Fighting game enthusiasts, prepare yourselves for an epic throwback as the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics arrives on PlayStation 4 this November 22, 2024. Already popular on PC, this collection promises a fusion of nostalgia and cutting-edge gaming enhancements. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this collection a standout release for both old-school and new-generation gamers.
What’s Included in the Collection?
X-Men: Children of the Atom is a six-button fighting game that stays grounded compared to its successors. Players focus more on fundamental mechanics like movement, meter management, and choosing between Light, Medium, or Heavy versions of special moves. This title stands out for its classic arcade gameplay and is perfect for players who prefer straightforward one-on-one battles without tag mechanics. It features a vibrant roster with fan favorites like Iceman, who boasts unique freezing attacks, and Omega Red, whose screen-filling tentacles add an element of unpredictability. Wolverine, with his rapid claw strikes, and Sentinel, with its robust, heavy-hitting moves, round out the most exciting characters.
Marvel Super Heroes expands the roster beyond the X-Men, integrating popular Marvel icons such as Spider-Man, Hulk, and Iron Man, as well as unique villains like Shuma Gorath and Blackheart. The game is distinguished by its innovative Infinity Gem mechanic, where players can knock gems out of opponents, collect them, and activate them for various strategic effects. Gems like the Soul Gem restore health, while others grant speed boosts or armor enhancements. This game retains the 1v1 format but introduces deeper layers of strategy with the gem system, providing a richer experience for players who enjoy tactical gameplay. The return of the ‘auto-guard’ mode makes it beginner-friendly, although it restricts the player to a shorter Arcade Mode.
X-Men Vs. Street Fighter was a game-changer as the first title in the series to introduce tag-team mechanics and crossover gameplay. It blended the fast-paced action of Capcom’s Street Fighter characters with the mutant powers of the X-Men. Key differences included subtle tweaks to characters like Ryu and Ken—Ryu had larger fireballs and air throws, while Ken could unleash Akuma’s diagonal fireball. The ability to switch between two characters without the complexity of assist attacks allowed players to strategize by rotating characters to recover health. This made the game a great entry point for those new to tag-based fighters while also being reminiscent of later games like Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite. Hidden characters like Akuma added an extra layer of excitement.
Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter built on the success of its predecessor by broadening the crossover concept. This installment introduced the Assist mechanic, allowing players to summon their secondary character for a quick attack, adding another strategic layer without overwhelming the player with complex three-character teams. Dual super moves were a highlight, allowing for combined offensive power. This entry offers a less chaotic, more manageable version of what the Marvel Vs. Capcom series would become, and includes hidden characters to discover, adding replayability for completionists.
Marvel Vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes took the crossover concept further by bringing more Capcom characters into the mix. Players could now choose from a roster that included Strider Hiryu, Mega Man, and Morrigan from Darkstalkers, along with new Marvel favorites. This game introduced the Special Partner mechanic, where players could summon a third, non-playable character to assist in battle, bringing variety and surprise to matches. The blend of flashy super moves, tag combos, and expanded roster cemented this title as a step towards the series’ future.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is the crown jewel of the collection and widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre. This game took everything from the earlier entries and ramped it up, featuring three-character teams and a streamlined four-button control system. Each playable character came with three types of assist attacks, adding significant depth to team composition and strategy. The diverse roster of over 50 characters and the ability to execute three-way simultaneous super moves turned matches into chaotic displays of skill and strategy. Signature characters like Sentinel, with devastating high-damage attacks, and Strider, with his agile combos, are fan favorites that have defined competitive play for decades.
The Punisher offers a refreshing change of pace as the only non-fighting game in the collection. This side-scrolling beat-’em-up features The Punisher and Nick Fury on a mission to take down the Kingpin. Players can punch, kick, and wield weapons ranging from bats to guns and grenades as they battle through levels filled with thugs and challenging bosses. The game evokes the classic style of Streets of Rage and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, offering cooperative play and a nostalgic arcade feel. The stage selection feature adds a layer of modern convenience, allowing players to jump directly to their favorite levels.
Enhanced Features and Modern Updates
This collection doesn’t just reintroduce old favorites—it enhances them with a variety of modern upgrades. Each title comes with dedicated training and practice modes, complete with tools like hitbox and hurtbox displays, input readers, and frame data. Rollback netcode ensures smooth online gameplay, while display filters and adjustable difficulty settings let players customize their experience. A museum mode filled with concept art and a music player featuring original soundtracks further enrich the nostalgic feel.
Where to Buy
Ready to relive the golden age of arcade fighting games? The MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics will be available for purchase from KOODOO.co.za starting November 22, 2024. Make sure to secure your copy and celebrate the legacy of these timeless titles, upgraded for a new era of players.
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