Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review – Switch, Steam Deck, and PS5 Covered

This review dives into Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of classic fighting games, released on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox slated for 2025). For those familiar with the series, this release is a significant event, especially considering the mixed reception of previous entries. Even for newcomers like myself (having only played Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite), the collection offers a compelling trip down memory lane. The inclusion of the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 soundtrack alone is a major draw.

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 fighting game). These are arcade-perfect versions, preserving all features. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a noteworthy detail for fans of titles like Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, which features Norimaro in its Japanese release.

My experience spans 15 hours on Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), 13 hours on PS5 (backward compatibility), and 4 hours on Switch. While I lack the expertise to deeply analyze the intricacies of each game, my enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the price. I'm even tempted to purchase physical copies for my collection.

New Features:

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and weaknesses. This collection includes online and local multiplayer, Switch's local wireless support, rollback netcode, a training mode, per-game customization options (crucially, including white flash reduction), various display options, and a selection of wallpapers.

The training mode is a standout, offering hitbox displays and input tracking, beneficial for newcomers. A helpful "one-button super" option is also available, togglable for online play.

Museum and Gallery:

The impressive museum and gallery feature over 200 soundtracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While a welcome addition, the lack of translation for Japanese text in sketches and design documents is a minor drawback. The inclusion of the soundtracks is fantastic, sparking hopes for future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer:

The online experience, tested extensively on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) and across platforms, is comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, significantly improved over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Input delay adjustment and cross-region matchmaking are available (though Switch lacks a connection strength option). Casual and ranked matches, leaderboards, and a High Score Challenge mode are included. The convenient retention of character selection cursors after rematches is a welcome touch.

Issues:

The most significant issue is the single, global save state. This is a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection and is disappointing. Another minor complaint is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction. Per-game adjustments are present, but a global toggle would be preferable.

Platform-Specific Notes:

• Steam Deck: Runs flawlessly, as expected from its "Verified" status. Supports 720p handheld and up to 4K docked, though only 16:9 aspect ratio.

• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but load times are significantly longer than on other platforms. The lack of a connection strength option is also noted. Local wireless is a plus.

• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility. Looks excellent, but native PS5 support would have enabled PS5 Activity Card integration. Loading is fast, even from an external drive.

Conclusion:

Despite minor flaws, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a superb compilation. The excellent extras, fantastic online play (on Steam, particularly), and the opportunity to experience these classics make it highly recommended. The single save state remains a significant drawback, however.

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