The Complete History of Marvel & Capcom!
ENTERTAINMENT / GAMING
On June 18th, 2024, Capcom announced the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, an eagerly anticipated release that celebrates the storied history of the Marvel vs. Capcom franchise. This collection brings together several beloved titles, each of which has left an indelible mark on the fighting game community. With the collection's release, fans can look forward to reliving some of the most iconic moments in gaming history.
The Origins: The Punisher (1993)
The journey of Capcom's collaboration with Marvel began with the 1993 side-scrolling beat 'em up, "The Punisher." As the first licensed game in the Capcom and Marvel partnership, "The Punisher" laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary series. Players controlled either Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher, or Nick Fury, battling through hordes of enemies in a quest for vengeance. This game was notable for its gritty atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and comic book-inspired graphics, setting a high standard for future collaborations.
The Beginning of Marvel vs. Capcom
X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994)
The first fighting game collaboration between Capcom and Marvel was "X-Men: Children of the Atom," released in 1994. This game was based on the popular X-Men comic book series and featured a roster of characters such as Wolverine, Cyclops, and Magneto. It introduced many gameplay mechanics that would become staples in later games, such as super moves and hyper combos.
Marvel Super Heroes (1995)
Building on the success of "X-Men: Children of the Atom," Capcom released "Marvel Super Heroes" in 1995. This game expanded the roster to include characters from across the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man, Captain America, and the Hulk. It also introduced the Infinity Gem system, adding a unique strategic element to the gameplay.
X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996)
In 1996, Capcom took the collaboration to new heights with "X-Men vs. Street Fighter." This game marked the beginning of the crossover concept, blending characters from Capcom's Street Fighter series with Marvel's X-Men. The introduction of the tag team mechanic allowed players to switch between characters during a match, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay.
Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997)
Following the success of "X-Men vs. Street Fighter," Capcom released "Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter" in 1997. This game expanded the roster to include more characters from both universes and refined the tag team mechanics. It further solidified the popularity of crossover fighting games and set the stage for future installments.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998)
In 1998, Capcom released "Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes," the first game to feature characters from across the entire Marvel Universe and Capcom's library of games. The game introduced the Variable Assist mechanic, allowing players to call in their partner for a quick assist attack, and featured a storyline where heroes and villains from both universes teamed up to face a common threat.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)
"Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes," released in 2000, is often considered one of the greatest fighting games of all time. It featured a massive roster of 56 characters and introduced three-on-three tag team battles. The simplified controls made the game accessible to newcomers, while the depth and complexity kept veteran players engaged. Its jazzy soundtrack and vibrant visuals have made it a fan favorite to this day.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011)
After a decade-long hiatus, the series returned with "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds" in 2011. This game brought the series into the HD era with stunning graphics and a revamped fighting system. It featured a roster of 36 characters and introduced the X-Factor mechanic, allowing players to boost their characters' speed and power temporarily.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011)
Later in 2011, Capcom released "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3," an updated version of "Marvel vs. Capcom 3" with new characters, stages, and gameplay tweaks. This version expanded the roster and balanced the gameplay, making it a definitive edition for fans.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017)
The latest entry in the series, "Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite," was released in 2017. This game introduced a more story-driven approach, focusing on the battle against the villainous Ultron Sigma. It featured a two-on-two tag team system and reintroduced the Infinity Stones, allowing players to customize their playstyle with unique abilities.
Features of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is more than just a trip down memory lane; it includes several enhanced features to modernize the experience and bring the games to a new generation of players.
Enhanced Features
Online Play: All fighting games in the collection will support online ranked, casual, and lobby matches. This feature allows players to showcase their skills against opponents worldwide.
Rollback Netcode: To ensure smooth and enjoyable online battles, the collection utilizes rollback netcode.
Training Modes: Players can hone their skills with refined training modes, making it easier to practice combos and strategies.
One-Button Specials: This feature makes special moves more accessible, allowing new players to enjoy the games without a steep learning curve.
Gallery Mode: Fans can enjoy design documents, artwork, and other historical content in the Gallery mode.
Music Player: Relive the iconic soundtracks of these classic games with the built-in music player.
Custom Matches and Spectator Mode: Set up custom matches and watch other players' games with spectator mode.
Display Filters: Various display filters allow players to customize the visual experience to their liking.
The Marvel vs. Capcom series has left an indelible mark on the world of fighting games. From its humble beginnings with "X-Men: Children of the Atom" to the highly anticipated Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, the franchise has consistently delivered thrilling gameplay and iconic crossover moments. As we look back on the history of these games, we can appreciate the innovation, creativity, and sheer fun that have defined Marvel vs. Capcom.
A special thanks to YouTuber Top Hat Gaming Man for his detailed history and insights into these games. You can watch his full video here and explore more of his content on his YouTube channel.
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