When I first heard that Capcom was releasing a collection of their iconic Marvel vs. Capcom games, I knew I had to check it out. Capcom’s previous legacy collections have been bangers, to say the least, now with “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics,” may be one of the best, bringing back some of the most legendary crossover fighting games in gaming history. It includes a total of seven arcade classics, each a bit more well known than others. The obvious standout of course is “Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes,” but I was also intrigued to see a rare beat ‘em up included in the mix—”The Punisher.” One of the things that immediately grabbed my attention is the sheer range of games included. Fans of Marvel and Capcom alike will get to dive into “X-Men: Children of the Atom,” “Marvel Super Heroes,” “Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter,” and “X-men vs. Street Fighter.” For me and probably most people, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2” is the crown jewel here. Often hailed as one of the best fighting games of all time, finally having it available to play on modern consoles felt like a long-awaited reward. Its fast-paced action, massive roster, and deep mechanics have kept players hooked for years, and revisiting it now felt like stepping into a time capsule of competitive fighting game glory.
Each game in the collection offers online play, whether you want to jump into ranked matches and show off your skills or just have a casual brawl with friends, the options are there. I spent a fair amount of time battling it out in ranked mode, and I was impressed with how smooth the matches felt, thanks to that lovely rollback netcode. I didn’t experience any noticeable lag, which is crucial for online fighters these days where precise inputs and timing are essential. On top of that, you can create lobbies to spectate matches or team up in co-op. The collection even includes a High Score Challenge mode where you can aim for the top spot on global leaderboards, talk about a nostalgic rush! For players who may be new to these games, Capcom has included a number of features designed to ease you into the experience. Adjustable difficulty levels and One Button Specials are great for beginners who might feel intimidated by the more complex input commands required in traditional fighting games. On top of that, the inclusion of training modes makes it easy to practice combos and strategies before taking on tougher opponents. I found the ability to save and load progress at any point extremely useful as well—nothing beats being able to take a break and come back to where you left off in the heat of a match.
Capcom went the extra mile in making this collection more than just a straight port of old games. There’s a whole gallery section where you can view hundreds of pieces of artwork from across all the titles. I spent a surprising amount of time exploring these galleries, admiring the concept art and promotional materials that helped shape the games’ iconic aesthetics. It’s a great touch for fans who appreciate the history behind these games. That’s not all though, there’s even a music feature, which offers a couple hundred tracks from the original arcade versions, some of these tracks brought back so many memories of those intense arcade battles as a kid. It’s hard to ask for much more from this collection in terms of features. Capcom has included several quality-of-life improvements that make these games feel fresh even on modern consoles. Things like the option to turn off screen flash and having secret characters right from the start add layers of customization and ease for players. As someone who values fluid gameplay, I was pleased to see that the input delay is essentially nonexistent.
While the collection as a whole is fantastic, as previously stated, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2,” with its depth and balance are still impressive after all these years, and it’s amazing to finally have an accessible, modern version of the game. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t pleasantly surprised by “The Punisher.” I had no idea this game even existed as an arcade title, and playing it was a fresh experience that stood out in the collection. It’s a simple yet entertaining beat ‘em up that added a different flavor to the compilation, giving me a break from the intense head-to-head fighting. What really makes “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics” special is how well it honors the legacy of these games. Capcom has a rich history in the fighting game genre, and this collection showcases that brilliantly. With so much to offer both new players and longtime fans, it’s hard to find any major flaws in this package. In the end, Capcom put in one of their finest efforts, and it’s a must-have for anyone who loves fighting games. Whether you’re here for nostalgia or just discovering these classics for the first time, this collection delivers.
9/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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