Marvel's Finest Team Up in Ultimate Fighting Collection

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)

For 90s fans of Marvel, Capcom, and fighting games, Capcom's Marvel-based fighters were a dream. Beginning with the excellent X-Men: Children of the Atom, the series consistently improved, expanding to the wider Marvel universe with Marvel Super Heroes, then the groundbreaking Marvel/ Street Fighter crossovers, culminating in the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom and the spectacular Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this era, adding Capcom's Punisher beat 'em up as a bonus. A truly fantastic collection.

This compilation shares many features with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including, unfortunately, a single shared save state across all seven games. This is inconvenient, especially with the inclusion of a beat 'em up requiring independent save points. However, it otherwise delivers as expected: visual filters, gameplay customization options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The collection notably features NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in a superb Marvel vs. Capcom 2 experience.

While not a criticism, the absence of home console versions is notable. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique elements, and the Dreamcast Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional features appealing to solo players. The omission of Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, might have enhanced the collection. Nevertheless, the title accurately reflects its arcade-focused content.

Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate this exceptional collection. The games are outstanding, meticulously preserved, and complemented by a comprehensive suite of extras and options. The single shared save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, this is a nearly flawless compilation. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have for Switch owners.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

Initial skepticism regarding this Metroidvania-style Yars game was understandable. The concept of a young hacker, code-named Yar, in a Yars' Revenge Metroidvania seemed incongruous. However, WayForward delivers a solid game. The visuals and audio are impressive, gameplay is smooth, and level design is competent. Boss battles, typical of WayForward titles, are somewhat protracted, but not excessively so.

WayForward successfully integrates elements of the original Yars' Revenge. Yars' Revenge-style sequences appear frequently, abilities evoke the original, and the lore is reasonably well-integrated. While the connection to the original remains tenuous, Atari's attempt to expand its classic library is understandable. The game, however, seems to cater to two distinct audiences with limited overlap.

Despite conceptual concerns, Yars Rising is enjoyable. While it may not challenge genre leaders, it offers a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Future installments could potentially solidify the connection between the original and this iteration.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

Lacking strong personal nostalgia for Rugrats, expectations for Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland were moderate. Comparisons to Bonk proved partially accurate, reflecting Tommy's physique. The game surprised with crisp visuals surpassing the show's animation quality. Control customization options addressed initial awkwardness. The inclusion of the Rugrats theme song and Reptar coins maintained thematic consistency. The core gameplay is a platformer with exploration elements.

The game's unexpected inspiration became apparent upon switching characters: Chuckie's high jump, Phil's low jump, and Lil's floating ability mirror Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) mechanics. Enemies could be picked up and thrown, and blocks could be stacked for vertical progression. The game incorporates elements from other platformers, but the core gameplay evokes Super Mario Bros. 2.

The game offers both modern and 8-bit visual and audio options, each with its merits. A filter is also available. The boss battles are engaging. The only significant drawbacks are the game's brevity and simplicity. The lack of voice acting in cutscenes is also a minor disappointment.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded expectations, offering a high-quality platformer reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2. The Rugrats license is well-integrated. While short and straightforward, it's a worthwhile experience for platformer fans and Rugrats enthusiasts. Multiplayer functionality is a welcome addition.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5