy-Hard
It’s hard to pick a difficulty on this one. First of all, you can select your difficulty in the options menu. Second, when playing online the difficulty can range anywhere from laughably easy to frustratingly hard. As far as controls and gameplay go, it’s a pretty easy game to learn. Getting good is the hard part.

Concept: 9.5 
CvS2 is your typical Street Fighter with new fighters, new modes, and new fighting styles. What tops it all off, though, was the addition of online play. With online play reaching console games recently, it was only a matter of time before 2D fighters went online. It’s the beginning of the end for arcades, sadly. Now if we could all have a moment of silence…

Multiplayer: 8
While the ability to go online may seem like some sort of miracle gift, but it can also slap you in the face and say, “You thought you were good, but you really aren’t.” Many people online are amazingly good, and will trash talk you until the bitter end. Plus there’s also the small lag problem.  

Overall: 8.9
Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO isn’t as fast as Marvel vs. Capcom 2, as pretty as Guilty Gear X2, or as smooth as Street Fighter 3, but it’s a 2D fighter that’s online. The Groove selection can completely change the play mechanics of any of your favorite Street Fighter or SNK contestants. It’s also really cool to be able to change the colors and names of your favorite characters. Besides the Xbox controller itself, there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t play this game.