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 phenomenal Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics compiles these classics, plus Capcom's Punisher beat 'em up – a truly fantastic package.
This collection shares similarities with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including a single shared save state across all seven games. While inconvenient for fighting games, it's particularly frustrating for the beat 'em up, hindering independent progress saving. However, it retains desirable features: visual filters, gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The inclusion of NAOMI hardware emulation enhances the experience, making Marvel vs. Capcom 2 exceptionally impressive.
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 version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional content. The omission of Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, might have been a welcome addition. However, the collection's title accurately reflects its focus on arcade versions.
Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will find this collection a worthwhile purchase. The games are exceptional, meticulously preserved, and complemented by a robust selection of extras and options. The single shared save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, this compilation is a must-have, particularly for Switch players.
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 seemed 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 of the original Yars' Revenge, incorporating similar gameplay sequences and abilities within the expanded lore. While the connection to the original game feels somewhat forced, Atari's attempts to revitalize its classic library are understandable. The game potentially struggles to appeal to both Yars' Revenge and Metroidvania fans simultaneously, which may limit its overall reach.
Despite conceptual questions, Yars Rising is enjoyable. It might not challenge the genre's best, but it offers a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Future installments could potentially solidify its place in the series.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
While lacking personal nostalgia for Rugrats, the game's crisp visuals and gameplay immediately impressed. Initially, control placement felt awkward, but adjustable settings resolved this. The inclusion of Reptar coins, simple puzzles, and enemies established a classic platformer framework.
The ability to switch between characters (Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil) revealed a surprising homage to Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). The characters' unique jump heights and abilities, along with the inclusion of pick-up-and-throw mechanics and vertical level design, clearly referenced the classic game. Additional elements, such as sand-digging mechanics, further enhance the gameplay. The option to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals adds replayability.
The game's creative gameplay, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, effectively utilizes the Rugrats license. Multiplayer functionality is a welcome addition. While the game is relatively short and simple, and lacks voice acting in cutscenes, it's a high-quality platformer that will appeal to platformer and Rugrats fans alike.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland surpasses expectations. It's a well-executed platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, offering a fun and creative experience. Although brief, it's a worthwhile addition to any platformer collection.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
