Marvel vs. Capcom Returns with Arcade Classic Collection

This review explores the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of classic fighting games, across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. The collection includes 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). All games are based on their arcade counterparts, featuring both English and Japanese versions.

The collection boasts a user-friendly interface, similar to Capcom's Fighting Collection, though it inherits some of the same shortcomings. Key features include online and local multiplayer, Switch local wireless, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode with hitbox displays, customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, various display settings, and a selection of wallpapers. A new one-button super move option caters to newcomers.

A substantial museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While the soundtrack is a welcome addition, the reviewer hopes for future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online multiplayer, tested extensively on Steam Deck and across platforms, provides a smooth experience comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection, significantly improved upon Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Rollback netcode ensures responsive gameplay, even across regions. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. The convenient retention of character selections between rematches enhances the online experience.

The collection's main drawback is the single, global save state, affecting all games rather than individually. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction.

On Steam Deck, the game runs flawlessly, achieving 720p handheld and supporting 4K docked. PC graphics options allow for resolution, display mode, and v-sync adjustments.

The Switch version, while visually acceptable, suffers from noticeable load times compared to other platforms. The absence of a connection strength option is also noted. However, it offers local wireless play.

The PS5 version, running via backward compatibility, performs well, though native PS5 support would have enabled PS5 Activity Card integration. Load times are fast, even from an external hard drive.

Overall, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is deemed one of Capcom's best compilations, offering exceptional extras and online play. The single save state remains a significant drawback.

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