The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a phenomenal compilation for fans of Capcom's fighting game history. For those familiar with the series, the announcement was a welcome surprise, especially given the mixed reception of recent entries. This review covers experiences across Steam Deck, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this impressive collection.

Game Lineup:

The collection boasts 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 are based on arcade versions, ensuring a complete and faithful experience. Both English and Japanese versions are included, a noteworthy detail for fans of regional variations (like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter).

This review is based on extensive playtime across multiple platforms. While lacking deep expertise in these classic games (this being a first-time playthrough), the sheer enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, easily justifies the purchase price.

New Features and Enhancements:

The user interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, inheriting both its strengths and shortcomings (discussed later). Key additions include online and local multiplayer, Switch wireless support, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode with hitbox displays, extensive customization options (including crucial white flash reduction), various display settings, and a selection of wallpapers. A particularly helpful feature for newcomers is the optional one-button super move.

Museum and Gallery:

A substantial museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While a valuable addition for fans, the lack of translation for Japanese text in certain materials is a minor drawback. The inclusion of the soundtracks is a major highlight, hopefully paving the way for future physical or streaming releases.

Online Multiplayer Experience:

The online experience, utilizing rollback netcode, is largely positive. Network settings allow for microphone/voice chat control, input delay adjustment, and connection strength monitoring (PC only, notably absent on Switch). Testing on Steam Deck (wired and wireless) showed performance comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection on Steam, a significant improvement over the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked modes, along with leaderboards and a High Score Challenge. The retention of cursor positions during rematches is a small but appreciated touch.

Issues and Shortcomings:

The most significant issue is the single, collection-wide save state. This limitation, carried over from Capcom Fighting Collection, is frustrating. Another minor inconvenience is the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction; adjusting these per game is cumbersome.

Platform-Specific Notes:

• Steam Deck: Fully verified, running smoothly at 720p handheld and supporting up to 4K docked. 16:9 aspect ratio only.

• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from noticeable load times. The lack of a connection strength option is a drawback. Local wireless is a plus.

• PS5: Runs via backward compatibility; a native PS5 version would have been preferable for PS5 Activity Card integration. Loads quickly, looks excellent.

Overall:

Despite minor flaws, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a superb compilation, exceeding expectations in many areas. The robust extras, excellent online play (on Steam, particularly), and the opportunity to experience these classic games make it a must-have. The single save state remains a significant frustration, however.

Steam Deck Review Score: 4.5/5