7 classic Capcom fighting games are back
By Paul Hunter
One of the best surprise announcements during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct was Capcom's next fighting game compilation: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which includes six classic fighting games and one arcade beat 'em up from Capcom and Marvel's deep catalogue. This collection celebrates the iconic crossover between Marvel superheroes and Capcom characters, and for fans of arcade fighting games, this release is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
This robust collection packs these six fighting games: 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, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. It also includes the original arcade version of the beat 'em up The Punisher, which comes to PC and modern consoles for the first time ever. Let's dive in and see what makes this collection truly special!
The Marvel vs. Capcom series has a rich history dating back to the mid-1990s, beginning with X-Men: Children of the Atom, which introduced fighting fans to the thrilling world of superhero battles. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, adding new characters and gameplay mechanics and this collection lets us experience this evolution all in one convenient package.
From the moment I dove into this collection, I was overwhelmed with excitement. The lineup of games is impressive and even 25-30 years after their initial releases it's remarkable how appealing the animations and visuals still are. All seven games hold up extremely well, and Capcom has done an exceptional job preserving the original arcade experience in these modern-day ports.
Another exciting feature of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is the addition of online multiplayer. You can now challenge friends or players from around the world easily, and the inclusion of rollback netcode ensures smooth online gameplay, making it easier to enjoy these classic titles lag-free. Once you go online you can choose from ranked, casual, and lobby matches, giving you options for every type of gamer. This modern touch allows you to compete in a way that was not possible when these games first launched. Single-player is, of course, also included and allows you to hop into training modes to practice moves and combos, or you can battle through arcade mode against the CPU.
Like prior Capcom compilations, the whole Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection package is brought together through an easy-to-navigate interface that lets you jump between the games with ease. At any point you can hit the menu, flip between games and hop into another title—and it only takes mere seconds to do so.
What's great about the six fighting games included is they each offer a distinct experience that makes them stand apart. One of the most exciting gameplay mechanics is the 2-on-2 tag-team battles introduced by X-Men vs. Street Fighter, which became the series' signature. This feature lets you create dream team tag team pairs, like M. Bison and Magneto or Zangief and Juggernaut and swap between them mid-fight. This adds a huge new layer of strategy, as you can use both characters to create longer combos or choose the best character to counter your opponent's choice. Plus, the ability to tag in and out keeps the action fast-paced and unpredictable.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of the Infinity Stones in Marvel Super Heroes. These gems grant special powers that can turn the tide of battle, like the Power Gem that increases your attack power or the Soul Gem that gradually restores health. You can choose which stones to use, adding an extra layer of depth to your strategy and encouraging you to adapt your playstyle based on the stone your opponent has.
The collection also includes the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which is often hailed as one of the best fighting games ever. Its roster features a diverse range of characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes, including fan favourites like Spider-Man, Ryu, and Wolverine. Each character has unique abilities and moves, allowing for endless combinations and strategies.
Beyond the games, there's a lot of fan service in this compilation, like the Museum mode which includes character bios and original artwork. There's also a Music Jukebox to listen to the catchy battle tunes, and new display filters for fans wanting an authentic retro look.
The presentation of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a wonderful blend of nostalgia and modern flair. The graphics have been carefully preserved, maintaining the charm of the 2D sprites and allowing you to appreciate the artistry that went into creating these iconic characters.
Each game in the collection features its unique style, reflecting the era it was released. For instance, X-Men: Children of the Atom showcases a classic comic book aesthetic, with bold colours and dynamic animations. In contrast, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offers a more polished look, with smoother animations and a wider range of character expressions. This variety in visual presentation keeps the experience fresh and exciting as you switch between titles.
As is par for the course in all Capcom fighting games, the backgrounds in each game are equally impressive. They are filled with vibrant details that draw you into the action, whether that's bustling cityscapes to mystical realms, each setting enhances the overall atmosphere. Each game also has its own theme music, which is among the best Capcom has ever created and adds to the excitement of each game. The stage tunes are equally catchy and memorable, making you want to keep playing just to hear them again.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting, Beat 'Em Up
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
One of the best surprise announcements during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct was Capcom's next fighting game compilation: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which includes six classic fighting games and one arcade beat 'em up from Capcom and Marvel's deep catalogue. This collection celebrates the iconic crossover between Marvel superheroes and Capcom characters, and for fans of arcade fighting games, this release is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
This robust collection packs these six fighting games: 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, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. It also includes the original arcade version of the beat 'em up The Punisher, which comes to PC and modern consoles for the first time ever. Let's dive in and see what makes this collection truly special!
The Marvel vs. Capcom series has a rich history dating back to the mid-1990s, beginning with X-Men: Children of the Atom, which introduced fighting fans to the thrilling world of superhero battles. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, adding new characters and gameplay mechanics and this collection lets us experience this evolution all in one convenient package.
From the moment I dove into this collection, I was overwhelmed with excitement. The lineup of games is impressive and even 25-30 years after their initial releases it's remarkable how appealing the animations and visuals still are. All seven games hold up extremely well, and Capcom has done an exceptional job preserving the original arcade experience in these modern-day ports.
Another exciting feature of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is the addition of online multiplayer. You can now challenge friends or players from around the world easily, and the inclusion of rollback netcode ensures smooth online gameplay, making it easier to enjoy these classic titles lag-free. Once you go online you can choose from ranked, casual, and lobby matches, giving you options for every type of gamer. This modern touch allows you to compete in a way that was not possible when these games first launched. Single-player is, of course, also included and allows you to hop into training modes to practice moves and combos, or you can battle through arcade mode against the CPU.
Like prior Capcom compilations, the whole Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection package is brought together through an easy-to-navigate interface that lets you jump between the games with ease. At any point you can hit the menu, flip between games and hop into another title—and it only takes mere seconds to do so.
What's great about the six fighting games included is they each offer a distinct experience that makes them stand apart. One of the most exciting gameplay mechanics is the 2-on-2 tag-team battles introduced by X-Men vs. Street Fighter, which became the series' signature. This feature lets you create dream team tag team pairs, like M. Bison and Magneto or Zangief and Juggernaut and swap between them mid-fight. This adds a huge new layer of strategy, as you can use both characters to create longer combos or choose the best character to counter your opponent's choice. Plus, the ability to tag in and out keeps the action fast-paced and unpredictable.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of the Infinity Stones in Marvel Super Heroes. These gems grant special powers that can turn the tide of battle, like the Power Gem that increases your attack power or the Soul Gem that gradually restores health. You can choose which stones to use, adding an extra layer of depth to your strategy and encouraging you to adapt your playstyle based on the stone your opponent has.
The collection also includes the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which is often hailed as one of the best fighting games ever. Its roster features a diverse range of characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes, including fan favourites like Spider-Man, Ryu, and Wolverine. Each character has unique abilities and moves, allowing for endless combinations and strategies.
Beyond the games, there's a lot of fan service in this compilation, like the Museum mode which includes character bios and original artwork. There's also a Music Jukebox to listen to the catchy battle tunes, and new display filters for fans wanting an authentic retro look.
The presentation of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a wonderful blend of nostalgia and modern flair. The graphics have been carefully preserved, maintaining the charm of the 2D sprites and allowing you to appreciate the artistry that went into creating these iconic characters.
Each game in the collection features its unique style, reflecting the era it was released. For instance, X-Men: Children of the Atom showcases a classic comic book aesthetic, with bold colours and dynamic animations. In contrast, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offers a more polished look, with smoother animations and a wider range of character expressions. This variety in visual presentation keeps the experience fresh and exciting as you switch between titles.
As is par for the course in all Capcom fighting games, the backgrounds in each game are equally impressive. They are filled with vibrant details that draw you into the action, whether that's bustling cityscapes to mystical realms, each setting enhances the overall atmosphere. Each game also has its own theme music, which is among the best Capcom has ever created and adds to the excitement of each game. The stage tunes are equally catchy and memorable, making you want to keep playing just to hear them again.
The Verdict
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection brings together seven iconic titles that shaped the fighting and beat 'em up genres. From X-Men: Children of the Atom to Marvel vs. Capcom 2, each game offers a unique gameplay experience, along with pixel-perfect arcade graphics and catchy soundtracks that will keep you coming back for more. If you love classic fighting games, this collection is definitely a must-have.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics details
Platform: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting, Beat 'Em Up
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A key was provided by the publisher.