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 excellent X-Men: Children of the Atom, the series consistently improved, expanding to the wider Marvel universe with Marvel Super Heroes, then the groundbreaking Marvel/ Street Fighter crossovers, culminating in the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom and the spectacular Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this era, adding Capcom's acclaimed Punisher beat 'em up for good measure. 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 particularly frustrating with the inclusion of a beat 'em up, where independent save progress is desirable. However, other aspects are excellent: visual filters, gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. New NAOMI hardware emulation ensures Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays flawlessly.
While not a criticism, the absence of home console versions is notable. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique elements, and the Dreamcast Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional content. The omission of Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, would have been a welcome addition. However, the title accurately reflects its arcade-focused content.
Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will find this collection a must-have. The games are exceptional, well-preserved, and accompanied by a comprehensive set of extras and options. The single save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, this is a superb compilation. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a standout release, particularly enjoyable on the Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Yars Rising ($29.99)
Initial skepticism regarding this Metroidvania-style Yars game was understandable. The concept of a young, bare-midriff hacker named Yar in a Yars' Revenge Metroidvania felt incongruous. However, WayForward delivers a solid game with appealing visuals, sound, gameplay, and level design. Boss battles, while lengthy, don't detract significantly.
WayForward skillfully integrates elements from the original Yars' Revenge. The gameplay incorporates Yars' Revenge-style sequences, abilities reminiscent of the original, and a surprisingly well-developed lore connection. Despite the conceptual leap, the game is enjoyable. While not genre-defining, it offers a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. The potential for future iterations to solidify the connection remains.
The game's appeal may be limited by its attempt to bridge two disparate audiences. However, the gameplay itself is undeniably fun. It's a worthwhile Metroidvania experience, and future installments could potentially refine the overall concept.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
While lacking strong personal nostalgia for Rugrats, the game exceeded expectations. The visuals are crisp, surpassing the original show's quality. Initially awkward controls are easily adjustable. The inclusion of Reptar coins, puzzles, and enemies fits the platformer genre.
The game's surprising inspiration from Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) is evident in character abilities and gameplay mechanics. Each character (Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil) possesses unique jump heights and abilities, mirroring the original game's diverse character mechanics. The inclusion of item-based puzzles and vertical level design further reinforces this homage.
The game also incorporates elements from other platformers, but the core gameplay is a creative and enjoyable take on Super Mario Bros. 2. The boss battles are engaging. The option to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks adds replayability. Multiplayer functionality is a welcome addition. The game's brevity and simplicity are minor drawbacks.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly high-quality platformer, effectively utilizing the Rugrats license. The lack of voice acting in cutscenes is a minor disappointment. Despite its short length, it's a worthwhile experience for platformer and Rugrats fans alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
