Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review
A series of incredible fighters and a beat ‘em up returns in Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, this iconic fighting compendium is a knockout, full review.
The Marvel vs Capcom series has been a staple in the fighting game community since its inception in the mid-90s. Born from the marriage of Capcom’s robust fighting mechanics and Marvel’s beloved comic book characters, the franchise has evolved from arcade cabinets to home consoles, capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide. From the early days of X-Men: Children of the Atom to the frenetic action of Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, the franchise has consistently delivered high-octane, tag-team battles that are as visually stunning and mechanically deep.
"From the early days of X-Men: Children of the Atom to the frenetic action of Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, the franchise has consistently delivered high-octane, tag-team battles that are as visually stunning and mechanically deep."
With the release of the Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, I relived the glory days of these iconic games on the PlayStation 5. Let's dive in and explore why it's a must-play for rookies and veterans of the series alike.
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 (Xbox version coming in 2025)
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting, Beat 'Em Up
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer (Casual, Ranked, Custom Matches)
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
A rich fighting lineage in one package
The Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics package is an incredible homage to the series. It includes seven legendary titles that span the golden era of arcade fighting games. There are even titles in the collection that haven’t ever graced consoles like “The Punisher.” Everything that is in the collection offers plenty of options, from visuals to gameplay, so it feels just right on modern gaming platforms. Let’s take a look at what’s included in the entire collection in chronological order:
The Punisher (1993) – I’ll admit, this one is a bit of an outlier, but I’m so happy it came as part of the package. The game is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up that stands out as the first collaboration between Marvel and Capcom, now available on consoles for the first time in 30 years. You can play as Frank Castle, The Punisher himself, or team up with Nick Fury, who can be controlled locally or online by another player. Like other side-scrollers, it has iconic funny power-ups like floating roasted chicken and pizzas. Of course, because it’s The Punisher, it also comes with a lot of over-the-top violence.
X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994) - The game that started it all, featuring 13 iconic X-Men characters in a fast-paced, one-on-one fighting format.
Marvel Super Heroes (1995) – This entry expanded the roster to include more Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Captain America. It also introduced the Infinity Gems mechanic into the series for the first time.
X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996) - The first crossover title, pitting Marvel’s mutants against Capcom’s Street Fighters in tag-team battles.
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997) - Building on its predecessor, this game added more characters and refined the tag-team mechanics.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998) - A personal favourite, this game introduced the concept of assist characters and expanded the roster significantly. We saw classics introduced like Mega Man, Morrigan Aensland and Strider Hiryu.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000) - The crown jewel of the collection, featuring over 50 characters and a refined tag-team system that allows for three-on-three battles.
Classic gameplay experience with modern UI upgrades
The gameplay in Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is nothing short of stellar. Each game in the collection showcases the evolution of fighting mechanics, from the straightforward brawls of X-Men: Children of the Atom to the complex, combo-heavy battles of Marvel vs Capcom 2. There are also modern control options, such as simplified single-button inputs to active special moves. This makes the games far more accessible to newcomers while retaining the complexity the veterans will love. You also have the option to tweak difficulty settings, so you don’t get stuck behind one difficult CPU opponent. The rollback netcode ensures smooth online play, making it easier than ever to challenge friends and foes alike.
Graphics and Performance
Visually, the Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection strives to maintain the look and feel of the original experience. The games have been faithfully preserved, with near pixel-perfect graphics that capture the vibrant, comic book-inspired art style. Customization options are bountiful, allowing you to tweak the display settings; whether you prefer the original arcade look or a more modern, high-definition presentation, there are options for both.
"Customization options are bountiful, allowing you to tweak the display settings; whether you prefer the original arcade look or a more modern, high-definition presentation, there are options for both."
You can use display filters to recreate the CRT scan lines from the arcade. You can also adjust the screen size to stretch things out or use customizable sidebars to keep the original aspect ratio. Performance is rock-solid on the PS5, I didn’t experience any noticeable lag or frame rate drops, even during the most intense battles.
Audio Design and “The Gallery”
The audio and sound design is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Each game features its original soundtrack, composed of catchy, adrenaline-pumping tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. There is still the odd sequence where the outdated music doesn’t fit with the serious subject matter of the cutscene.
"Each game features its original soundtrack, composed of catchy, adrenaline-pumping tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced action."
The sound effects, from the swoosh of a Hadouken to the clang of Wolverine’s claws, are crisp and satisfying as ever.
Along with great music and SFX, the collection also includes a gallery mode where you can listen to full soundtracks. Here, you can also view concept art, design documents, posters, and instruction cards, which add an extra layer of appreciation for the series’ rich history.
Final Thoughts on Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
In conclusion, the Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection is a must-have for any fighting game enthusiast or Marvel fan. It offers a comprehensive look at the series’ evolution, from its humble beginnings to its status as a genre-defining franchise. The gameplay is as engaging as ever, the graphics and performance are top-notch, and the audio design is a delightful throwback to the arcade era. While the lack of cross play and additional modes might be a minor drawback, the collection’s overall quality and nostalgic value make up for it. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, this collection is sure to take you for a ride.
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics PROS
+Stellar lineup of beloved, rare fighting games
+Rollback netcode offers smooth online play
+Modern control options and extensive customization
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics CONS
-No crossplay at launch
-Some redundancy among games
-Limited additional content
Overall Assessment of Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 9/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 (90%)
CAPCOM provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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