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 encompasses this era, adding Capcom's Punisher beat 'em up for good measure. A truly superb collection of classic games.
This compilation shares many features with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including – unfortunately – a single shared save state across all seven games. This is inconvenient for fighting games, but even more so for the beat 'em up, where independent saves would be beneficial. However, it otherwise delivers as expected: visual filters, gameplay customization options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A notable addition is NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in an excellent 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 Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional content. Including 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 be thrilled. 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 skeptical, given my fondness for Yars' Revenge and the unusual premise of a Metroidvania Yars game featuring a young hacker (codenamed Yar), I found Yars Rising to be surprisingly good. WayForward delivers polished visuals, sound, gameplay, and level design. Boss battles, while lengthy, don't detract significantly.
WayForward cleverly incorporates elements of the original Yars' Revenge, including gameplay sequences and abilities, effectively connecting them to the expanded lore. While the connection to the original feels somewhat tenuous, Atari's attempts to revitalize its classic library are understandable. However, the game seems to cater to two distinct audiences with minimal overlap.
Despite conceptual questions, Yars Rising is enjoyable. It may not challenge the genre's best, but it offers a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Future installments could potentially solidify its identity.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
While lacking strong personal nostalgia for Rugrats, I approached Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland with an open mind. The game surprised me with its crisp visuals, exceeding the show's quality. Initial control issues were easily resolved via in-game settings. The game features Reptar coins, simple puzzles, and enemies, following a familiar platformer formula.
The game's unique mechanic involves character swapping, each with distinct jump heights and abilities reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Enemies can be picked up and thrown, and puzzles involve block manipulation. The game includes stages with digging mechanics and even offers selectable 8-bit visuals and soundtracks. Multiplayer is also supported.
Aside from the initial control issue and its relatively short length, my only complaint is the lack of voice acting in cutscenes. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly well-executed platformer, successfully leveraging the Rugrats license. It's a recommended title for platformer and Rugrats fans alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
