Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is almost here with a host of game balance changes and new characters.

The game is an update to Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which took characters from Marvel comics and put them on the same disc as heroes from Capcom's library of games. Not many of the characters get along, as apparent from the constant fighting going on in the game.

Players can pick their three favorite characters from either universe and pit them against other teams of fighters. Players then battle it out and build up their hyper meters, a resource that can be used to perform devastating hyper combo attacks.

UMvC3 adds 12 new characters to the game, joining the 36 fighters available for MvC3. That brings the total roster up to 48 characters, with two more available as downloadable content.

Here is a spotter's guide for the new characters with details on how they will play. The first six characters are from Capcom and the last six are the latest Marvel offerings:

Firebrand
Firebrand's "Dark Fire" hyper combo. Capcom
Phoenix Wright
Phoenix Wright's signature "Objection!" can stop enemies in their tracks. Capcom
Frank West
Frank West concept art. Capcom
Strider Hiryu
Strider Hiryu finishes a hyper combo. Capcom
Nemesis T-Type
Nemesis T-Type concept art. Capcom
Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider is mostly a long-ranger poker, but can cause some serious up-close damage. Capcom
Iron Fist
Iron Fist is a deadly close-combat character. Capcom
Vergil
Vergil transforms into his demon mode. Capcom
Nova
Nova concept art. Capcom
Dr. Strange
Dr. Strange's "Spell of Vishanti" hyper combo. Capcom
Hawkeye
Hawkeye is a quick character with plenty of long-ranged options. Capcom
Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon concept art. Capcom