------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marvel Super Heroes Character Gem Effects FAQ: VERSION 1.00 -Created, Edited and Compiled by: Psychochronic of Shoryuken.com (Brettdude in Gamefaqs) Another form of Psychochronic Literature! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last Update: January 16, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notes before reading this document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1) This document is NOT a tier list or a movelist. It's a brief description of the effects of the gems used by the characters of Marvel Super Heroes for Arcade, PlayStation and Sega Saturn so don't expect anything answered such as "Which character is top-tier?", "How do you do this specific move?" or anything on doing certain combos. If this is not the infor- mation you are looking for, please close this text now. 2a) This document is protected by US Copyright Law, and the Berne Copyright Convention of 1976. This document is for private and personal use only--it cannot be reprinted in part or inwhole or reproduced in any way or in any form (written or otherwise). It is a free document that cannot be used in any sort of commercial transaction, including selling it or giving it away as a gift. Although I am...the author in the majority of the text, please respect the other authors whose work I have included in this guide. 2b) This document cannot be hotlinked to any other forums/ sites other than Gamefaqs, Shoryuken and my Geocities webpage (link provided below on the Contact section). To kinda repeat point #2a, this guide cannot be referenced, altered, or used by anybody (including webmasters, publishers and magazine staff) without my express written permission. This guide is created and is owned by me, Brett "Psychochronic" Navarro (aka. "Brettdude" in Gamefaqs). Plagarizing is a crime and is punishable by law. 3) This document is better read on Notepad with the Font set on "Times New Roman" on Regular setting, Size "10" and the screen resolution set on 1024x768. Use the Find feature (Ctrl + F) to find whatever term you're looking for easy mobility. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Table of Contents: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1) Version Changes 2) Gem Descriptions -Power -Reality -Space -Soul -Time -Mind 3) Characters (Doctor Doom and Thanos not written) -Hulk -Wolverine -Spider-Man -Magneto -Juggernaut -Iron Man -Psylocke -Captain America -Shuma-Gorath -Blackheart 4) Contact 5) Credits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Version Changes: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.00 - January , 2007: Compilated on January 8, 2007 around 9:06pm EST and finished on January 16, 2007.This was originally supposed to be an Arcade/Console differences FAQ of the same game but got rejected twice due to lack of information which is mostly regarding the PlayStation version so it was trans- formed into this FAQ instead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gem Descriptions: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1) Power (Power Up): This gem allows the character to increase their power and stun potential for a short period of time. Depending on the character, it can do as much as 2, 3 or even 4 times more damage. Notable Effects: Wolverine, Spider-Man, Psylocke, Captain America ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2) Reality (Reality): This gem allows the character to summon elements to appear on screen going towards the opponent for a short period of time. Electric spheres, icicles, and fire orbs appear just in the press of a button. Notable Effects: Blackheart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3) Space (Super Armor): This gem allows the character to increase their defense for a short period of time. Depending on the character, they can still get launched for a combo or stay still in stance after a hit. Notable Effect: Magneto, Juggernaut ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4) Soul (Life Recover): This gem allows the character to increase their vitality for a short period of time. If not getting hit with the gem in effect, the character will heal as much as 8-10%. Notable Effect: Iron Man ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5) Time (Speed Up): This gem allows the character to increase their speed for a short period of time. A great and easier way to connect combos and mixups that some can't be done on regular speed. Notable Effects: Hulk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6) Mind (Infinity Recover): This gem allows the character to increase their super meter (aka. Infinity Meter) for a short period of time. Each character has a limit on their meter and is a very innovative way to use Super Combos as it builds up as much as two meters. *NOTE: The Mind gem can only be recieved in Versus mode. In Story mode, Thanos has the Mind gem and he swipes the remaining five when you fight him with the Mind gem last in order. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Characters: *NOTE: All gems have the same effect (Soul Gem healing on the same rate) on different characters while others have a slight distinct difference that somes can't be noticable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1) Hulk: The Hulk (Dr. Robert Bruce Banner), sometimes referred to as The Incredible Hulk, is a fictional character, a super- hero appearing in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk first appeared in Incredible Hulk # 1 (May 1962). He has since become one of Marvel Comics' most recognized superhero characters. After nuclear physicist Dr. Robert Bruce Banner is caught in the blast of a gamma bomb he created, he is transformed into the Hulk, a raging monstrosity. The character, both as Banner and the Hulk, is frequently pursued by the police or the armed forces, often as a result of the destruction he causes. While the coloration of the character's skin varies during the course of its publication history, the Hulk is most often depicted as green. He is featured in a number of animated series, a feature film directed by Ang Lee, and a long-running television series and spin-off television movies starring Bill Bixby as Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. Real Name: Robert Bruce Banner Notable Powers: Superhuman strength, stamina, and dura- bility, Regenerative healing factor, Ability to see and com- municate with astral bodies, Gamma radiation absorption, Transformation, Strong resistance (but not immunity) to mind control, Genius level intellect in certain incarnations -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. Has similar damage potential compared to Juggernaut. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for traps to launch Gamma Charge setups for more damage. -Space: Increases defense. Hulk can't be launched by the opponent nor can he be knocked down of his attacks. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. Most of his attacks have a very heavy recovery time so this may come in use. Recommended gem. -Mind: Increases super meter. Hulk has a maximum of three meters but only has one super (Gamma Crush). Useful for Infinity Counter (Gamma Charge) then launch thecombo from there. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2) Wolverine: Wolverine, born James Howlett but more commonly known as Logan, is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero and a mem- ber of several teams, including the X-Men and the New Avengers. Created by writer Len Wein and artist John Romita Sr. with some input by Incredible Hulk illustrator Herb Trimpe, Wolverine first appeared in Incredible Hulk #180-181 (October 1974). A mutant, Wolverine possesses animal-keen senses and re- flexes and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound. This healing ability enabled the super- soldier program Weapon X to bond the near unbreakable metal alloy adamantium to his skeleton that includes razor- sharp retractable claws. He is also a master of hand-to-hand combat. Wolverine joined the X-Men's "All New, All Different" roster in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975). Wolverine was symbolic of the many tough anti-authority anti-heroes that emerged in American popular culture after the Vietnam War and his will- ingness to use deadly force and brooding nature became standard characteristics for comic book anti-heroes by the end of the 1980s. As a result, the character became the clear favorite for fans of the increasingly popular X-Men franchise. He has been featured in his own solo comic since 1988 and he has been a central character in every X-Men adaptation, including animated television series, video games, and the live action 20th Century Fox film series, in which he is played by Hugh Jackman. Real Name: Logan (born James Howlett) Notable Powers: Regenerative healing factor, Slowed aging process, Adamantium-laced skeleton and retractable claws, Superhumanly acute senses, Superhuman strength, stamina, agility, and reflexes, High resistance to telepathy -Power: Activates Berserker Rage. First introduced in COTA, this allows shadow trails follow around and copy hit-by-hit. Increases damage. Recommended gem. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Some elements can cancel off moves if in effect (Weapon X). -Space: Increases defense. Wolverine can still be launched by the opponent but can't get knocked down of his attacks. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. Although he doesn't have the same effects as Berserker Rage, it's still got its same potential for combos and aerial raves. -Mind: Increases super meter. Wolverine has a maximum of three meters and has two supers (Berserker Barrage X, Weapon X). Wolverine can build fast meter already but it's always good to have it handy for an Infinity Counter (Drill Claw). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3) Spider-Man: Spider-Man (Peter Parker) is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. First appearing in Amazing Fantasy #15 (Aug. 1962), he has become one of the world's most popular, enduring and recognizable superheroes. When Spider-Man first saw print in the 1960s, teenage characters in superhero comic books were usually side- kicks. The Spider-Man series broke ground by featuring a hero who himself was an adolescent, to whose "self- obsessions with rejection, inadequacy, and loneliness" young readers could relate. Spider-Man has since appear- ed in various media including several animated and live- action television series, syndicated newspaper comic strips and a successful series of films. Marvel has published several Spider-Man comic book series, the first being The Amazing Spider-Man. Over the years, the Peter Parker character has developed from shy high school student to troubled college student to married professional. Real Name: Peter Benjamin Parker Notable Powers: Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, Ability to stick to solid surfaces, Clair- voyant "spider-sense", Night vision, Accelerated healing, Toxic stingers that extend from forearms, Ability to produce both organic and synthetic spider-webbing -Power: Activates a mirrored trail which appears behind his opponent which is similar to Morrigan's Dark Force in Vampire Savior. Also increases damage, mixups and stun. Recommended gem. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for traps to launch setups for more damage. -Space: Increases defense. Spider-Man can still be launched by the opponent but can't get knocked down of her attacks. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. A quicker way to execute aerial raves, infinites and Web Ball resets. -Mind: Increases super meter. Spider-Man has a maximum of three meters and has only one super (Maximum Spider). Spider-Man (probably faster than Wolverine) can build meter due to his combos and Web Ball resets, so I don't think this gem is that big of a deal. His Infinity Counter (Spider Sting) on the other hand, comes in handy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4) Magneto: Magneto is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics uni- verse. Primarily associated with the superhero group the X- Men, both as ally and enemy, he first appeared in X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963), created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. Magneto is depicted as one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel Universe, possessing the ability to control mag- netism. He is also one of the most morally complex characters in American comic books. A Jewish Holocaust survivor, it is his ambition to protect the mutant race from suffering a similar fate that drives his actions. Characterizations of Magneto have varied through the years, from supervillain to anti-hero to even hero, but he is most often shown as an uncompromising militant and has engaged in acts of terrorism when he felt it was for the benefit of mutantkind. This puts him at odds with his friend Charles Xavier, whose X-Men seek peaceful co- existence with the rest of humanity. Magneto has been the X-Men’s primary antagonist since his (and their) first appearance. He has led several teams against them, including the Brotherhood of Mutants and the Acolytes. While his militant actions have made him unpopular with some humans, many mutants have come to view him as a savior; at one point, when he was assumed to have died, he was portrayed as a martyr, with the phrase "Magneto was right" becoming popular among the mutant community and his face becoming an icon in t-shirts and posters, similarly to Che Guevara. He is also the father of the superheroes Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch and Polaris. Zaladane was allegedly his daughter as well. He has been featured in almost all X-Men animated series and video games and in the feature-film series, in which he is played by Sir Ian McKellen. Real Name: Erik Magnus Lensherr Notable Powers: Manipulation of Magnetism, Master strategist, Skilled hand-to-hand combatant, Genius-level intellect -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for traps to launch setups, fast fly combos and EM Disruptor finishes for more damage. -Space: Activates a forcefield which allows no attack to penetrate during the alloted time. The only attacks that can go through it are Blackheart's HP and Shuma-Gorath's Chaos Dimension. Recommended gem. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. A recommend for aerial raves and fast fly combos and also his EM Disruptor and Hypertron which has some slow recovery.. -Mind: Increases super meter. Magneto has a maximum of three meters and has two supers (Magnetic Shockwave, Magnetic Tempest). Infinity Counter is EM Disruptor and it's not bad at all in mid-ranges. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5) Juggernaut: Juggernaut (Cain Marko) is a fictional Marvel Comics character associated with the X-Men franchise. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared X-Men #12 (July 1965). Marko is X-Men founder Charles Xavier’s step-brother and bullied Xavier when they were children. Granted almost un- surpassed superhuman strength and invulnerability by the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, Juggernaut then embarked on a lengthy criminal career, often tangling with his step-brothers superhero team. Real Name: Cain Marko Notable Powers: Nearly unlimited strength, invulnerability and stamina. The ability to walk forward through any barrier that blocks his path. Unbreakable force field that also acts as an inertia dampener. Has potentially unlimited mystical abilities. Superhuman strength, durability and stamina. -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. One of the best damages if combined with his Power Up in the game that can be a force with this. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for his Juggernaut Punch setups. -Space: Activates Super Armor and incredibly good defense which allows him not to be launched by the opponent for a combo. Very few attacks by characters won't even do chip damage. Recommended gem. -Soul: Increases vitality. May come in handy as he has a very good defense. -Time: Increases speed. As the slowest character in the game, this'll come in handy in some point. -Mind: Increases super meter. Juggernaut has a maximum of two meters but only has one super (Juggernaut Head- crush) with the gem in effect, he can do 3 (yes!) Juggernaut Headcrush's if timed right (must start with full meter first). His Infinity Counter (Juggernaut Punch) does hella good damage for a counter attack. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6) Iron Man: Iron Man (Anthony Edward Stark) is a fictional comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck and Jack Kirby in Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963). Real Name: Anthony Edward Stark Notable Powers: Genius-level intelligence, Brilliant inventor and engineer, Cyberpathic link with powered armor, Skilled hand-to-hand combatant -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for traps to launch setups for more damage. -Space: Increases defense. Iron Man can still be launched by the opponent but can't get knocked down of her attacks. -Soul: Increases vitality. If Iron Man hits the opponent, they are electrocuted and lose some of their super meter and more life back goes back to Iron Man in addition to the life he regularly acquires from using the Soul Gem. Recommended gem. -Time: Increases speed. A recommend for aerial raves and fast fly combos. -Mind: Increases super meter. Iron Man has a maximum of two meters but only has one super (Proton Cannon). Not really worth the waste of the gem, other than his Infinity Counter (Repulsor Blast) and just like Hulk, you can launch your combo from there. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7) Psylocke: Psylocke (Elisabeth "Betsy" Braddock, sometimes Elizabeth) is a Marvel Comics superhero, associated with Captain Britain and the X-men. A mutant, she possesses telekinesis and excellent hand-to-hand combat skills. She formerly possessed telepathy. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe, she first appeared in the UK-only comic book Captain Britain #8 (December 1976). She was originally a supporting character of her brother Captain Britain and briefly substituted for him in the role. In issue #213 of Uncanny X-Men, she joined the X-Men. Afterwards, the villain group The Hand kidnapped her and with the help of Mojo switched her mind and body with that of the assassin Revanche (aka Kwannon) to save the latter’s life. Psylocke remerged with Kwannon’s body and ninjitsu skills, plus a severely complicated psyche. Psylocke is one of the few Marvel superheroes to have been given an actual birthdate. In an issue of the original Captain Britain comic, it was stated that Elisabeth and Brian were born in the early hours of 23 April. Betsy was the eldest of the twins by a few minutes. The original year of their birth was 1956, but, as with most comic heroes, this date is not canon in the Marvel Universe. Real Name: Elisabeth Betsy Braddock Notable Powers: Telekinesis (stronger since her resurrection), Psychic katana, Immunity to telepathy and all forms of mental, magical and physical alteration -Power: Activates Ninjutu. First introduced in COTA, this allows Psylocke to unleash 2 duplicate trails of her beside each other instead of 4. Also increases damage and stun. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Has some stun potential if used with Psi-Maelstrom or Kouchou Gakure. -Space: Increases defense. Psylocke can still be launched by the opponent but can't get knocked down of her attacks. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. A great way to utilize a variety of ground combos and mixups into aerial raves. -Mind: Increases super meter. Psylocke has a maximum of three meters and has three supers (Psi-Thrust, Psi-Maelstrom, Kouchou Gakure). If done right, you can nail, at most, three Psi-Maelstrom's in the corner and her Infinity Counter (Psi- Blade) isn't bad at all. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8) Captain America: Captain America, the alter ego of Steve Rogers (in some accounts Steven Rogers), is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Timely Comics' Captain America Comics #1. Real Name: Steve Grant Rogers Notable Powers: Peak physical condition, Expert and world renowned icon in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat prowess as well as all terrain acrobatics, Master tactician and field commander for nearly every faction of the Marvel Universe, Wields an indestructible shield made of adamantium and vibranium with an uncanny and deft ricocheting accuracy -Power: Increases damage, Shield Slash does the trail effect, Stars & Stripes does multiple-hits and more animation (like a mini-Super). Recommended gem. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Some elements can cancel off moves if in effect (Final Justice). -Space: Increases defense. Captain America can get knocked down off some attacks and can still be launched by the opponent. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. Most of his attacks have a very good recovery time, this can make it deadlier. -Mind: Increases super meter. Captain America has a maximum of two meters and only has one super (Final Justice). Since they can't be linked, his Infinity Counter (Stars & Stripes) has short verticality and is only meant to be used up close. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9) Shuma-Gorath: Shuma-Gorath is a fictional character, a demon and Lord of Chaos appearing in the Marvel Universe. It first appeared in the pages of Marvel Premiere, and is better known for also being a playable character in the Marvel vs Capcom video games. It is likely that it was inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos, having the squamous and tentacular physique typical of Cthulu and a name similar to Shub-Niggurath. Speculations that Shuma-Gorath is based on Eddy C. Bertin's Cyäegha do not take into account that the Marvel character's first visual depiction was in 1973, three full years before the publication of Bertin's "Darkness, My Name Is". Notable Powers: Immortal, Seemingly infinite magical energy, Virtually omnipotent in native dimension, Tentacular form possesses immense physical strength and resilience -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. -Reality: Summons elements from an attack. Good for traps to launch setups for more damage. -Space: Increases defense. Shuma-Gorath can be knocked down off of a few attacks and still can be launched by the opponent. -Soul: Increases vitality. Very useful if in effect with his K throw as that drains life too. -Time: Increases speed, attacks turns the opponent into stone. Recommended gem. -Mind: Increases super meter. Shuma-Gorath has a maximum of one meter and only has one super (Chaos Dimension) but with the gem in effect, he can do 2 Chaos Dimensions if timed right. Since he only has one meter, his Infinity Counter (Mystic Smash) is only worth doing for chip knockouts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10) Blackheart: Blackheart is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a demon, the "son" of Mephisto. Created by Ann Nocenti and John Romita Jr., he first app- eared in Daredevil Vol.1, #270 (Sept. 1989). He is the arch- enemy of Ghost Rider. Notable Powers: Superhuman strength, speed, durability, endurance and intelligence, Energy manipulation, Magical and cosmic powers, Flight -Power: Increases damage and stun potential. His demons (HP/HK) do chip damage and make the screen flash red everytime it hits the opponent (blocking or not blocking). -Reality: Summons elements from an attack and has some temporary invisibility. Also increases stun potential. Recommended gem. -Space: Increases defense. Blackheart can be knocked down off of a few attacks and still can be launched by the opponent. -Soul: Increases vitality. -Time: Increases speed. Great for cornering, trapping and jugglingopponents with his demons (HP/HK) and builds meter fast in the process. -Mind: Increases super meter. Blackheart has a maximum of one meter but has two supers (Armageddon, Heart of Darkness) but with the gem in effect, he can do 2 Heart of Darkness' if timed right. Since Infinity Counter (Inferno) has massive slowdown and is crap. Not worth wasting meter on, even with the gem in effect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact me! Here are the following e-mails and internet forums you can find me at: E-Mails: MSN Messenger/Hotmail: b_unit905@hotmail.com Yahoo!: psychochronic2004@yahoo.ca Internet Forums: Gamefaqs.com: brettdude Shoryuken.com: psychochronic MIRC (channels on EFnet): #Capcom (The main channel for Shoryuken.com) #Gamecombos (The main channel for Gamecombos.com) #Srkgd (The General Discussion part of Shoryuken.com) #Srklive (The XBOX Live part of Shoryuken.com) My Fighting Game Site: www.geocities.com/psychochronic2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Credits: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Props to those who made this guide possible: Myself for doing this guide and paying homage to a good game I used to play in my local arcade until it closed down in '906 and also 4neqs and box of Shoryuken for helping out on some gem information on characters that I hardly paid attention to. Peace. -Psychochronic Copyright (c) Brett Navarro 2005-2007