Review
Review | Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection (PC)
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a reminder of why the ’90s is looked back upon as a golden era for both Marvel and Capcom.
The Greatest Crossover in History
Growing up in the ’90s was marked by afternoons spent watching X-Men or heading to the arcade to play Street Fighter. For fans of both, Capcom delivered a thrilling series of arcade games that brought together their iconic characters and the Marvel Universe. Those of us who got to enjoy the Marvel vs. Capcom games remember it fondly while also helping it grow among a new generation of fans.
Unfortunately, playing these classic games has become increasingly difficult. Arcade versions are rare, with only a few lucky appearances at conventions. Although they were eventually ported to consoles, finding them can be pricey, often selling for over $100 USD on average. That is why when Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection was announced, it was welcoming news for gamers.
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection serves as a reminder of why the ’90s was a golden era for both Marvel and Capcom. This collection brings together six iconic Marvel games developed by Capcom, allowing gamers to either relive the nostalgia of their youth or experience these classics for the first time.
A New Age of Heroes
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a compilation of Marvel games developed by Capcom in the ’90s. It includes X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, The Punisher, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter. These are the original arcade versions, meaning any content exclusive to the console ports will not be included. The collection goes beyond just the games, offering a museum that showcases artwork and soundtracks from each title. This addition provides fans with a deeper appreciation of the creative elements behind these iconic games.
The most impressive aspect of the collection is its ability to balance updated visuals and audio with the preservation of the original aesthetics. While the games have undergone significant upgrades to enhance their appeal, great care has been taken to maintain the details that defined the era’s style. This approach ensures the games feel modernized without losing their defining artistic elements.
Marvel Heroes Assemble
The majority of titles in the collection are fighting games that allow players to pit their favorite Marvel heroes against Capcom characters. You can play solo against the computer, with others online, or in co-op mode. The co-op feature is particularly appealing, as it lets you relive the good old days with your friends. However, instead of meeting at an arcade, I can easily bring my laptop and play with my friends anytime, anywhere.
The only outlier in the collection is The Punisher, a beat-’em-up game. Players can take on the role of the titular anti-hero or Agent Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. as they embark on a war to bring down the Kingpin. Even though it’s not a fighting game, its inclusion is welcoming. This was still a popular game in the arcade and many of us do have fond memories of playing the Sega Genisis version.
Each game in the collection can be customized to fit the player’s preferences. You can adjust settings such as the timer speed, the number of continues, and the game’s difficulty. Additionally, players have the option to choose between the original Japanese version or the North American version of each game.
Prepare for War
Having played Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter at anime conventions in recent years, and recently re-playing The Punisher at CAX 2024, I have a solid grasp of how much the collection has enhanced these arcade classics. The controls are notably more polished and responsive, even compared to well-maintained arcade cabinets. The graphics are sharp but still capture the charm of the era. Additionally, the audio quality is crisp while preserving the nostalgic sound of the original arcade games.
My only complaint about the collection is the limited save options. Specifically, you only get one save slot for the entire game. This limitation mainly affects The Punisher. However, since you can skip to any stage you want, this issue can be easily ignored.
To Me, My X-Men!
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a reminder of why the ’90s is looked back upon as a golden era for both Marvel and Capcom. It allows those of us who grew up with these games to replay them on modern consoles and the PC. It also allows a new generation of Marvel and Capcom fans to experience these classics for the first time.
Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.
This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection (PC)
10
Pros
- It's a reminder of why the '90s was a golden era for Marvel and Capcom.
- Updated visuals and audio that also preserve the original aesthetics.
- Co-op allows you to play with your friends in person.
- Inclusion of The Punisher is a welcome treat.
Cons
- Overall game is limited to only one save slot.
Stan Rezaee
Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
