What is Marvel vs. Capcom?
Marvel vs. Capcom is a beloved fighting game series that brings together iconic characters from the Marvel Comics universe and the world of Capcom video games. This crossover franchise has captivated gamers since its inception in the late 1990s, offering a unique blend of fast-paced action, over-the-top special moves, and a roster filled with beloved heroes and villains.
The series originated with the release of “X-Men vs. Street Fighter” and “Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter” in 1997 and 1998, respectively. These games laid the foundation for the Marvel vs. Capcom formula, combining the Marvel superheroes with Capcom’s iconic fighting game characters from franchises like Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Mega Man.
Over the years, the Marvel vs. Capcom series has evolved, introducing new gameplay mechanics, characters, and stunning visuals with each iteration. Games like “Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes” (1998), “Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes” (2000), and “Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds” (2011) have become fan favorites, celebrated for their accessible yet deep combat systems and the sheer spectacle of seeing characters like Spider-Man, Ryu, and Wolverine clash on the same screen.
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a compilation of several classic fighting games from the beloved crossover series, bringing together iconic characters from the Marvel and Capcom universes. This collection includes remastered versions of Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, and Marvel vs. Capcom Origins.
The games have been meticulously restored and enhanced, featuring crisp visuals with support for modern resolutions and widescreen displays. The graphics have been upscaled and filtered, allowing players to experience these timeless classics with a fresh coat of paint while retaining their original charm.
In addition to the visual enhancements, the collection offers a range of features that cater to both casual and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. Players can enjoy online multiplayer modes, allowing them to challenge opponents from around the world, as well as robust training modes to hone their skills. The collection also includes a wealth of bonus content, such as concept art, behind-the-scenes footage, and unlockable extras for true Marvel and Capcom fans.
Release Date and Platforms
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is set to launch on March 24, 2023, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This highly anticipated collection brings together several classic Marvel vs. Capcom fighting games from the late 1990s and early 2000s, allowing fans to relive the nostalgic crossover battles between iconic Marvel and Capcom characters.
The collection will be available as a digital download across all platforms, with a physical edition also planned for release. Fans can pre-order the collection now to secure their copy and potentially gain access to any pre-order bonuses or exclusive content that may be announced closer to launch.
Gameplay and Roster
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection brings together three iconic fighting games from the crossover series: Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. These games are known for their fast-paced, tag-team combat mechanics, where players can switch between characters on the fly, unleashing devastating combo attacks and flashy special moves.
One of the standout features of the Marvel vs. Capcom series is its diverse roster of characters, drawing from both the Marvel Comics universe and Capcom’s beloved video game franchises. Players can assemble dream teams featuring iconic Marvel heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America, alongside Capcom favorites such as Ryu from Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Morrigan from Darkstalkers.
The gameplay mechanics across the three games in the collection offer a range of depth and complexity. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter introduced the tag-team mechanics, allowing players to swap between two characters during a match. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes expanded the roster and introduced the ability to call in assist characters for powerful combo attacks.
However, it’s Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes that many consider the pinnacle of the series. With a massive roster of over 50 playable characters, advanced mechanics like air combos and guard cancels, and a frenetic pace, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 became a fan favorite and a staple in competitive fighting game tournaments.
Whether you’re a seasoned Marvel vs. Capcom veteran or a newcomer to the series, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection offers an opportunity to experience the iconic gameplay and diverse roster that have made these games beloved classics in the fighting game community.
Graphics and Audio
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection brings a fresh coat of paint to the classic arcade fighters, remastering the graphics with improved resolution and filtering options. The sprite-based visuals now pop with vibrant colors and crisp details, faithfully preserving the iconic character designs while enhancing their visual fidelity.
Alongside the graphical upgrades, the audio has also received a significant overhaul. The collection features remastered soundtracks, with the iconic tunes and sound effects now boasting improved clarity and depth. Whether it’s the hard-hitting punches or the memorable character catchphrases, the audio experience has been meticulously polished, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the nostalgic yet revitalized auditory landscape.
For purists who prefer the original arcade experience, the collection also includes the option to toggle between the remastered visuals and the classic pixel-perfect graphics. This attention to detail ensures that both newcomers and long-time fans can enjoy the games in their preferred visual style, preserving the authentic retro charm or embracing the modern enhancements.
Multiplayer and Online Features
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection offers a robust set of multiplayer and online features for players to test their skills against others from around the world. At the heart of the online experience is the ability to engage in online multiplayer matches across all the included games. Players can search for and connect with opponents for intense one-on-one battles or set up private lobbies for friends and rivals.
To enhance the competitive experience, the collection includes online leaderboards where players can track their rankings and see how they stack up against the global community. These leaderboards can be filtered by game, character, and various other criteria, allowing players to analyze their performance and identify areas for improvement.
In addition to traditional online multiplayer modes, the collection also features spectator modes that enable players to watch and learn from high-level matches. Spectators can join lobbies and observe ongoing battles, providing an opportunity to study strategies and techniques used by skilled players.
The online infrastructure also supports features like rematch requests and customizable match settings, allowing players to tailor their online experience to their preferences. Regular online events and tournaments are also expected, fostering a vibrant and engaged community around the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection.
Bonus Content and Unlockables
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection offers a treasure trove of bonus content and unlockables for fans of the series. One of the standout features is the inclusion of an extensive art gallery, showcasing the vibrant and iconic character designs from across the various games. This gallery allows players to immerse themselves in the rich visual history of the franchise, appreciating the intricate details and artistic styles that have brought these beloved characters to life.
In addition to the art gallery, the collection boasts a comprehensive soundtrack compilation, featuring the memorable and energetic music tracks that have become synonymous with the intense battles and exciting gameplay of the Marvel vs. Capcom series. Players can relive the adrenaline-pumping moments while listening to these iconic tunes, enhancing the overall nostalgic experience.
For those seeking to further personalize their gaming experience, the collection offers a variety of alternate costumes for select characters. These alternate outfits not only provide a fresh visual twist but also cater to the preferences of fans who may have their favorite iterations of their beloved heroes and villains.
Furthermore, the collection includes a trove of unlockable content, such as concept art, character bios, and behind-the-scenes materials. These extras offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and development of the games, allowing players to delve deeper into the rich lore and history of the Marvel vs. Capcom universe.
Overall, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection goes beyond just the games themselves, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans, with a wealth of bonus content and unlockables that celebrate the legacy and artistry of this iconic fighting game series.
Pricing and Editions
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is available in two editions: Standard and Deluxe. The Standard Edition retails for $39.99 on all platforms (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC).
For those seeking additional content, the Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99. This edition includes the base game along with a host of bonus features, such as:
- Exclusive Premium Battler Skins for select characters
- A digital art book showcasing concept art and designs
- A remixed soundtrack with remastered tracks from the original games
Pre-ordering either edition grants players access to the “Retro Infinity Gems” bonus, which adds a retro visual filter to the games, replicating the classic arcade experience.
Fans can also purchase the “Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Season Pass” for $19.99, which grants access to future downloadable content, including additional fighters, stages, and cosmetic items.
Reception and Reviews
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Many praised the collection for preserving and bringing back these beloved classic fighting games in one convenient package. The games were lauded for their fast-paced, chaotic, and over-the-top gameplay, as well as their diverse rosters featuring iconic characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes.
Critics commended the attention to detail in the ports, with the games running smoothly and maintaining their original look and feel. The inclusion of online multiplayer, which was not present in the original releases, was also a welcomed addition, allowing players to experience these classic titles with others around the world.
However, some reviewers criticized the lack of additional bonus content or substantial extras beyond the games themselves. While the inclusion of concept art and music galleries was appreciated, some felt that more could have been done to enhance the overall package, such as interviews with the original developers or behind-the-scenes footage.
Additionally, a few critics noted that the collection’s presentation could have been more polished, with some menu interfaces feeling a bit bare-bones or lacking in visual flair.
Comparison to Other Fighting Game Collections
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection stands out from other fighting game anthologies in several ways. Unlike the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, which focused solely on Capcom’s iconic Street Fighter series, the Marvel vs. Capcom collection brings together characters and gameplay styles from both the Marvel and Capcom universes, creating a unique crossover experience.
While the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection celebrated the legacy of SNK’s fighting games, the Marvel vs. Capcom collection offers a more focused and cohesive package, with a specific emphasis on the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom subseries. This allows for a deeper dive into the mechanics, characters, and lore of this particular franchise.
One area where the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection shines is in its attention to detail and preservation of the original games. Similar to the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle, the collection features faithful emulation of the arcade versions, ensuring that the gameplay experience remains authentic to the original releases.
However, unlike some other fighting game collections, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection does not include online multiplayer or rollback netcode, which may disappoint some players seeking a more modern online experience. Nevertheless, the collection makes up for this by offering a wealth of bonus content, such as concept art, music galleries, and other behind-the-scenes materials, catering to both casual and hardcore fans of the series.
Future of the Marvel vs. Capcom Series
The release of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection has reignited interest in the crossover fighting game series among fans. While the collection itself is a celebration of the franchise’s past, many are speculating about the potential for new entries or updates in the future.
One possibility is a brand-new Marvel vs. Capcom game that takes advantage of modern gaming hardware and incorporates the latest characters and storylines from both the Marvel and Capcom universes. With the success of recent Marvel films and the growing popularity of Capcom’s franchises like Monster Hunter and Resident Evil, a new entry could attract a wide audience and introduce the series to a new generation of players.
Alternatively, Capcom and Marvel could opt to update and expand the existing Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection. This could involve adding more games from the series, such as Marvel vs. Capcom 3, or incorporating additional content like new playable characters, stages, or game modes. Regular updates and support could keep the collection fresh and engaging for fans over an extended period.
Of course, any future plans for the Marvel vs. Capcom series would likely depend on the commercial performance of the Fighting Collection and the ongoing partnership between Capcom and Marvel. Both companies have a vested interest in keeping their respective franchises relevant and appealing to fans, so a continuation or revival of the crossover fighting games could be a mutually beneficial endeavor.
Regardless of what the future holds, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection has already rekindled fond memories and nostalgia for many fans of the series. Whether it’s a new entry or continued support for the existing collection, the prospect of more Marvel vs. Capcom action is an exciting one for fighting game enthusiasts and fans of both iconic universes.
