An updated version of “Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds” has just been released under the name “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.” The game originally was planned as downloadable content for the “Marvel vs. Capcom 3” game, however, after the development schedule was disrupted it ended up being redesigned as its own title – probably due to the first game being such a major hit.

The title’s gameplay – including the three-member tag team format, X-factor boost and 3-D backgrounds – has remained largely unchanged. Marvel characters’ moves and combat physics have been adjusted to make the game more balanced for players. As well, it features a new mode, “Heroes and Heralds,” which allows players to earn more than 100 upgrade cards that can give characters new abilities and power-ups as they fight either to save the Earth or to destroy it.

An even bigger draw, though, is the amount of characters players have to choose from. The new games feature 12 additional characters, six from Marvel including Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Hawkeye, Iron First and Nova, and six from Capcom: Firebrand, Frank West (from “Dead Rising”), Nemesis (of “Resident Evil”), Phoenix Wright, Strider Hiryu and Vergil (from the “Devil May Cry” series).

“Ultimate”’s release being less than a year since the original “Marvel vs. Capcom 3” game will not leave every fan happy about having another game to buy with some arguing that the game is not different enough to get its own release. Capcom has made adjustments that do counter the argument as animations, moves and other factors have been changed for some characters in order to have a more balanced game.

One draw for the new game is the price of downloadable content. As downloadable characters each cost about $5 for the first game, “Ultimate” would save players money in new characters, including fan-favorites. As the new characters go, I am interested in the new game just to see how the character Phoenix Wright, an attorney, fits in this quick-paced fighting game.

The greatest bonus is what the game will provide in the near future, however, providing an opportunity to take the fighting game on the go with the new PS Vita that will be released in Japan in December and is expected to be released in the United States early next year. Interestingly the game going smaller in this way may be its biggest saving virtue. The PS Vita includes touchscreen gameplay and Wi-Fi to play against other players. On the new system, even this revamped game will really feel like a totally new game. “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” is a game that should be great on PS Vita format as one of the first fighting games that will be released on it.

“Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” is currently available for PS3 and Xbox 360.