The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of Capcom's fighting game history. Its release was a surprise delight, especially considering the mixed reception of previous Marvel vs. Capcom titles. This review covers experiences across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.
Game Lineup:
The collection boasts seven classic titles: 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). All are arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a significant boon for fans.
This review reflects approximately 32 hours of gameplay across multiple platforms. While lacking deep expertise in these specific titles (this was my first time playing most of them!), the sheer fun of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 alone justifies the purchase price.
New Features & Enhancements:
The interface mirrors Capcom's Fighting Collection, but with improvements. Online and local multiplayer are supported (including Switch's local wireless). Rollback netcode delivers smooth online play, and a training mode with hitboxes and input displays caters to both newcomers and veterans. A customizable one-button super move option adds accessibility.
Museum & Gallery:
A rich museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unseen by the public. While a fantastic addition, Japanese text in sketches and design documents remains untranslated. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a welcome addition, hopefully paving the way for future vinyl or streaming releases.
Online Multiplayer Experience:
Network settings allow for microphone and voice chat adjustments (PC offers more granular control than Switch). Rollback netcode provides a significantly improved online experience compared to previous Capcom collections. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. The intelligent cursor memory for rematches is a thoughtful touch.
Issues:
The collection's biggest flaw is the single, universal quick save slot. This is a carryover from the Capcom Fighting Collection and is disappointing. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction; adjustments must be made per game.
Platform-Specific Notes:
- Steam Deck: Verified and runs flawlessly, supporting 720p handheld and up to 4K docked.
- Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeable load times. The lack of a connection strength option is also a drawback. Local wireless is a plus.
- PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; native support would have enabled PS5 Activity Cards. Loads quickly and looks excellent.
Overall:
Despite minor shortcomings, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a fantastic package. The excellent extras, superb online play (on Steam, particularly), and the sheer joy of experiencing these classic games make it a must-have. The single save slot remains a significant drawback, however.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5
