Iconic Gamers Reunite in '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 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 wildly popular Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this era, adding Capcom's classic Punisher beat 'em up as a bonus. 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, especially with the inclusion of the Punisher beat 'em up, which requires independent saving. However, the collection otherwise excels. It boasts numerous visual filters and gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A notable addition is NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in an exceptional Marvel vs. Capcom 2 experience.

While not a criticism, I wish some home console versions were included. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique features, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 includes enjoyable extras beneficial for solo players. The inclusion of Capcom's two Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, would have been a welcome addition. However, the collection's title accurately reflects its content: arcade classics.

Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will be thrilled with this collection. 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 is a nearly flawless compilation. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have for Switch owners.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

Initially, I was skeptical. I'm a big fan of Yars' Revenge. The announcement of a Metroidvania-style Yars game featuring a young hacker named Yar felt… unexpected. However, Yars Rising is a good game. WayForward delivers solid visuals, sound, gameplay, and level design. Boss battles, while lengthy, aren't game-breaking.

WayForward cleverly incorporates elements of the original Yars' Revenge, including frequent Yars' Revenge-style sequences and abilities that evoke the original. The connection to the expanded lore is surprisingly well-done. However, the game feels somewhat divided between two distinct audiences with limited overlap. It's a bold move, but I question whether creating something wholly original would have been a better approach.

Regardless of its conceptual coherence, Yars Rising is enjoyable. It might not challenge the genre's best, but it's a solid Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Perhaps future installments will solidify its place in the series.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

My nostalgia for Rugrats is limited, but I'm familiar with the show. Approaching Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, I had low expectations. Comparisons to Bonk were made, but the game's style is different. The game features crisp visuals, customizable controls, and the familiar Rugrats theme song. It's a platformer with exploration, puzzles, and enemies.

The game's unique mechanic is its homage to Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Each character has unique abilities reminiscent of the Super Mario Bros. 2 cast. Tommy's strength, Chuckie's high jump, Phil's low jump, and Lil's floating ability create diverse gameplay. Enemies can be picked up and thrown, and blocks can be stacked to reach higher areas. The levels are slightly non-linear with significant verticality.

The game also features selectable 8-bit visuals and soundtracks, adding replayability. The boss battles are engaging and well-designed. My only complaints are its brevity and simplicity.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded my expectations. It's a high-quality platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, enhanced with unique features. The Rugrats license is effectively utilized, although voice acting in cutscenes would have been a welcome addition. While short, it's a fun and creative game for platformer and Rugrats fans alike, featuring multiplayer capabilities.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5