Marvel vs. Capcom: Arcade Classics Collection Reviewed

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of Capcom's fighting game history, especially considering recent events and the mixed reception of the last Marvel vs. Capcom title. This review covers experiences across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, highlighting both the strengths and minor shortcomings of this impressive collection.

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 are arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a significant bonus for fans seeking regional variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.

This review reflects approximately 32 hours of gameplay across the three platforms. While lacking deep expertise in these titles (this was my first time playing most), the sheer enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the price. The experience has even inspired me to purchase physical copies for my collection.

New Features:

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and a few quirks. Key features include online and local multiplayer (with wireless on Switch), rollback netcode, a robust training mode (with hitboxes and input displays), customizable game options, a crucial white flash reduction setting, various display options, and a selection of wallpapers. A helpful one-button super move option is also available, togglable for online play.

Museum and Gallery:

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

Online Multiplayer:

The online experience, tested extensively on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) and across platforms, is comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant improvement over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Options include adjustable input delay, cross-region matchmaking, casual and ranked matches, leaderboards, and a High Score Challenge mode. A noteworthy detail is the persistent cursor memory during online rematches, enhancing usability.

Issues:

The most significant drawback is the single, collection-wide quick save slot. This limitation, carried over from Capcom Fighting Collection, is disappointing. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction; adjusting these options requires individual game configuration.

Platform-Specific Notes:

• Steam Deck: Perfectly functional (Steam Deck Verified), running at 720p handheld and supporting 4K docked. 16:9 aspect ratio only.

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

• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; a native PS5 version would have benefited from PS5 Activity Card integration. Loads quickly, looks excellent, and performs well, even from an external hard drive.

Conclusion:

Despite minor flaws, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a superb collection, exceeding expectations in many areas. The robust extras, excellent online play (especially on Steam), and the opportunity to experience these classic titles make it a must-have. The single save slot remains the most significant area for improvement.

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