Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers a knockout blow for fighting game fans. Following the somewhat disappointing reception of previous entries, this collection offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of Marvel vs. Capcom, exceeding expectations for many long-time players and newcomers alike. The inclusion of seven classic arcade titles, including the highly anticipated Marvel vs. Capcom 2, makes this a must-have for any fighting game enthusiast.
A Roster of Retro Classics
The collection boasts an impressive lineup: 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 beat 'em up The Punisher. All titles are based on their arcade counterparts, preserving the original experience without the compromises often seen in older console ports. A nice touch is the inclusion of both English and Japanese versions, offering variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (Japanese version).
This review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (both LCD and OLED), PS5 (via backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While lacking expert-level knowledge of these games prior to this collection, the sheer fun factor, especially with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the purchase price. The experience was so compelling that a physical copy for both consoles is now on the wish list!
Modern Enhancements for Retro Fun
The user interface mirrors Capcom's Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and weaknesses (more on that later). Key additions include online and local multiplayer, local wireless on Switch, crucial rollback netcode for smooth online play, a comprehensive training mode, customizable game options, an invaluable setting to reduce screen flickering, various display options, and a selection of wallpapers.
The training mode itself is a standout feature, offering hitbox displays and input tracking, perfect for both seasoned veterans and newcomers. A particularly helpful addition is the optional one-button super move, easily enabled or disabled for online play.
A Treasure Trove of Multimedia
The collection's museum and gallery are packed with over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While the sheer volume of content is impressive, the lack of translation for Japanese text on sketches and design documents is a minor disappointment.
The official availability of these soundtracks is a welcome addition, sparking hope for future releases on vinyl or streaming services.
Online Multiplayer: Rollback Netcode Rocks
The online experience shines thanks to the implementation of rollback netcode. While the options menu allows for adjustments to microphone, voice chat, input delay, and connection strength (PC version), the Switch version lacks a connection strength option. Pre-release testing on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) showcased online play comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant improvement over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Cross-region matchmaking and adjustable input delay further enhance the experience.
Matchmaking options include casual and ranked matches, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. A small but appreciated detail is the preservation of character selection cursors between rematches, a quality-of-life improvement that speaks volumes about the developers' attention to detail.
Minor Issues
The collection's biggest drawback is the single save state for the entire collection, rather than per game, a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection. Another minor inconvenience is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction. While per-game options are provided, a global toggle would streamline adjustments.
Platform Specific Notes
- Steam Deck: Perfectly compatible and Steam Deck Verified, offering excellent performance at 720p handheld and up to 4K docked (16:9 aspect ratio only).
- Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeable load times compared to other platforms. The absence of a connection strength option is also a drawback. Local wireless is a plus.
- PS5: Runs via backward compatibility, looking excellent on 1440p monitors with fast loading times (even from an external hard drive). The lack of native PS5 features is a minor disappointment.
In conclusion, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a triumph, offering a superb collection of classic fighting games enhanced with modern features. Despite a few minor issues, the sheer amount of content, excellent online play, and thoughtful additions make this a highly recommended purchase.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5
