The controller only uses 3 buttons (5 if you count the Ultra Techniques. You only get to play up to Leo as Ultracharacters, the Ultra techniques have to be 'earned' and built up. The button controls are fairly easy to figure out, and the game itself is very straightforward as far as playability. The fighting styles of the Ultras and Monsters on screen are fairly accurate of what was portrayed on the tv series, respectively. I'm not overly familiar with Leo or Ace, but for the other Ultras, their big moves are in this and useable. A lot of the monsters you've grown to love are in this, most notably Gomola.
Astra makes an appearance as Leo's finishing move combo. I think Zoffy is unlockable and possibly playable, but I haven't been able to do that yet. You get to see and fight as Ultraman, Ultraseven, Jack, Ace, Taro, and Leo. I think this was the first of the FE games for the PS2, and it shows. Nothing intricate like Super Street Fighter, or bloody like the MK series. This game is fairly basic and straightforward, and there aren't a lot of thrills for fight game fans.
I have not played Fighting Evolution 1, or any of the others in this series at this time, but I have played the old SNES Ultraman Towards the Future game. I am not an avid gamer, but I do enjoy playing different video games now and again, and I currently have a PS2 and an Xbox360. I love the shows from the very beginning to what we have now a days, and I think it is great escapism.
I'll start with the fact that I'm a huge fan of the Ultraman franchise.