The fighting game enthusiast teams up with @WistfulHopes to ignite interest in the ill-fated Vs. crossover 

Marvel vs Capcom Infinite is getting a visual facelift, courtesy of prominent game streamer Maximilian Dood, as he has partnered with independent developer and fighting game modder Ryn (@WistfulHopes) to potentially generate new life into a game that was much maligned upon its release. This news was confirmed via his Twitter/X on May 1st. Progress has been revealed via still shot screen images at regular intervals.

Again, I can't compliment @WistfulHopes more on the hardwork and talent on display. We're getting close to something that makes me really happy, and hopefully many others who adverted their eyes from MVCI originally.

Again, I can't compliment @WistfulHopes more on the hardwork and talent on display. We're getting close to something that makes me really happy, and hopefully many others who adverted their eyes from MVCI originally. https://t.co/GSfKdEk31m pic.twitter.com/VGkNOsvAaW

— Maximilian Dood (@maximilian_) May 2, 2024

In an interview with IGN, Ryn detailed the difficult task of adding the cel shader:

“The most challenging part was figuring out the changes Capcom made to the rendering engine, as there were some customizations,” Ryn stated. “...It feels incredible seeing the hard work pay off.” 

[Images: @WistfulHopes, @maximilian_ ]

took a screencap of vanilla mahvel infinite just to see the side by side difference of @WistfulHopes' glorious new shaders pic.twitter.com/keXmDuiAo4

— Alice I MarrowOchi 🕷️ (@MarrowOchi) May 2, 2024

While Marvel vs Capcom Infinite (released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows) sported very solid gameplay and a good combat engine, much of the criticism was aimed at its lackluster presentation and washed-out visuals, disappointing roster, and the noticeable lack of Marvel's mutants. With a shortened DLC lineup (which only included Monster Hunter, Black Panther, Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Sigma, and Venom), along with being banned from tournament play at major events like EVO, Combo Breaker, and CEO by Disney, MvCI days were numbered.

It remains doubtful that a Marvel vs Capcom 4 will ever happen, even with the popularity of Marvel Animation's X-Men 97 boosting interest. Official support may have ended years ago, but as an independent project for the community to rally around retroactively, it highlights the strength of the grassroots movement that has carried the spirit of fighting games. "When's Mahvel" indeed.

SOURCES: IGN, Twitter