Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics Review (Switch)

Bold statement: Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics is the single best retro collection of titles to ever grace the Nintendo Switch.

Let’s begin with the nitty gritty. You’ve got six fighters (X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2) and one brawler (The Punisher). Collectively, the titles span from 1994 to 2000. Putting this into timelines perspective, these are but spinoffs from traditional Street Fighter offerings Capcom was putting out in spades over this period, let alone SNK cross-overs, arcade coop brawlers, and console versions (which sold millions).

I won’t focus on each individual title (been there done that), as the sum of the parts is what makes this collection shine. Each game plays so differently, rosters so unique, and – unlike the SNK collaborations – Marvel characters (sorry, Ryu!) are the main draw here. Each of the seven games are pixel perfect (zero flash lines), sound amazing (no muted chiptunes), and they all control like a dream (8bitDo and Pro Controller bliss). For those familiar with retro emulation, Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics is therefore a winner amongst winners. No small feat.

Like most Capcom Switch collections, the menus are fantastic. Easy in and out of each via a unified menu, intelligent saves a plenty, quick change of options by a d-pad flick, and an array of great goodies from original cabinets to peruse. If you’ve played and loved but 1-2 one of these games, consider this a tremendous walk down memory lane well worth the stroll.

Perhaps the best and most surprising part of Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics is this simultaneously a collection calling out to new players of both fighting games and/or Marvel fans too young to recall any of these titles. To explain, Capcom created and seamlessly inserted tiered special move complexity modes into all, making the game instantly accessible for anyone at any fighting game skill level. Case in point: my seven-year-old buddy was capably able to play them all and well at auto. ‘Auto’ does not mean CPU pushover. Akin to modern control scheme in Street Fighter 6, this doesn’t dumb down Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics, just removes endless potential frustration in having to execute challenging special moves on a controller not meant for them.

Also and as stated, it’s the Marvel collection that makes Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics Review an arguable must buy. Fans of the X-Men, Avengers and unique villains spanning multiple Marvel canons are going to be in love here. Each of these Marvel-centric titles are presented in a comic style format, with fun, semi-dynamic environs that keep interest levels aplenty. If Stan Lee played videogames, this would be in his personal collection.

Arguably the best titles here are therefore Marvel-heavy but with smaller rosters. Character movements, quips and special moves are comic book authentic. But one person’s opinion: As Marvel vs Capcom expanded their rosters in this series, something got lost along the way. Case in point: my son and I found Marvel vs. Capcom a lot more playable than 2, and 3 – which I have on the Steam Deck – is big on rosters but lowest on fun.

There are nitnads but they’re smallest. Kudos to Capcom for trying something new with each (via presentation, tag-team mechanics, special move meters, etc.), but not all execute perfectly. X-Men: Children of the Atom, as an example, feels a bit disjointed with awkward character movements (way too fast and jittery) and a less-than-perfect on-screen meter presentation (not perfectly aligned and easy to follow). Capcom definitely tightened this up in Marvel Superheroes, with interactive items and weapons plus much cleaner performance. The same can be said in referenced roster expansion, where more isn’t necessarily better (as generic feel sets in). The Punisher is such a nice addition, a watered down version of Final Fight…but who doesn’t want to coop as Frank Castle or Nick Fury (stogie omnipresent!)?

This is not to imply fans of Street Fighter and Capcom faves (like Strider, Mega Man, etc.) are left in the dust. Capcom characters in Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics likewise receive oodles of love, but note even the most complex title is typically limited to 4 button options. Think Super Smash Bros. in this regard, as Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics anything but simplistic if you know what you’re doing.

I can’t over-emphasize the pick up and play friendliness of Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics, something long overdue in portable retro collections. For commuter peeps and/or those with limited time, find a preferred title for the hour…quick save, exit…and try a different one later/tomorrow. There’s online play for those with such a preference, but the Switch is never a star in this regard (nor did I have any friends to play with for this review). Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics does have several online competition modes, however, ones I would suspect console and PC versions (with more robust online functionality and player base) to be busier.

Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics was such a pleasant surprise, especially with some of the less than impressive rehashes the past couple of years. Capcom literally created entire new versions of these titles, almost begging for Marvel fans to jump right in regardless of relationship to the Capcom universe. Each title also feels so different from each other, there’s something great for everyone here. I highly recommend YouTube views to prove this point (Capcom hosts all for this collection).

Finally, and perhaps not surprisingly, Capcom announced a physical version of Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics just up ahead 22 November. This is such a sneaky good Christmas gift for Marvel and Capcom fans of all ages, I can’t recommend it enough. Plus, it’s at a great price point too.

Final Thoughts?

Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection Arcade Classics is the perfect retro Switch collection, in capturing all what made the originals great…while making it better through now the easiest point of entry for all skill levels. Seven extremely different and playable titles await, with some rarest love for fans of the Marvel universe. Coop, competitive, we got you covered. Physical version coming end of November. Excelsior!