Panque
Random foreign guy
This.Creativity. This is completely arguable, despite the fact that MvC3 hasn't done anything remotely original outside of X-factor (gee, temporary god mode, what a clever gimmick), but I just wanted to point out that you sound like a pretentious fuck.
Popularity. No shit, Marvel 2 has been played for what, ten years? Marvel 3 inherited much of its fanbase from Marvel 2, whereas Mortal Kombat hasn't been a competitive fighter since... Well, ever, really. UMK3 has always been at some tournaments, but it definitely had/has more of a niche following.
Playerbase, see above. In fact, popularity and playerbase are more or less synonymous in fighting game terms. Do you have any idea what the fuck you're talking about?
Execution. Yeah, the fact that Marvel is more execution-heavy definitely makes it a "better" fighting game. If you're actually just whining about the negative edge issue, I didn't see it slowing down Lord of the Fly's Nightwolf yesterday, and Nightwolf struggles with negative edge more than anyone (with the possible exception of Jade).
Also, you gotta hate that loli atmosphere most japanese fighting games have (I can think of tekken as an exception). I personally can't stand it. I know this has nothing to do with gameplay tho.
Talking about gameplay, I find mvc to be too fast and flashy, and in my opinion that leaves a big room for lucky players (Only on pools perhaps, I'll be sure to check the finals on sunday). I prefer games that take it a bit slower, with mindgames and all. But then again, it all comes down to taste, and mine says MK is at a very close level comparing to MvC. (And both games are miles behind SSFIV)
Also, pupularity and playerbase don't make a game good (Aside from perhaps MMOs). Of course having tousands of players online that you can challenge (And a netcode better than mk's) leads to a much better experience, but doesn't defines if a game is good or bad, underrated or overrated.
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If MK wants to make it to evo 2012, launching an Ultimate MK 9 would be a good move. It would be much better than a possibly glitchy and unbalanced MK10, but i doubt it'll happen. I sure hope mk never leaves evo and develops a fanbase half as huge as SF's. Hope nothing too weird happens at this sunday.
Sorry for any possible english mistakes, brazilian kombatant