MARVEL VS CAPCOM FIGHTING COLLECTION: ARCADE CLASSICS Review
Capcom has been on a hot streak lately, with hits like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Street Fighter 6 breaking records, reaching over 4 million units sold. They’ve brought back another gem with Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. This collection of seven iconic titles, including some long-lost arcade favourites, offers new and seasoned players the chance to experience the thrill of these timeless matchups once more.
A Nostalgic Return with a Modern Twist
Whether you’re a veteran of the original arcades or new to the franchise, this collection offers something for everyone. Each game supports both online and co-op play, allowing fans to relive the magic of their favourite characters in fierce battles or team up with friends to take on the competition.
The online experience shines thanks to rollback netcode, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay, even in heated ranked battles or casual matches. You can create lobbies with friends, battle head-to-head, and even spectate other matches. For those craving a challenge, the High Score Challenge mode lets you aim for the top of the global leaderboards—adding a competitive twist to these arcade classics.
However, one major downside is the lack of crossplay, which is a missed opportunity in today’s gaming landscape. Additionally, matchmaking can take longer than expected, which slightly dampens the excitement when you're eager to jump into a match.
Accessibility for All Skill Levels
One thing Capcom has done exceptionally well with this collection is making it accessible for players of all skill levels. The inclusion of beginner-friendly features like adjustable difficulty levels, One Button Specials, and training modes helps newcomers ease into the action while still preserving the challenge for veterans.
A particularly nice touch is the ability to save and load your progress almost anywhere, allowing you to pick up right where you left off without the fear of losing that hard-earned progress. It’s a small but welcome feature that fits perfectly with the modern player's busy schedule.
A Treasure Trove of Arcade History
For long-time fans, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection goes beyond just the games themselves. It offers over 500 pieces of artwork, including never-before-seen development documents from the making of the original titles. It’s a trip down memory lane, allowing players to dive into the behind-the-scenes work that brought these iconic games to life.
The collection’s Music feature is another fantastic addition, boasting over 200 tracks from the original arcade soundtracks. You can enjoy these nostalgic tunes whenever you like, adding a layer of immersion that fans of the original games will love.
The Games Included:
- 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
- The Punisher
Having access to all these iconic titles in one package feels like a dream come true. Some of these games were notoriously hard to find or purchase again, making their inclusion in this collection a true gift for fans and preservationists alike. Capcom has done a commendable job ensuring these titles can be enjoyed by future generations.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers exactly what it promises: a faithful recreation of some of the most beloved fighting games in history, wrapped up with modern features like online play and accessibility options. While the lack of crossplay and occasional matchmaking delays are drawbacks, they don't take away from the thrill of playing these iconic games with friends or against rivals from around the world.
Capcom’s efforts to preserve these classics are worth celebrating, and while it’s not without its flaws, this collection is a must-play for fans of arcade fighters. Whether you're revisiting these games or discovering them for the first time, this collection provides a blast from the past that still holds up today.
Score: 8/10