The “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection” is a compilation rerelease of video games that Capcom has made featuring characters from Marvel Comics. Marking the first time the majority of these games have seen release in years (including a title which had previously never been released on consoles at all), the collection is a must-own title for fans of both the Marvel and Capcom characters.
Each game has been presented in their original form, complete with modern features such as save backups and customizable control inputs to tailor the experience to your liking. Combining the graphical styles of Western comic book art with a distinctive Japanese flair has given the games a timeless visual appeal. There’s even online play that lets you challenge opponents in the comfort of your own home.
The collection contains seven fan-favorite games, with the fighting titles led by 1994’s “X-Men: Children of the Atom.” Just in time for the game’s 30th anniversary, the game features ten characters from the long-running comic series in a fighter that still contains deep and satisfying gameplay to this day. A custom combo system allows you to chain attacks together on the fly, building on ideas established in Capcom’s own “Street Fighter II.”
“Marvel Super Heroes” followed the year after in 1995. Taking influence from the landmark comic book storyline “Infinity Gauntlet,” fighters can enhance their abilities with the numerous Infinity Gems in battle.
The crossover titles started in earnest with 1996’s “X-Men vs. Street Fighter.” With its use of team-up moves and character tag battles, the stage was ably set for further crossovers. “Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter” followed in 1997, with the doors fully opening up in 1998’s “Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes.”
The biggest draw in the collection is easily 2000’s beloved “Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.” To this day, the sheer amount of variety from both Marvel and Capcom characters represented in the roster is wide-reaching. Big names such as Ryu and Spider-Man share the arena with more niche characters such as the Shuma-Gorath and Captain Commando.
In addition to featuring six of the many crossover fighting games the characters have appeared in, the collection also marks the first time the 1993 arcade game based on “The Punisher” has seen an official release on home consoles. Containing both Frank Castle and Nick Fury as playable characters; the game is a side-scrolling action title where you must take down Wilson Fisk, better known as the Kingpin.
Overall, the “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection” is a must-own compilation for newcomers and true believers alike. Whether you have played the titles before or it’s your first time, these games are “gonna take you for a ride.”
At a glance:
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: PS4, Nintendo Switch
ESRB Rating: T
Price: $49.99
My Rating: ★★★★★