Get ready, folks! Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is back with a bang, like a half-eaten burrito that somehow decided to explore outer space. This collection brings together not just a couple of games, but seven classic titles that made your childhood (and your thumbs) ache in the best way. It's Capcom's second foray into nostalgia-inducing happiness, serving you arcade-infused nostalgia like it's a bottomless bowl of cheesy nachos. Just don't forget the salsa, or in gaming terms, some convincing online matches.
The gameplay will have you flinging fists, fireballs, and feisty combos with a simple yet enjoyable system. Imagine being able to summon Spider-Man to swing in, only to be bodychecked by Guile - it's unpredictable madness. With new features like rollback netcode promising to make online battles smoother than a DJ at a wedding, and the ability to go full-on 'one-button combos' for those days you feel like smashing your controller (metaphorically, of course), the game is accessible to all skill levels. Seriously, even your grandma could slam down a few Hadoukens without trying too hard (provided she knows how to use a controller). There's something to whet every appetite here: whether you're aiming for a casual unicorn ride in the casual matches or going all-in with a ranked brawl, this collection covers all bases.
Expect graphics that make you feel all the warm fuzzies as you return to the visual spectacle of the 90s. It's like a time machine, only it doesn't come with the risk of running into your younger self. The characters pop on-screen in a way that might just make you feel a tad guilty about how often you've binged on their animated series. The colors may just scream 'I'm not a 4K resolution', but hey, we weren't exactly complaining about VHS back in the day.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is about as close to a fighting game heaven as you can get without having to pay your light bill. Capcom has given fans a love letter wrapped in flashy combos, killer roster, and the ever-elusive rollback netcode. However, I'd recommend lowering the volume on any hype to avoid disappointment during those occasional slow matches online. If online matchmaking leaves you wanting, just remember that this collection is fantastic for those solo couch evenings or impromptu family tournaments. Grab your controller, tighten up those thumbs, and hop onto this pixel-perfect ride through gaming history. Your thumbs will thank you, even if your dignity doesn't.