Marvel vs Capcom 3 isn't even a year old yet and now comes word of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 with new playable characters, new stages, and enhancements that the original title really should have contained all along.  In fact, the gaps in the original game were so obvious and blatant that I could feel this upgrade coming months ago.  It's disgusting how the audience is being treated when it comes to double-dipping.  Here's some of the new material for those considering spending $40 on the update:

The highly acclaimed fighting game adds 12 new legends to the robust Marvel vs. Capcom 3 roster, bringing the total overall roster of characters up to 50. The first new characters revealed for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 include much-requested Capcom character Strider who slashes his way into the fray along with Ghost ‘n Goblins™ villain Firebrand. On the Marvel side, Ghost Rider will finally exercise his vengeance and Hawkeye will pick apart foes. More characters will be revealed in the coming months.

In addition to characters, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features a host of enhancements and new features to improve the game’s balance and online functionality. One of the biggest additions to Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the fan-requested Spectator Mode, which allows fighters to watch live online matches together. With multiple improvements and 12 new characters, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 brings home the ultimate fighting experience for newcomers and pros alike.

I want this update, but I think this is where I get off the train.  I refused to be nickel-and-dimed (or, really, ten-dollared) for the downloadable characters and modes for the original release of the game and I'm not getting mixed up with this new version at full price that will undoubtedly have its own expensive downloadable content.  As it stands, this is worth a rental to check out the new content with a possible purchase as a cheap used title somewhere down the road if there are no additional upgrades forthcoming.  I'm tired of encouraging publishers like Capcom into engaging in this profitable behavior and I'm tired of being taken for granted by the market.  The terrible thing is that there's a very simple way to fix this: offer the Ultimate upgrade as a $15 downloadable content release that requires the original Marvel vs Capcom 3 just as the Arcade Edition of Super Street Fighter IV requires that disc.  Release a standalone $40 Ultimate disc, sure, but don't throw away the goodwill of the existing customer base in the name of greed.