The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal release for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its announcement was a surprise, especially given the reception of the last Marvel vs. Capcom title. This collection offers a fantastic opportunity to experience classic titles previously unavailable to many.
Game Selection
The collection boasts seven games: 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, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, and The Punisher (a beat 'em up, not a fighter). All are based on the arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a treat for fans of the latter.
This review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While I'm not a fighting game expert, the sheer fun, especially with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, justifies the price tag.
New Features and Enhancements
The interface mirrors Capcom's Fighting Collection, including its shortcomings (discussed later). Key additions include online and local multiplayer, local wireless on Switch, rollback netcode, a robust training mode with hitboxes and input displays, customizable game options, a crucial white flash reduction setting, various display options, and wallpapers. A helpful one-button super move option caters to newcomers.
Museum and Gallery
A comprehensive museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While impressive, Japanese text in sketches and documents remains untranslated. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a significant win, hopefully paving the way for future vinyl or streaming releases.
Online Multiplayer Experience
The online experience, tested extensively on Steam Deck (wired and wireless), is comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant improvement over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Rollback netcode performs admirably. Options include input delay adjustment and cross-region matchmaking. The inclusion of casual and ranked matches, leaderboards, and a High Score Challenge mode adds further depth. Conveniently, rematch cursors retain previous selections.
Issues
The collection suffers from a single, universal save state, a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection. Also, the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction is inconvenient.
Platform-Specific Notes
- Steam Deck: Fully verified, runs flawlessly at 720p handheld, supporting 4K docked. 16:9 aspect ratio only.
- Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from significant loading times. Lacks a connection strength option (hopefully a future update). Supports local wireless.
- PS5: Backward compatibility; looks excellent on 1440p, loads quickly. Native PS5 support would have enabled PS5 Activity Cards.
Conclusion
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a top-tier compilation, exceeding expectations. The superb extras and online play make it a must-have. The single save state is the only significant drawback.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5
