Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)
For fans of Marvel, Capcom, and the fighting games that defined the 1990s, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a dream come true. This collection starts with the exceptional X-Men: Children of the Atom and progresses through a series of increasingly ambitious titles. From Marvel Super Heroes to the groundbreaking crossovers in Marvel vs. Street Fighter and the exhilarating Marvel vs. Capcom, culminating with the wildly popular Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom continuously pushed the boundaries of what was possible in fighting games. The collection also includes Capcom's thrilling Punisher beat 'em up, adding an extra layer of excitement.
This compilation is handled by the same team that brought us the Capcom Fighting Collection, featuring similar enhancements and extras. However, one notable downside is the single save state shared across all seven games, which can be particularly frustrating for the beat 'em up genre where saving progress is crucial. Despite this, the collection offers a robust set of features including visual filters, gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The inclusion of NAOMI hardware emulation is a highlight, ensuring Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays exceptionally well.
While this collection focuses on arcade classics, I couldn't help but wish for the inclusion of some home versions. The PlayStation EX editions of the tag-team games and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offer unique experiences and extras that would have been a delightful addition. Additionally, including Capcom's Super NES Marvel games, despite their lesser quality, could have provided a more comprehensive experience. Nevertheless, the term "Arcade Classics" is appropriately applied here, unlike some other collections.
Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts have every reason to celebrate this collection. The games are treated with the utmost care, and the suite of extras and options is impressive. The single save state issue is a significant drawback, but overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is an essential compilation for fans, especially on the Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Yars Rising ($29.99)
Initially skeptical about Yars Rising, especially given its connection to the beloved Atari 2600 classic Yars’ Revenge, my doubts were partially dispelled after playing. WayForward has crafted a solid Metroidvania-style game featuring a young hacker, Yar, with a unique aesthetic. The game looks and sounds great, with enjoyable gameplay and well-designed maps. True to WayForward's style, the boss battles can be a bit lengthy, but they don't detract from the overall experience.
WayForward deserves praise for its efforts to link this game to the original Yars’ Revenge. The frequent Yars’ Revenge-style sequences and the abilities earned that echo the original game are thoughtfully integrated. Although the connection to the classic feels somewhat forced, it's clear that Atari is trying to breathe new life into its iconic titles. The game struggles with its identity, aiming to appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers to the Metroidvania genre, which can be a challenging balance.
Despite these conceptual concerns, Yars Rising is undeniably fun to play. It may not reach the heights of the genre's best, but it offers a satisfying experience for those looking to enjoy a Metroidvania over a weekend. Perhaps with future iterations, the concept will feel more cohesive.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
As someone who watched Rugrats occasionally with younger siblings, I approached Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland with cautious curiosity. The game's visuals are crisp and vibrant, surpassing the original show's style. However, the initial control placement felt awkward, though easily adjustable. The familiar Rugrats theme song played, setting the right tone, and the gameplay involved collecting Reptar coins, solving simple puzzles, and dealing with enemies.
Switching between characters like Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil revealed a surprising homage to Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Each character has distinct abilities reminiscent of the classic game, from Chuckie's high jump to Lil's floating ability. The game features non-linear stages with verticality, digging mechanics, and the ability to pick up and throw enemies. It's a refreshing take on a beloved formula, with enjoyable boss battles and the option to switch between modern and NES-style graphics and soundtracks.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded my expectations, delivering a quality platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2 while incorporating elements that make it unique. The Rugrats license is well-utilized, though the lack of voice acting in cut scenes is noticeable. The game is a bit short and simple, but it's a fun and creative experience suitable for both platformer fans and Rugrats enthusiasts.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
