Marvel Vs Capcom genuinely looks outstanding. Its massive characters - like Hulk, or Street Fighter's Zangief - stomp with well-animated aplomb, and there's no trace of slowdown or flicker.

Special attacks, too, are massive, smooth-moving wonders. Yet, ironically, it's this aesthetic excess that makes Capcom's latest that little bit less scientific during play. It's worrying to note that the player who can fire off the most attacks in the shortest time generally wins. Those who favour a thoughtful, skilful approach will find this exasperating.

Its best feature, like many fighting games, is its multiplayer mode. Marvel Vs Capcom offers more than the average beat 'em up, though, by genuinely realising the potential of its tag team system. With four pads, a group of friends can fight in teams of two, switching between fighters as and when required. It's a superb idea, and one that genuinely works.

Marvel Vs Capcom is, or as near as matters, arcade perfect. But herein lies the problem. As a coin-op fed by the occasional pound coin, it's a worthy cause. But as a home console title, its shortcomings are that bit more apparent. After the initial 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' that accompany first sight of its more eccentric attacks, extended play can prove frustrating, even unrewarding, to all but the hardcore 2D fighting exponent. Those paying over the odds for the pleasure of an import copy will expect (and deserve) more.

Everyone should bear in mind also that the Dreamcast pad is totally unsuited to the rigours this game demands of it. If you're not prepared to buy Sega's joystick as well, you should knock ten per cent from this final score...