Initial release date: September 11, 2024

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Series: Marvel vs. Capcom

Genres: Fighting game, Action game

Developer: Capcom

Publishers: Capcom, Capcom U.S.A., Inc.

Engine: MT Framework

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is an excellent collection of some of the best fighting games ever produced. The sheer quantity of quality games, combined with the diverse range of supplementary content, make this an outstanding collection that anyone who enjoys either companionship or good games should check out right now.

I’m a huge fan of both Marvel and Capcom, thus Marvel vs. Capcom was a boyhood dream come true for me. I spent a lot of time with my brother playing Marvel vs. Capcom 2, but I’ve always regretted that there wasn’t an easy method for him and my friends to play these games on current systems. Then there’s Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which promises and delivers, resulting in a fantastic compilation.

The games featured are X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. If you’re new to them, I recommend playing them all in order because it’s fun to see how each title progresses.

The early games largely center on the X-Men and have a heavier gameplay, but they’re a nice homage to that era of comics and fighting games. The franchise’s roots can be seen in the first three titles, as well as Capcom’s fondness for less well-known characters such as Blackheart and Shuma Gorath. The Infinity Stone mechanic in Marvel Super Heroes is an intriguing forerunner to Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite’s comparable system, and the secret characters remain a thrilling addition.

Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes are when things truly start to get exciting. The 2v2 mechanics and tremendously vibrant stages elevate it to a new level, as does Marvel vs. Capcom’s assist mechanism, which allows smaller characters from both studios to shine. The combos are satisfying to execute, the endings are entertaining, and the rosters are strong. You can watch the series evolve into what it would become in games like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and 3, making these two titles enjoyable stops along the way. In addition, players in the West can now play Norimaro, a character previously limited to Japan in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.

The collection culminates with Marvel vs. Capcom 2. With its massive roster of characters (due in part to creative reuse of sprites from prior games), fast and sharp gameplay, and gloriously strange 3D stages and music, there’s nothing else like it. It’s still as much fun to play as it was when it first came out over 24 years ago, and the ability to play online with rollback netcode alone makes it worth the admission price.

The Punisher is a fascinating arcade game that revels in ludicrous brutality, allowing you to wreak havoc on criminals as Nick Fury and the titular antihero. I had never played this before, but I had a terrific time with it. It’s a short but sweet beat-em-up with explosive action and subtle references to other comics, and I suggest it.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review—The Ultimate Compilation

Each game features a variety of personalization choices that allow you to play the games in the most enjoyable way for you. You can choose the visual filters and difficulty, as well as the ease with which the numerous secret characters can be accessed. In The Punisher, you may even choose your beginning stage, how many lives you get, and whether you want to play in Free Play or Coin mode, demonstrating Capcom’s commitment to providing players with every option possible.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics contains a wealth of artwork and music for fans to enjoy. It’s quite interesting to see all of the many visuals and art pieces that go into these legendary titles, and I always enjoy seeing characters drawn by Akiman, so I really appreciate the Museum feature.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 94%

Controls: 92%

Aesthetics: 95%

Content: 96%

Accessibility: 90%

Value: 93%

Overall: 93%

EXCELLENT

Summary: “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review—The Ultimate Compilation” delivers an exceptional experience for both nostalgic fans and newcomers. With a diverse roster of characters, fluid controls, and visually stunning aesthetics, this collection is a love letter to arcade fighting games. The content is robust, featuring a range of classic titles, and the accessibility features ensure that players of all skill levels can enjoy the action. While there are minor quibbles with the controls, the overall package is a must-have for any fighting game enthusiast.

By Chris

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