Marvel vs. Capcom Collection: Arcade Gems Return

Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers a knockout punch for fans of classic fighting games. This collection, a surprise hit given recent Marvel vs. Capcom history, offers a nostalgic trip back to the arcades with seven iconic titles. For those familiar only with Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, this is a revelation. The inclusion of Marvel vs. Capcom 2's legendary soundtrack alone makes this a worthwhile purchase. Available on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox to follow in 2025), the collection has already garnered significant praise.

Game Lineup

The collection boasts 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, not a fighter). All are based on the arcade originals, ensuring a faithful experience. Both English and Japanese versions are included, offering features like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (Japanese version).

This review reflects 15 hours of gameplay on Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), 13 hours on PS5 (backward compatibility), and 4 hours on Nintendo Switch. While lacking deep expertise in these specific titles (this was my first time playing most), the sheer fun, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the price. I'm even tempted to grab physical copies for my collection.

New Features & Enhancements

The interface echoes Capcom Fighting Collection, but with improvements. Online and local multiplayer are included, along with Switch's local wireless support. Crucially, rollback netcode powers online play, ensuring smooth, lag-free battles. A training mode with hitboxes and input displays aids newcomers, complemented by a customizable one-button super move option. The collection also features display options, a vital setting to reduce white flashes/flickering, and various wallpaper options.

Museum & Gallery: A Treasure Trove

A comprehensive museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While Japanese text in sketches and design documents lacks translation, the sheer volume of content is impressive. The official release of these soundtracks is a major win, sparking hopes for future vinyl or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer: Rollback Netcode in Action

The online options menu allows customization of microphone, voice chat, input delay, and connection strength (PC only; Switch lacks connection strength, PS4 offers input delay and connection strength). Steam Deck testing (wired and wireless) revealed online play similar to Capcom Fighting Collection (Steam), significantly better than Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Cross-region matchmaking and adjustable input delay are available. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked matches, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. The clever retention of cursors in rematches adds a polished touch.

Minor Issues

The single save state (affecting the entire collection, not individual games) is a carryover from Capcom Fighting Collection and remains frustrating. The lack of universal settings for light reduction and visual filters is also a minor inconvenience.

Platform-Specific Notes

• Steam Deck: Verified and runs flawlessly, supporting 720p (handheld), up to 4K (docked), with 1440p and 800p options. Graphics options allow resolution, display mode, and v-sync adjustment.

• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeable load times compared to other platforms. Local wireless is a plus, but the missing connection strength option needs addressing.

• PS5: Backward compatibility means no native PS5 features (Activity Cards would have been beneficial). Loads quickly (especially on SSD), and looks great.

Overall: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a superb collection, exceeding expectations in many areas. The excellent extras and online play (especially on Steam) are highlights. However, the limited save states remain a drawback.

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