The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics surprised many longtime fans of Capcom's fighting games, especially considering the reception of the last Marvel vs. Capcom title. This collection offers a fantastic opportunity to experience classic titles, even for those only familiar with more recent entries like myself. The inclusion of the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 soundtrack alone is a huge draw. Available on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox to follow in 2025), this collection is a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts.

Game Lineup

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection includes 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). These are arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included, offering variations like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (Japanese version).

This review is based on extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While I'm not a fighting game expert (this was my first time with most of these titles), the enjoyment derived from Marvel vs. Capcom 2 alone justifies the purchase price.

New Features

The collection's interface mirrors Capcom Fighting Collection, including its shortcomings (discussed later). Key features include online and local multiplayer, local wireless (Switch), rollback netcode, a training mode with hitboxes and input displays, customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, various display options, and wallpapers. A helpful one-button super move option is available for online play.

Museum and Gallery

A comprehensive museum and gallery boasts over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While impressive, Japanese text in sketches and documents lacks translation. The official soundtrack release is welcome, but a vinyl or streaming release would be a fantastic addition.

Online Multiplayer

Online options include microphone/voice chat controls (PC), input delay, and connection strength (PC and PS4). Switch lacks connection strength settings. Pre-release Steam Deck testing (wired and wireless) showed online play comparable to Capcom Fighting Collection (Steam), significantly improved over Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Matchmaking supports casual and ranked matches, plus leaderboards and a High Score Challenge mode. Conveniently, rematch character selection retains previous choices.

Issues

The collection's single save state (for the entire collection, not per game) is a significant drawback, inherited from Capcom Fighting Collection. Another minor issue is the lack of universal settings for light reduction and visual filters.

Steam Deck Performance

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is Steam Deck Verified, running smoothly at 720p (handheld) and supporting 4K docked. PC graphics options allow resolution, display mode, and v-sync adjustments.

Nintendo Switch Performance

While visually acceptable, the Switch version suffers from noticeable load times compared to other platforms. The addition of a connection strength option would be beneficial. However, it does offer local wireless support.

PS5 Performance

Played via backward compatibility, the PS5 version looks excellent but lacks native PS5 features like Activity Card support. Loading times are fast, even from an external hard drive.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is one of Capcom's best collections, offering superb extras and excellent online play (on Steam). The single save slot is the major drawback.

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