PS2 fighting games - where to get stuck in

[topper]

My new flatmate wants to play fighting games, as "she used to play Tekken at uni"... I'm not a fighting game guru, but I have lots in the PS2 collection, waiting for a rainy day. I used to be good at SF2 back in the arcades, many years ago, but I haven't played any fighters in anger since.

Capcom vs SNK 2
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Hokuto No Ken
Last Blade Collection
Last Bronx
Marvel vs Capcom 2
Street Fighter Anniversary Collection

Given that lot, where do two non-hardcore-fighting-gamers dive in? NB We have joypads, not sticks.

[speedlolita]

Marvel vs Capcom 2 is the least complicated there probably, Street Fighter Anniversary is also a great choice.

However, Garou might be relatable if she used to play Tekken, what with the 4 button map.

[J0e Musashi]

Last Bronx is the closest thing to Tekken. She's prolly a button masher so that'll suit.

[MrKirov]

Why not just get Tekken 5 then...?

[eastyy]

dead or alive 2

[JazzFunk]

Soul Calibur 3!!! (and Dead Or Alive 2, it's a quid or less everywhere and you'd be amazed at how little it's dated).

[topper]

I'd rather we get going on something that I actually have - I have DoA2 but it's on the DC, boxed up somewhere. Somehow I see the DC as a spiritual home for fighting games apart from the Tekkens on the PS2.

Anyway I fired up Last Bronx, and I'm not a graphics whore but it just looked so **** I couldn't be bothered to get involved. MvC2 seems fun and easy to get to grips with with its SF-style special moves. I think we'll go with that or SF Anniversary. I might fire SFA up tonight and have a go at SF3.

It's really hard to get an idea of the feeling and potential of a fighting game, when you've only ever played one seriously and that was nearly 20 years ago. :O

Thanks to those who recommended things not on the list.