CVS1 is one of the coolest fighting games ever (at least when it comes to presentation). the game just oozes style whether it's from the UI elements, audio, or artwork. even blocking an attack has a cool impact effect.

unfortunately the gameplay is full of baffling decisions. Capcom characters feel odd when limited to a 4 button control scheme. the ratio system was also implemented baffling way. overall, CVS1 is not a game that I'll ever really feel the need to revisit often because of the gameplay.

like many, I wish they we could have CVS2 gameplay but with CVS1 aesthetics. oh well.

I had the fortunate opportunity to have a college campus with Capcom vs SNK 2 and Street Fighter 3 arcade cabinets so I just wanna put that up front as I state that this game very much at its core feels like a good presentation and realization of the gameplay concept of a crossover.

There’s a celebration of arcade games in general with weird/interesting cutscenes, the art style changes based on your style, and a roster with very stripped down move sets that allow for a simple way to keep coming back and mastering the mechanics.

While I think the sequel fleshed out said mechanics, there’s an evident initial burst of love for Capcom and SNK as companies that made arcade games and the hype/presentation here with that crossover honestly is about as good as (and sometimes better than) what you even get with most Smash Bros games