Marvel vs Capcom Arcade Classics: Reviewed on Switch, Steam Deck, PS5

For many fans of Capcom's fighting games, the announcement of the Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics was a thrilling surprise, especially following the mixed reception of the last Marvel vs Capcom title. As someone who has primarily experienced Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Marvel vs Capcom Infinite, I've long been eager to dive into the earlier games that have garnered praise from both competitive and casual players alike. Let's not forget the iconic Marvel vs Capcom 2 soundtrack, which alone is worth the price of admission. Months after its announcement, the collection is now available on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation, with an Xbox release scheduled for 2025.

Games Included in Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

The Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics features seven games: 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 rather than a fighting game. These are authentic arcade versions, ensuring no missing features compared to older console ports. Both English and Japanese versions are included, with the latter featuring the exclusive character Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter.

This review is based on my experience playing Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for approximately 15 hours on Steam Deck (both LCD and OLED models), 13 hours on PS5 (via backward compatibility), and about 4 hours on Nintendo Switch. As a newcomer to these titles, I can't delve into the nuances of the games themselves, but my enjoyment of Marvel vs Capcom 2 alone has convinced me that the collection is well worth its price. In fact, it's compelling enough that I'm considering purchasing the physical console versions to add to my collection.

New Features in Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

If you've played the Capcom Fighting Collection, you'll find the interface of Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics familiar, though it does inherit some of the same issues. The collection supports both online and local multiplayer, local wireless play on Switch, rollback netcode for smoother online matches, a training mode, customizable game options, and important accessibility features like reducing white flashes or light flickering. Various display and wallpaper options are also available.

The training mode, accessible for each game, includes hitboxes and input displays, making it an excellent resource for newcomers. Additionally, there's a new one-button super option that can be toggled for online play, catering to players of all skill levels.

Museum and Gallery in Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

The collection boasts a comprehensive museum and gallery, featuring over 200 game soundtracks and more than 500 pieces of artwork. Many of these artworks have never been released to the public before, which is particularly exciting for long-time fans. However, it's worth noting that sketches and design documents with Japanese text lack translations.

For music enthusiasts, the official release of these soundtracks is a dream come true, and I hope this leads to future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer Experience with Rollback Netcode

The options menu includes network settings where you can adjust microphone and voice chat volume, input delay, and connection strength on PC. The Switch version only allows adjustments to input delay, while the PS4 version includes input delay and connection strength but lacks voice chat options, likely relying on native PS5 and PS4 voice chat features. The absence of a connection strength option on Switch is a notable omission.

Pre-release testing on Steam Deck, both wired and wirelessly, showed that the online experience is significantly improved compared to the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, and similar to the Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam. We tested various games and even enjoyed some co-op in The Punisher, finding the online play seamless despite geographical distances.

The collection supports casual and ranked matches, as well as leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. A thoughtful feature is that when rematching online, the cursors remain in place, allowing you to easily select the same team in games like Marvel vs Capcom 2 without manual adjustments.

Issues with Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

My primary concern with the collection is the single save state (quick save) for the entire collection, rather than one per game, a recurring issue from the Capcom Fighting Collection. Additionally, settings such as light reduction and visual filters cannot be universally applied or toggled, requiring adjustments for each game individually.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics on Steam Deck – Verified Already

The collection runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck, being Steam Deck Verified. It supports 720p in handheld mode and 4K when docked, though it maintains a 16:9 aspect ratio without 16:10 support. I played at 1440p when docked and 800p handheld, and the PC settings allow adjustments to resolution, display mode, and v-sync.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics on Nintendo Switch

On the Switch, the collection looks good but suffers from longer load times compared to other platforms. The absence of a connection strength option is a downside, though the Switch version does offer local wireless play, a feature not available on other platforms.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics on PS5

While the collection is played via backward compatibility on PS5, it performs excellently, loading quickly even from an external hard drive. Moving it to the SSD would enhance load times even further. The lack of native PS5 support means missing out on Activity Card functionality, which would have been a nice addition.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics stands out as one of Capcom's finest collections, offering a rich array of extras, exceptional online play on Steam, and a delightful introduction to these classic games. My only wish is for more save slots for the entire collection.

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