Arcade Classics Reborn: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arrives on Switch, Steam Deck, PS5

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its release was a surprise delight, especially given the mixed reception of previous entries. This collection offers a comprehensive look at classic titles, exceeding expectations in several key areas.

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, not a fighter). All are arcade versions, ensuring complete features. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a welcome addition for fans of regional variations.

This review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While lacking deep expertise in these individual games (this was my first time playing most!), the sheer enjoyment, particularly with MvC2, easily justifies the purchase price. I'm even tempted to buy the physical console releases!

Enhanced Features:

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and weaknesses (more on that later). Key improvements include online and local multiplayer, Switch's local wireless support, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode with hitbox displays, customizable game options, a crucial white flash reduction setting, various display options, and a selection of wallpapers. A beginner-friendly "one-button super" option is also a welcome addition.

Museum and Gallery:

The collection features an impressive museum and gallery, showcasing over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While a delightful addition, the lack of translation for Japanese text in sketches and documents is a minor drawback. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a significant win, hopefully paving the way for future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer:

The online experience, featuring adjustable input delay and cross-region matchmaking, is a significant highlight. Testing on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) revealed performance comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a vast improvement over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked matches, plus leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. The persistent cursor memory for character selection after rematches is a small but appreciated touch.

Issues:

The collection's biggest flaw is the single, universal save state. This applies to the entire collection, not individual games, a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection that's 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 and Steam Deck Verified, offering 720p handheld and up to 4K docked (16:9 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 downside. Local wireless is a plus.
• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; a native PS5 version would have been preferable for PS5 Activity Card integration. Performance is excellent on a 1440p monitor, with fast loading (especially on an SSD).

Conclusion:

Despite minor shortcomings, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is one of Capcom's best compilations. The excellent extras, smooth online play (on Steam, especially), and the opportunity to experience these classic titles make it a must-have. The single save state remains a significant frustration.

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