Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: A Review of Classic Arcade Titles

They declared it would never happen. Who exactly said it? Unclear. Maybe no one. But they did. They made the statement. Them. However, they were mistaken, weren’t they? Because it’s now a reality, isn’t it? They are left with egg on their faces while we are immersed in the world of Marvel and Capcom. Every arcade game that combined Marvel and Capcom is now accessible in this remarkable compilation named Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics. A collection of fantastic fighting games (and one belt scroller) awaits you.

Here’s the full lineup of this exceptional collection: X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and The Punisher. Seven gems for seven enthusiasts. I would have purchased Marvel vs. Capcom 2 alone, but here it is. Every game, every character, all unlocked from the start. Rollback netcode for each title for smooth online gameplay. Enhanced training modes for each game with hitboxes and frame data for the fighting game aficionados. The galleries feature a plethora of high-resolution artwork including marquee cards, concept art, key art, and more. All of it is splendid. Additionally, there is an option for simplified controls, allowing you to execute hyper combos with a single button like in the old Xbox and PS2 versions.

On a personal note, I must admit that I am not a part of the “FGC” (Fighting Game Community). I am not proficient in fighting games and have no real interest in becoming skilled at them. When I was younger, I received Marvel vs. Capcom 2 as a Christmas gift, a game that I had longed for after seeing coverage of the Dreamcast release in a magazine. The extensive and diverse character roster captivated me, and I spent hours playing through arcade mode repeatedly to unlock all characters. In a way, I feel a bit nostalgic for the days when unlocking characters was a challenge. However, that sentiment is irrational. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for this review. While I may not excel at it, the memories of executing simple combos came flooding back as I controlled Tron Bonne and fought off Abyss.

For me, MvC2 will always reign supreme. It is the pinnacle. The ultimate showdown filled with colors, explosions, and hyperkinetic chaos. While the simplicity of X-Men: Children of the Atom may not appeal to me, witnessing the evolution of the entire series is intriguing. Similar to Capcom’s other collections, and the upcoming SNK-focused Capcom Fighting Collection 2, this compilation offers enthusiasts the best possible experience for playing and replaying these games online in ranked matches, the essence of what fighting games are meant for. Whether you are a casual player or a seasoned fighting game fanatic, this set is impeccable. Including The Punisher, where Frank Castle and Nick Fury take down countless enemies, offers something for everyone. Capcom continues to uphold its legacy with exceptional respect and quality.