Marvel vs Capcom: Arcade Gems Rejuvenated on Switch, Steam Deck, PlayStation

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of fighting games, especially considering the recent history of the series. This review covers experiences across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, highlighting both the strengths and minor shortcomings of this impressive package.

Game Lineup:

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 Punisher (a beat 'em up). All are arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. English and Japanese versions are included, a welcome addition for fans seeking regional variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.

This review is based on extensive playtime across multiple platforms, revealing a consistently enjoyable experience. The pre-release fun with Marvel vs. Capcom 2 alone justified the purchase price.

New Features:

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, including online and local multiplayer (with wireless support on Switch), rollback netcode, a robust training mode (with hitboxes and input displays), customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, various display options, and wallpapers. A helpful one-button super move option is also included, togglable for online play.

Museum and Gallery:

A comprehensive museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While a valuable addition, Japanese text in sketches and design documents remains untranslated. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a significant win for fans, hopefully paving the way for future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer:

The online experience, utilizing rollback netcode, is largely positive. Network settings allow for microphone/voice chat adjustments (PC only offers more granular control than Switch), input delay, and connection strength (absent on Switch). Testing showed smooth online play across various games, even with geographical distance. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked matches, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. The convenient retention of character selections between rematches is a thoughtful touch.

Issues:

The most significant drawback is the single, universal save state. This applies to the entire collection, not individual games, a frustrating carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction, requiring per-game adjustments.

Platform-Specific Notes:

• Steam Deck: Fully verified, running smoothly at 720p handheld and supporting 4K docked. Graphics options allow for resolution and display mode adjustments.

• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable but suffers from noticeable load times, a significant drawback compared to other platforms. The lack of a connection strength option is also disappointing. Local wireless support is a plus.

• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility, looking excellent but lacking native PS5 features like Activity Card support. Loading times are fast, especially when installed on the SSD.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a superb collection, excelling in extras and online play (particularly on Steam). The single save state is a notable flaw, but doesn't overshadow the overall exceptional experience.

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