Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Review – Switch, Steam Deck, and PS5 Covered

This review dives into Capcom's Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of classic fighting games released across Steam, Switch, and PlayStation (with Xbox to follow in 2025). For those unfamiliar with the earlier titles, this collection offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the lauded gameplay of these retro fighters.

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 beat 'em up, THE PUNISHER. All are arcade versions, ensuring complete feature sets. Both English and Japanese versions are included (allowing access to characters like Norimaro in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter).

This review covers extensive playtime across Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), PS5 (backward compatibility), and Nintendo Switch. While lacking deep expertise in these specific games, the reviewer's enjoyment, particularly with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, strongly supports the collection's value.

New Features:

The interface mirrors Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, including its shortcomings (discussed later). Key additions include online and local multiplayer, Switch wireless support, rollback netcode, a comprehensive training mode with hitbox displays, customizable game options, adjustable white flash reduction, diverse display settings, and wallpaper choices. A noteworthy feature is the optional one-button super move for online play, beneficial for newcomers.

Museum and Gallery:

A rich museum and gallery showcase over 200 soundtrack tracks and 500 pieces of artwork, some previously unreleased. While impressive, Japanese text within sketches and design documents remains untranslated. The reviewer expresses hope for future vinyl or streaming releases of the soundtrack.

Online Multiplayer Experience:

The online experience, tested on Steam Deck (wired and wireless), mirrors Capcom Fighting Collection’s quality, a significant improvement over Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Options include adjustable input delay, cross-region matchmaking, casual and ranked matches, leaderboards, and a High Score Challenge mode. The convenient retention of character selections between rematches is highlighted.

Issues:

The collection's primary drawback is the single, universal save state, affecting the entire collection rather than individual games. Another minor criticism involves the lack of universal settings for visual filters and light reduction.

Platform-Specific Notes:

• Steam Deck: Verified compatibility ensures smooth performance at 720p handheld and up to 4K docked (16:9 aspect ratio only).

• Nintendo Switch: Visually acceptable, but suffers from significantly longer load times compared to other platforms. The absence of a connection strength option is noted. Local wireless play is a plus.

• PS5: Backward compatibility performance is excellent, though native support would have enabled PS5 Activity Card integration. Fast loading times are noted, even from an external hard drive.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is considered one of Capcom's best compilations, offering exceptional extras and online play (on Steam). The single save state remains a notable shortcoming.

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