The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics brings together some of the most iconic fighting games from the arcade era, offering a mix of nostalgia and well-executed gameplay. Featuring seven standout titles, including X-Men vs. Street Fighter and the former benchmark that is Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, the collection strikes a strong chord for long-time fans of the series while making it accessible to newer players. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly its diverse roster, spanning multiple games and characters, from Marvel’s iconic superheroes to Capcom’s beloved fighters. The inclusion of The Punisher as a rare beat ’em up adds a refreshing variety to the lineup – it’s easily the most “I feel like something different” game in the pack. The bundle does a great job of preserving the original arcade feel, delivering tight controls and fast-paced action that feels as rewarding as it did in its heyday. Button mashing might still work for the uninitiated, and it’s easy to have fun with all these games that way, but mastery of each character’s unique moves and combos is what really brings out the full potential of the gameplay.
One of the most notable features of the collection is its rollback netcode, designed to ensure a smoother online experience. While online fighting games are notoriously prone to lag, this collection manages to mitigate a lot of that, making for mostly seamless gameplay in both ranked and casual matches. Spectator mode and co-op options further enhance the multiplayer experience, giving both veteran players and newcomers a reason to keep coming back and trying their luck online. There’s also a high-score challenge mode that adds a competitive flair, encouraging players to push themselves for leaderboard supremacy – much like they did in the arcade days.
Where the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection excels in online play and character depth, it’s slightly less impressive in its visual and audio departments. While the original sprite-based artwork retains a certain retro charm, the visuals can feel somewhat dated when compared to the fidelity of more recent fighting games (including Marvel vs Capcom Infinite). The menus and UI lack the polish expected of a modern collection, feeling rather functional but uninspired. On the audio front, the game leans heavily on its original soundtracks, which are a delight for fans of the era, though some might find them repetitive over extended sessions.
For those concerned about accessibility towards newcomers, the collection does a commendable job of catering to less experienced players. Features like adjustable difficulty levels, one-button specials, and save states make it easy for newcomers to ease into the action, and training modes provide ample opportunities to practice without the pressure of a live match. These quality-of-life improvements lower the barrier of entry, making this an excellent collection for players who missed out on the arcade scene or simply want to enjoy these games without the punishing difficulty of the originals.
However, while the seven included games represent some of the best in the franchise’s history, their age is unmistakable, particularly in terms of variety and depth when compared to modern fighters. The lack of significant graphical enhancements or additional modern modes may leave some players wanting more. Moreover, while the compilation offers a treasure trove of artwork and music for fans, the extras feel a bit thin compared to other re-releases, making it feel more like a nostalgia-driven package than a robust, full-featured collection. We’re nitpicking though, as the quality of these arcade classics undeniable and the gameplay holds up.
In conclusion, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics brings timeless gameplay and a cast of beloved characters back into the spotlight. While its visuals and extras may not fully live up to modern standards, the engaging combat, smooth online play, and accessibility features make it an easy recommendation for long-time fans and newcomers alike. For those who crave the excitement of the arcades and want to revisit, or even experience it for the first time, this collection is well worth the asking price.
Score: 8.3/10
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