Like its cousins in the Street Fighter series of games, MVC2 takes the tried-and-true formula of pitting players against each other in head-to-head combat on a 2D plane and then flips the concept sideways by offering a team of three selectable characters in place of a single bruiser. The game's expansive 56-player roster includes characters from the X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Mega Man series. It also includes broader Marvel and Capcom universes, as well as a handful of original personalities. Unlike previous versions of the game that required you to earn points and spend them at the in-game store to unlock additional characters, arenas, and costumes, everything is available here straight out of the blocks.

The game is divided into two parts: single-player and multiplayer battles. Single-player includes mainstay fighter modes: Arcade, Training, and Score Attack. Arcade gives you an infinite number of continues to complete the game's seven rounds (in one of four difficulties) before facing off with final boss, Abyss. Score Attack works similarly to Arcade mode but grants you only a single credit with which to finish the game. Training gives you the chance to put together a team and give them a dry run against three opponents of your choosing. There's no tutorial here to help improve your skills, but practice and a little trial and error will definitely help you nail the timing required to string together serious combos. You'll also be able to fiddle with your super gauge power as well as toggle your target dummy character's stance and guard settings. Though Training appears fairly basic in terms of customisability, regardless of whether you're a returning MVC2 veteran or first timer looking to scope out the options, it is a great place to come to terms with the various abilities, and combat rules before you test your mettle.

Undoubtedly, the biggest new addition in this version of MVC2 is the inclusion of online play. Multiplayer supports both offline two-player battles and online ranked and player matches. Player matches allow you to have lobbies with up to six players, and you're cycled in and out of play as matches begin and end. A Spectator mode follows the players during character selection and into the match, which means you can cheer on your friends or study rivals as you watch from the bench. Ranked matches pair you with one other player of roughly the same skill level, and while his or her gamertag is obscured until your game begins, you're able to watch the other player make his or her character selection in real time. The lack of a ready-check system similar to the one in Street Fighter IV means you'll often sit there mashing the A button to start a game without being given any indication of whether it is working or being shown the other player's status.