MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review (All Platforms)

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a love letter to fighting game enthusiasts and retro arcade fans alike, offering a robust compilation of some of the most iconic and beloved Capcom fighters from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Released across multiple platforms (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC), this collection brings a variety of titles from Capcom’s legendary fighting game history together in one bundle, with key highlights being the inclusion of the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM series and other arcade classics.

Here’s a detailed review of what the collection offers, its strengths, and areas where it falls short.

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Game List and Features

The MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection includes the following 10 games:

Included Games

1. X-MEN CHILDREN OF THE ATOM
2. MARVEL SUPER HEROES
3. X-MEN VS. STREET FIGHTER
4. MARVEL SUPER HEROES vs. STREET FIGHTER
5. MARVEL vs. CAPCOM CLASH OF SUPER HEROES
6. MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 2 New Age of Heroes
7. THE PUNISHER
   

One of the biggest highlights here is the variety of fighting sub-genres, from traditional 2D fighters to puzzle-based games like Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo and beat-em-up titles like Cyberbots. The collection also introduces Red Earth, a rare title that was previously unavailable on home consoles, making this release a must-have for collectors and fighting game aficionados alike.

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Gameplay and Mechanics

Each game in the collection retains its original arcade mechanics, giving players an authentic experience of classic 2D fighting games. Capcom has done an impressive job of preserving the integrity of the original gameplay while making subtle tweaks for modern platforms.

Fighting Mechanics:
The mechanics vary from game to game but remain deep and engaging. Darkstalkers introduces fast-paced combat with unique supernatural characters, while the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM series stands out for its fluid tag-team mechanics, flashy combos, and special moves. The games in the collection still hold up remarkably well, especially for players who appreciate the precision and timing required in classic fighting games.

Accessibility:
For newcomers, Capcom has added modern features such as save states, allowing players to save mid-game and pick up where they left off—something that was never possible in the original arcade versions. This feature adds a layer of accessibility, making it easier for newer players to get through the tougher moments.

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Graphics and Presentation

Visually, the collection is true to the original art style of each game, retaining the pixel-perfect sprites and hand-drawn animations that define the golden age of 2D fighters. While the games don’t look radically different from their arcade counterparts, Capcom has added high-definition filters and enhanced visuals for modern screens, so the pixelated sprites are crisp, colorful, and well-suited for HD displays.

Players can toggle between different visual filters, including scanlines for those who want a more authentic retro feel. Additionally, the collection offers options for aspect ratios (e.g., 4:3 and widescreen), which further enhances the customization options.

The menus and user interface are sleek and straightforward, offering quick access to all the titles and a range of settings like control remapping and difficulty adjustments.

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Multiplayer and Online Play

One of the key selling points of the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection is the inclusion of online multiplayer with rollback netcode, which provides smoother online matches with reduced latency. This feature is crucial for fighting games, where precise inputs and timing are essential to the competitive experience. Players can compete with others globally in both ranked and casual matches, making the collection feel more connected to today’s fighting game community.

Despite the rollback netcode, some players have reported issues with matchmaking, particularly in finding opponents for lesser-known titles like Red Earth and Cyberbots. The more popular titles, such as Hyper Street Fighter II and the Darkstalkers series, have more active communities, ensuring faster matchmaking.

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Sound and Music

Capcom’s fighting games are known for their energetic soundtracks and iconic voice work, and this collection does not disappoint in that regard. From the fast-paced beats of Darkstalkers to the more heroic tunes of Marvel vs. Capcom, each game’s music is faithfully preserved. Sound effects, from the impact of punches to the sounds of special moves, still pack a punch and are just as engaging as they were in the arcades.

The nostalgic value of hearing the original music and effects is a major draw for long-time fans.

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Nostalgia and Replayability

For fans of retro gaming, this collection is a treasure trove of nostalgia. With some of the best games from Capcom’s fighting library included, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the arcade era. The inclusion of Red Earth is particularly exciting, as the game was previously unavailable outside of arcades and now sees its console debut.

Replayability is a strong point here, especially with the variety of modes, unlockable content, and multiplayer options. While some games may feel dated to modern audiences, those who love old-school fighters will find endless enjoyment in mastering the mechanics of each title.

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Drawbacks

Despite its many strengths, the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection does have a few drawbacks:

1. Limited Modernization:
   While the games stay true to their roots, they haven’t been heavily modernized. The lack of a robust tutorial system or training mode in most games may deter newcomers who aren’t familiar with classic fighting mechanics. While this is in keeping with the collection’s goal of preserving the original arcade experience, a bit more effort to help newer players acclimate could have been beneficial.
2. No Marvel vs. Capcom 2 or 3:
   One glaring omission from the collection is Marvel vs. Capcom 2, arguably the most beloved entry in the series. Its absence may leave some fans feeling that the collection is incomplete, especially given the resurgence in interest for MVC2 in recent years.
3. Niche Titles:
   Some of the games, like Cyberbots and Red Earth, are relatively niche and may not have the same appeal to a broader audience. While they are great additions for collectors, they may not resonate with more casual fighting game fans.

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Conclusion

The MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a celebration of Capcom’s fighting game legacy, offering a well-curated selection of iconic titles with strong multiplayer integration. The collection successfully delivers an authentic arcade experience while providing modern conveniences like save states, filters, and online play.

For retro fighting game enthusiasts and long-time Capcom fans, this collection is a must-have. While it may not cater as much to newcomers due to the lack of extensive tutorials and the absence of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, it stands as a brilliant homage to the era of classic 2D fighters. With its diverse selection of games and solid multiplayer experience, the collection offers plenty of replay value for anyone who appreciates the golden age of fighting games.

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Verdict:

Pros:

• Excellent preservation of classic fighting games.
• Online multiplayer with rollback netcode.
• Wide variety of game types, including puzzle and fighting.
• Nostalgic value for long-time fans.

Cons:

• Some niche titles may not appeal to casual gamers.
• Lack of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and 3.
• No modern training or tutorial modes.

Final Score: 8/10

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows10 (64-BIT Required) / Windows11 (64-BIT Required)
    Processor: IntelⓇ Core™ i5-3470, AMD FX-6100
    Memory: 4 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVIDIA®: GeForce® GTX 470 with 1.2GB Video RAM, AMD: Radeon™ R7 260x with 2GB Video RAM
    DirectX: Version 11
    Network: Broadband Internet connection
    Storage: 4 GB available space
    Sound Card: DirectSound (DirectX® 9.0c or later)
    Additional Notes: Xinput compatible controller recommended

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS: Windows10 (64-BIT Required) / Windows11 (64-BIT Required)
    Processor: IntelⓇ Core™ i5-4460, AMD FX-8300 (or better)
    Memory: 4 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVIDIA®: GeForce® GTX 970 with 4GB Video RAM, AMD: Radeon™ RX480 with 4GB Video RAM
    DirectX: Version 11
    Network: Broadband Internet connection
    Storage: 4 GB available space
    Sound Card: DirectSound (DirectX® 9.0c or later)
    Additional Notes: Xinput compatible controller recommended