Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers a knockout punch for fighting game fans. This collection, released on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox to follow in 2025), is a revelation, especially given the mixed reception of recent Marvel vs. Capcom titles. Even for newcomers like myself, who've only played Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, the experience is immediately captivating. The legendary Marvel vs. Capcom 2 soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission.
Game Lineup
The collection boasts seven classic 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). These are faithful arcade ports, ensuring complete feature parity. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a welcome detail for fans. For example, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter includes Norimaro in its Japanese version.
My review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While I lack the deep expertise to dissect the intricacies of each game, the sheer enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, far surpasses the asking price. I'm even tempted to buy physical copies for my collection!
New Features & Enhancements
The user interface echoes Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and a few minor shortcomings (discussed later). Key additions include online and local multiplayer, local wireless on Switch, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode with hitbox displays, extensive customization options (including crucial white flash reduction), and a visually appealing gallery.
A standout feature is the optional one-button super move, a boon for newcomers. The training mode's depth makes it perfect for learning the ropes.
Museum & Gallery: A Treasure Trove
The collection's museum and gallery are incredibly impressive, boasting over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unseen by the public. While the sheer volume is amazing, it's worth noting that Japanese text in sketches and design documents remains untranslated.
The official release of these soundtracks is fantastic, but I hope it's a prelude to vinyl or streaming releases.
Online Multiplayer: Rollback Netcode in Action
The online experience is a highlight. Network settings allow for microphone control, voice chat volume adjustment (PC only), input delay tweaking, and connection strength monitoring (PC and PS4). The Switch version, unfortunately, lacks connection strength options.
My pre-release testing on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) showed online play comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant upgrade from Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Cross-region matchmaking and adjustable input delay further enhance the experience. Co-op in The Punisher also worked flawlessly.
The collection supports casual and ranked matches, leaderboards, and a High Score Challenge mode. A small but appreciated touch: rematch cursors retain previous selections, streamlining gameplay.
Issues and Shortcomings
The most significant drawback is the single save state for the entire collection, not per game. This is a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection that's disappointing to see repeated. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction. While per-game options are available, a global toggle would be preferable.
Platform-Specific Notes
- Steam Deck: Perfectly compatible (Steam Deck Verified), running smoothly at 720p handheld and up to 4K docked (16:9 aspect ratio only).
- Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeably longer load times compared to other platforms. The lack of a connection strength option is also a missed opportunity. However, it does offer local wireless play.
- PS5: While played via backward compatibility, it looks and performs great on a 1440p monitor, with fast loading times (even from an external drive). The lack of native PS5 features, like Activity Cards, is a missed opportunity.
Final Verdict
Despite minor flaws, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is one of Capcom's finest compilations. The impressive extras, excellent online play (on Steam, especially), and the sheer joy of rediscovering these classics make it a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts. The single save state remains the most significant letdown.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5
