E3 2001 Preshow ReportCapcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium

Capcom announced today that the sequel to Capcom vs. SNK--Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium--is currently being developed for the PlayStation 2. Originally planned as a Dreamcast title, Capcom has decided to shift the game's development to the PS2.

The game will feature 44 total characters--11 more than its predecessor--and a new set of variations on the series' "groove" system. Basically, both the Capcom and SNK grooves will have three different variations. While the ones used in the first game will still be intact, each groove will benefit from two new modes.

Capcom groove 2 will allow players to run and counter, but it limits their super-combo gauge to level one. Capcom groove 3 prevents players from using guard cancels, rolling recoveries, and air blocks, and it only allows them to perform level-three supers. Its benefits are that it allows players to parry (à la Street Fighter 3, presumably) and utilize an offensive move called "short jump."

Conversely, SNK groove 2 allows players to perform level-one supers as normal, while level-three supers become available when they perform a "power max." Also, when the power max is in effect, the fighter's attacks will deal out 20 percent more damage than normal. SNK groove 2 will also allow players to run, perform safe falls, guard cancels, and short jumps. Finally, SNK groove 3 only allows players access to their fighter's level-three super, but it increases their offensive power by 35 percent when the super gauge is full. Fighters will also suffer one-eighth less damage while their gauge is full, and they'll be able to perform safe falls and short jumps as normal, along with a move called "just defense."

Capcom vs. SNK 2 will also feature a handful of new characters from both Capcom's and SNK's fighting series. The total of 11 new characters is much more than was previously expected. Some of the new names include Street Fighter's Dan, Fatal Fury's Joe Higashi, Haomaru from Samurai Spirits, Kyosuke from Rival Schools, and Athena from KOF 95. As an added treat for fans, the character art on both the character-select and victory screens will change, depending on what fighting style is selected.

Capcom hasn't provided any release information on the game at this time, but it is expected to ship sometime this year. We'll have hands-on coverage of the game from the E3 show floor, so stay tuned.