Marvel vs Capcom Collection Revisits Classic Arcade Action

Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers a knockout punch for fighting game fans. This collection, a surprise hit given recent franchise history, offers a nostalgic trip back to arcade glory days, exceeding expectations for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. I've personally played extensively on Steam Deck, PS5, and Switch, providing a multi-platform perspective.

A Roster of Classics

The collection boasts seven 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 beat 'em up, The Punisher. These are faithful arcade ports, preserving all features. A nice touch: Japanese versions are included, offering unique content like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.

My 30+ hours across multiple platforms reveal a collection that's more than worth the price. Marvel vs. Capcom 2, in particular, is a standout. The sheer fun factor alone justifies the purchase, making me want physical copies for each console!

Modern Features, Classic Gameplay

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Fighting Collection, with online and local multiplayer (including Switch's wireless local play), rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode, customizable game options, and importantly, a per-game setting to reduce screen flicker. A new one-button super move option caters to both veterans and newcomers.

A Treasure Trove of Extras

A rich museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While Japanese text in sketches and design documents lacks translation, the sheer volume of content is impressive. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a huge win, hopefully paving the way for future vinyl or streaming releases.

The music alone is a reason to celebrate!

Rollback Netcode: A Smooth Online Experience

Online play, tested extensively on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) and across platforms, is excellent. The rollback netcode shines, offering a vastly improved experience compared to previous Capcom collections. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, plus leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. Smart features, like preserving cursor positions during rematches, enhance the polished feel.

The thoughtful design, even in small details, shows a dedication to providing the best possible experience.

Minor Gripes

The biggest drawback is the single save state for the entire collection, a carryover from the Fighting Collection that's disappointing. Also, the lack of universal settings for visual options (like light reduction) is a minor inconvenience.

Platform-Specific Notes

• Steam Deck: Verified and runs flawlessly, supporting various resolutions.
• Nintendo Switch: Looks good, but suffers from noticeable load times. The lack of a connection strength option is also a downside.
• PS5: Backward compatibility means no native PS5 features, but it performs well.

Final Verdict

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a top-tier compilation, not just for fighting game fans, but for anyone who appreciates excellent arcade ports and a wealth of bonus content. While a few minor issues persist, the overall experience is outstanding.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5