Anticipation is high for Marvel Vs Capcom 3, especially given Capcom’s return to the top of fighting games with Street Fighter 4. After 11 years, the timing is perfect to see the ever-extending list of classic Capcom game characters launch into another almighty ruckus with the best characters from the Marvel Comics universe.

Today we’re fortunate enough to be given a hands-on taste of the 3vs3 two-player action at the Capcom Christmas party in London. Eager gaming journalists are allowed to choose three characters from a choice of favourites. Capcom characters include: Dante, Trish, Viewtiful Joe, Amaterasu (Okami), Chris Redfield, Felicia, Morrigan, Ryu and Chun-Li. The Mash-up continues with the Marvel folk: Iron Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Deadpool, Hulk, Doctor Doom, Thor, Super-Skrull and Dormammu. There will be plenty more added to both rosters before release.

Character moves, style and attitude matches their personae well. Deadpool has a piss-taking stomping swagger when he walks towards an opponent (funnier against the likes of Hulk), Dante struts, Viewtiful Joe zips around and Wolverine prowls.

The matches allow players to tag in team-mates, either for a quick attack or a full tag-in replacement. Two fighters are assigned to the L1 and R1 buttons, with a tap bringing them in for a drop-in attack and a hold of the button replacing the current fighter.

These drop-in attacks are different for every fighter and typically reflect their persona. The Hulk will rip up the floor and send a wave of concrete out in a powerful blast, while Devil May Cry’s Dante will appear with his guitar and pull off a devastating riff that summons a column of electrical damage. Drop-in attacks can be very handy to deal some extra damage, but you’ll have to be careful as your opponent may be able to get in a counter attack on both of you! If they manage this, the health bars of both characters will take a hammering.

Click here to read the rest of my hands-on preview over at Dealspwn.com