The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of fighting games, especially those who missed out on the classic entries. This review covers experiences across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, highlighting both the strengths and minor weaknesses 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. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a significant boon for fans seeking regional variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.
This review reflects approximately 32 hours of gameplay across multiple platforms. While lacking deep expertise in these individual titles (this being my first time playing most), the sheer enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the purchase price.
New Features & Enhancements:
The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, including some of its shortcomings (discussed later). Key features include online and local multiplayer (with wireless support on Switch), rollback netcode, a robust training mode with hitbox displays, customizable game options, a crucial white flash reduction setting, various display options, and several wallpaper choices. A helpful one-button super move option caters to newcomers.
Museum & Gallery:
A comprehensive museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks 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 huge plus, sparking hope for future vinyl or streaming releases.
Online Multiplayer Experience:
The online options menu allows for microphone/voice chat adjustments (PC only), input delay, and connection strength (PC and PS4/5). The Switch version is notably lacking a connection strength option. Pre-release testing on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) revealed online play comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant improvement over Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Rollback netcode delivers smooth, lag-free matches regardless of distance. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. The convenient retention of character selection cursors after rematches is a thoughtful touch.
Issues:
The most significant drawback is the single, universal quick save slot for the entire collection. This limitation, inherited 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 adjustments.
Platform-Specific Notes:
- Steam Deck: Fully verified, running smoothly at 720p (handheld) and supporting up to 4K (docked). 16:9 aspect ratio only.
- Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeable load times, significantly slower than Steam and PS5. Local wireless play is a plus.
- PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; native PS5 support would have enabled PS5 Activity Cards. Loads quickly, even from an external drive.
Overall:
Despite minor flaws, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics stands as one of Capcom's best compilations. The exceptional extras, fantastic online play (on Steam, particularly), and the joy of experiencing these classic games 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
