The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a triumph for Capcom, exceeding expectations for fans and newcomers alike. This comprehensive collection, available on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox slated for 2025), offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of fighting games, while providing modern conveniences for a seamless experience.
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 games are based on their arcade counterparts, ensuring complete feature parity. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a delightful touch for fans of regional variations.
This review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While not a seasoned expert on these titles, the sheer enjoyment derived, particularly from Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the purchase price.
Modern Enhancements:
The user interface mirrors Capcom's Fighting Collection, including both its strengths and weaknesses (discussed later). Key features include online and local multiplayer, local wireless on Switch, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode, customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, versatile display settings, and a selection of wallpapers. The training mode is particularly noteworthy, offering hitbox displays and input visualizations, perfect for learning the ropes. A helpful one-button super move option caters to newcomers.
Museum & Gallery:
A treasure trove of extras awaits within the museum and gallery. Over 200 soundtracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unseen, are included. While Japanese text in sketches and documents remains untranslated, the sheer volume of content is impressive. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a welcome addition, sparking hope for future vinyl or streaming releases.
Online Multiplayer:
The online experience, enhanced by rollback netcode, is generally excellent on Steam, comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection and a significant upgrade over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Network settings allow for microphone/voice chat adjustments, input delay, and connection strength (PC only; Switch lacks connection strength). Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. The convenient retention of character selections between rematches is a thoughtful touch.
Issues:
The collection's most significant drawback is the single, global save state. This limitation, inherited from Capcom Fighting Collection, is frustrating. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction; per-game adjustments are cumbersome.
Platform-Specific Notes:
- Steam Deck: Perfectly compatible and Steam Deck Verified, offering 720p handheld and up to 4K docked (16:9 only).
- Nintendo Switch: While visually acceptable, load times are significantly longer than on other platforms. The lack of a connection strength option is also disappointing. Local wireless is a plus.
- PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; native PS5 support would have enabled PS5 Activity Card integration. Loads quickly, looks excellent.
Overall:
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a remarkable achievement, a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts. The superb extras, smooth online play (on Steam, at least), and the opportunity to experience these classics make it a standout. The single save state remains a frustrating blemish, but doesn't overshadow the overall excellence.
Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5
