Combo and crush all in your way. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics.

Author’s Note: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics features online play. However, I don’t play online so I can’t comment on its quality.

I’m not great at fighting games. Well, scratch that. I’m not as great as I used to be at fighting games. There was a time when I could hold my own. But, it was around that same time that the fighting market became overly saturated and I found myself spreading my “talents” too thin. Eventually, I settled on trying to be as good as possible at Smash Brothers, Samurai Shodown and Guilty Gear. While aspects of the aforementioned series’ are in the massive world of Capcom’s Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, I’m content knowing that I’m able to have fun with these games despite not being skilled. My point is that no matter you’re level of expertise, this collection of seven games (six fighters and one classic arcade action) is worth owning.

The six fighting games are direct copies of their arcade versions. For better and for worse. While each game runs smoothly and contains that classic, 90s fighting aesthetic, there are also times when the controls feel just slightly off. I played on Switch and noticed minor graphical issues while playing docked and handheld. Still, it was nothing that prevented my enjoyment. Some tweaks were added such as customizable controls and save states. As of this writing, I’ve finished X-Men: Children of the Atom (Silver Samurai) and X-Men vs. Street Fighter (Ken/Sabretooth). Both games showcased the aforementioned good and bad. The crown jewel of this collection is Marvel vs. Capcom 2. I haven’t finished it yet, but what I have played proves that the game is timeless. As for the other games I barely touched, it’s clear that some have aged better than others. All l of them are worth experiencing.

This includes The Punisher, a beat ’em up that would normally required piles of quarters to finish. It’s the first game that involved Marvel’s and Capcom’s partnership; something I learned as I was doing research before purchasing the game. It’s quick and easy to finish, and it’s a good way to take a break from the combos and special move inputs. I have zero familiarity with The Punisher lore but that didn’t stop me from having fun going through each stage, beating up baddies, collecting money and power ups, and enjoying all of the ridiculousness that comes with side-scrolling beat ’em up titles.

When you’ve had your fill of fighting, you can take a break in the game’s museum. There’s official art, concept art, designs, a music player, and more. I learned a lot going through these archives. I’ve been a fan of Capcom for years thanks to Mega Man and Breath of Fire, but my knowledge of the Marvel universe within this context is limited. It was fun to go down memory lane and see the multitude of rosters and changes.

The collection’s longevity is what you make of it. You can play a few rounds in a few games. You can go from start to end in one game, using as many continues as needed. You can use a practice mode to nail your combos and timing. You can do a lot, and still find new things to enjoy. While my echelon of fighting franchises hasn’t changed, nor will it ever change, I have really grown to appreciate all of the historic and impactful things Capcom did for the genre. Seven games in one collection is a good deal despite some games having more hiccups than others. Comprehensive and accessible, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is worth owning.

Overall, 8/10: Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics showcases crossover history in a solid package that overall plays great.