Marvel, Capcom Classics Assemble on Switch with 'Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection'

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)

For 90s fans of Marvel, Capcom, and fighting games, Capcom's Marvel-based fighters were a dream. Beginning with the superb X-Men: Children of the Atom, the series consistently improved. The expansion to the wider Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, the groundbreaking Marvel/Street Fighter crossovers, the exhilarating Marvel vs. Capcom, and the phenomenal Marvel vs. Capcom 2 – each entry raised the bar. While the series continued beyond this point, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this golden era. As a bonus, it includes Capcom's excellent Punisher beat 'em up. A truly fantastic collection.

This compilation shares many features with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including, unfortunately, a single shared save state across all seven games. This is inconvenient for fighting games, but especially problematic for the beat 'em up, where independent save progress is desirable. However, the collection shines in other aspects. It offers numerous options, including visual filters and gameplay adjustments, along with impressive extras such as extensive artwork and a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A notable addition is NAOMI hardware emulation, expertly implemented, resulting in a superb Marvel vs. Capcom 2 experience.

While not a criticism, I wish the collection included some home console versions. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique differences, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts enjoyable extras, making it superior for solo home play. The inclusion of Capcom's two Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, would have been a welcome addition. However, the title accurately reflects its content; unlike some companies, Capcom uses "Arcade Classics" appropriately.

Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will celebrate this exceptional collection. The games are outstanding, meticulously preserved, and complemented by a robust selection of extras and options. The single shared save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, there's little to fault. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is another must-have compilation from Capcom, and it excels on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

I admit initial skepticism. I adore Yars’ Revenge, a 2600 favorite. The announcement of WayForward's Metroidvania Yars game featuring a young, bare-midriff hacker code-named Yar felt like a parody. The "why" was overwhelming. My initial assessment is a qualified yes and no. First, it's a good game. WayForward delivers solid results, with excellent visuals, sound, gameplay, and level design. As is typical of WayForward, boss battles are overly protracted, but not a major issue.

WayForward deserves praise for effectively connecting this game to its ancient single-screen shooter origins. Yars’ Revenge-style sequences are frequent, acquired abilities evoke the original, and the lore is surprisingly well-integrated. It still feels like a significant stretch, but Atari likely had limited options. Its classic library has limited "Recharging" potential. The game seems torn between two largely disparate audiences, and I'm unsure if this was the optimal approach compared to a wholly original concept.

Despite conceptual debates, the game is undeniably enjoyable. It may not challenge genre leaders, but it's a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend. Perhaps future installments will solidify its place.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

My nostalgia for Rugrats is limited, despite watching it occasionally with siblings. I know the characters and theme song, but lack deeper engagement. Therefore, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was unpredictable. Comparisons to Bonk were mentioned, fitting Tommy's physique. I started the game, chose Tommy, and entered the tutorial.

The crisp visuals immediately impressed, surpassing the show's quality. Awkward controls were initially concerning, but adjustable. The Rugrats theme song was present. Reptar coins, simple puzzles, and enemies were encountered. A platformer with exploration elements, a reliable formula. It wasn't Bonk-like, but that wasn't promised.

After Tommy took damage, I switched to Chuckie, noticing his familiar high but difficult-to-control jump. I then tried Phil (low jump) and Lil (floating). It was a Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) homage! Enemies could be picked up and thrown, blocks stacked for vertical traversal. Non-linear stages with verticality, sand-digging mechanics, and Phil's digging expertise. Excellent.

While other platformer homages exist, the core gameplay evokes a classic, rarely-referenced title. The boss battles are engaging. Visuals and soundtracks can be switched between modern and 8-bit styles. Both versions are enjoyable, and a filter is available. Creative and fun. The license is well-utilized. Multiplayer is supported! Control issues aside, the only significant flaw is its brevity.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded expectations. It's a high-quality platformer in the style of the Western Super Mario Bros. 2, with additional elements. The Rugrats license is well-integrated, although voice acting in cutscenes would have been beneficial. It's somewhat short, but worthwhile for platformer and Rugrats fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5