Well, it finally happened. Capcom has seemingly seen the vacancy left by the lack of legacy Marvel vs Capcom titles on modern platforms and has addressed it with the release of Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics.
Like the previously released Capcom Fighting Collection I looked at in 2022, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection collects seven arcade-accurate ROMs in one comprehensive collection. The collection includes includes online multiplayer support, bonus unlockable extras, such as concept art and remixed soundtracks and the option to switch between different regions of said games for region-specific content. For example, being able to play as Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.
As far as the games themselves, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics includes 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 as a bonus, The Punisher arcade game.
Of course, for many, the headliner title in the collection is easily the inclusion of MVC2. This legendary fighting game hasn’t really been playable on modern platforms since the seventh generation of home consoles, with the less-than-perfect port of the beloved fighting game onto Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.
Thankfully, Capcom has made not only Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 New Age Of Heroes the best it can be, but every other game included in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is as close to as arcade-accurate as possible. In fact, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is not only the most accessible way to experience some classic cross-over action, but it’s also the best way to play outside of having to bust out the old SEGA Dreamcast.
“Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics feels nearly identical to the previous Fighting Game Collection released by Capcom, for better and for worse.”
Despite many players likely gravitating towards MVC2, the other games in the collection are more than worthy of your time, even if you’ve never played them in the arcades or know what a SEGA Saturn is. There is an undeniable charm going through the legacy of Marvel vs Capcom titles. Games like X-Men Children Of The Atom feel surprisingly fresh and focused compared to some of the more outlandish and over-the-top action found in the later games included in the collection.
Taking the time to appreciate the nuances and game-specific gimmicks, such as the gem system in Marvel Super Heroes, can be a lot of fun, adding to the overall value that comes with the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection.
Without a doubt, the odd one out in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection would be The Punisher. Unlike the rest of the titles available in the collection, which are fighting games, The Punisher is a beat-em-up title featuring the titular character and Nick Fury (before he discovered melanin) that graced arcades back in 1993.
“Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is not only the most accessible way to experience some classic cross-over action, but it’s also the best way to play outside of having to bust out the old SEGA Dreamcast.”
Thankfully, The Punisher is a lot of fun, particularly if you have a friend join in for the sidescrolling action — making it a fun reminder of a simpler time, far removed from movie-tie-ins, obscure references and an unyielding push to buy into something larger.
Outside of the included games themselves, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics feels nearly identical to the previous fighting game collection released by Capcom, for better and for worse. In other words, there is a lack of evolution or added goodies that make up the collection, especially regarding how the games are presented to the player.
Now, for serious players, you’ll likely be happy with playing the available titles in their native 4:3 aspect ratios with the CRT filters disabled. Still, in a world where emulation exists, it would have been nice to see a more comprehensive selection of filters and or even bevels or warped edges for the screen, similar to what can be done through Retroarch.
Ultimately, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a comprehensive set of games made available on modern platforms, including arguably what can be considered to be Capcom’s greatest fighting game ever made with the inclusion of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 New Age Of Heroes.
