Marvel vs. Capcom Classic Compilation Hits Switch, Decks, & PlayStation 5

This review dives into Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of classic fighting games, assessing its features, online play, and performance across various platforms.

Game Selection:

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 based on arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included, offering variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (Japanese version).

The reviewer, a newcomer to most of these titles, spent considerable time playing across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch, finding MvC2 particularly compelling.

New Features & Enhancements:

The collection mirrors the Capcom Fighting Collection interface, including online/local multiplayer, Switch wireless support, rollback netcode, training mode, customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, display options, and wallpapers. A noteworthy addition is a one-button super move option, beneficial for newcomers.

Museum & Gallery:

A comprehensive museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While extensive, Japanese text in sketches and documents remains untranslated. The reviewer expresses hope for future vinyl or streaming releases of the soundtrack.

Online Multiplayer Experience:

Online play features customizable network settings (microphone, voice chat, input delay, connection strength – PC offers more options than Switch). Rollback netcode delivers a smooth experience, surpassing previous Capcom collections. Matchmaking supports casual, ranked matches, and leaderboards, including a High Score Challenge. Conveniently, rematch cursors retain previous selections.

Issues:

The primary drawback is the single save state for the entire collection, a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection. Another minor issue involves non-universal settings for visual filters and light reduction.

Platform-Specific Observations:

• Steam Deck: Verified and runs flawlessly, supporting 720p (handheld) and 4K (docked).
• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable but suffers from noticeable load times. Connection strength options are missing. Local wireless is supported.
• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; looks excellent but lacks native PS5 features like Activity Cards. Fast loading times.

Conclusion:

Despite minor flaws (save state limitation), Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is considered one of Capcom's best compilations. The robust extras, excellent online play (especially on Steam), and the opportunity to experience classic titles make it a highly recommended purchase. A Steam Deck score of 4.5/5 reflects this positive assessment.