With never before used characters from Capcom being used in this console iteration of the game, you may be thinking, how does it all size up and play out. If not, you better start thinking that way. Because here we go with the break down.

Controls:

As has become more and more the case with Wii titles, there are multiple configurations you can use for the game. The standard Wii Mote, Wii Mote and Nunchuck, Classic Controller, and GameCube controllers all have there place here. Of course the GameCube set up is ideal for this type of game, as it can be configured closer to the arcade style. But being a purist, I decided to go through with the basic Wii Mote set up. Which was full of all sorts of trials and tribulations.

Having only three buttons to control all aspects of attacks and the awkwardly small style of the Wii Mote, it was a bit hard to get started and getting down and dirty. Which led me to playing more as a button masher over trying any kind of tactics. Connecting the Nunchuck did nothing to fix this need to just go crazy pressing buttons. So, while nice that there were all the options given, this game really needs to have a standard plugged in control to get the most out how the game handles.

Audio:

Now when you think fighting game, you don't really look at it for it's amazing audio or voice overs. Which was something I was not expecting from this game to be all that superb. Gladly I was mistaken. Well with the exception of the "canned" announcer for the fights and character select sections. It was hard to understand what was being said about 80% of the time. Which wasn't a big issue, it just seemed like there was so much done for all the other audio in the game.

The music for the game did exactly what it was aimed to do, get you pumped for a fight. Even though I am not huge into the "j-pop" style music, I'm a metal man, this was perfect to keep me fighting into the late hours of the night. I felt excited and getting into every round not just for the action, but because the music did what it was suppose to, inspire.

Graphics:

As was to be expected, the graphics have kept their crispness and cleanness that was seen in the Arcade versions of this game. Which was to be expected since the "2D" style graphics are extremely easy to pump out on the Wii. But at times, I forgot I was actually playing on the Wii on a standard TV screen. It actually felt like playing in an arcade with a much more comfortable atmosphere and cheaper experience. Cheaper as in not having to pump quarters into a machine. But it really had the look and feel as if I was looking at a modified arcade machine.

Overview:

So going over the basics on all of the main aspects of the game, it can not explain how much fun I had with this game. While the controls were a little rough at first, they did not stop me from having hours of fun, and continuing fun. Even though there were a few characters I had no clue who they were, from the Tatsunoko side, I found I enjoyed most of them. The game stories filled in most of what I was lost on.

One thing that I feel I do need to point out is that there are two characters in the game that fill both character slots for the fight. Normally you get two characters to swap between, but when you select Gold Lightan or PTX-40A you only get them to fight with. Which makes sense since they are so large and powerful. The issue with that is that they are ridiculously powerful. It took great strategy to even get one of their life bars down half way when playing against a straight out button masher. They just seemed way too powerful.

Continuing from that, brought another major issue I had with the game, that when you win in Arcade mode you can't change fighters for the next round. Which makes sense, kind of, unless the person who keeps winning wants to try someone new for the fight. This particularly became the case when fighting against the two above mentioned characters. When using them, it was almost a guaranteed win. When my opponent or myself got tired of not having a challenge, we couldn't swap out easily.

One last thing I will mention though, I was over joyed to see that Frank West was in this version of the game. Even though you can't play with him from the start, he's a hidden character on for this version, when he was unlocked I had one of my favorite staples in each fight. He worked a lot like Jill from Marvel Vs. Capcom, but that is part of what I liked. Great addition.

All of that said, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is worth a good rent or buy if you want to have another great party game to add to the list of Wii titles. Like I said, it has given me hours of fun since I first cracked the plastic seal on the game box. Not that I am too surprised though. I do love the original "2D" side scrolling fighter games. Great job Capcom. I can't wait for your next VS. title to hit.

This review was possible due to Capcom sending a review copy of the game. I spent at least 4 hours playing VS. mode with another live opponent. I also spent at least 8 hours playing through the Arcade mode by myself.