Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)
A nostalgic trip back to the 90s for fighting game and Marvel/Capcom fans! This collection brings together a stellar lineup of classic arcade titles, starting with the impactful X-Men: Children of the Atom and culminating in the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom 2. The progression showcases the series' evolution, from its initial success to the over-the-top action of its later installments. And as a bonus, you get the thrilling beat 'em up, The Punisher, adding even more value to this package.
The collection shares a similar structure to Capcom's Capcom Fighting Collection, offering a range of visual filters, gameplay adjustments, and a wealth of bonus content including artwork and a music player. Online multiplayer with rollback netcode is also included. A notable improvement is the inclusion of NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in a significantly enhanced experience for Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
While the focus remains on the arcade versions, the absence of home console releases (like the PlayStation EX versions or the feature-rich Dreamcast version of MvC2) is a minor drawback. Similarly, the omission of Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles is a missed opportunity. However, the title accurately reflects its content, focusing solely on the arcade classics.
This collection is a must-have for fans of the genre. The games are exceptional, the presentation is polished, and the extras are generous. The only significant downside is the single shared save state across all seven games, which proves particularly inconvenient for The Punisher. Despite this minor flaw, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics delivers a fantastic experience on the Nintendo Switch.
SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5
Yars Rising ($29.99)
A Metroidvania twist on the classic Yars' Revenge? Initially, the concept seemed unconventional, but WayForward's execution proves surprisingly successful. The game boasts impressive visuals and audio, smooth gameplay, and well-designed level layouts. While the boss battles might overstay their welcome, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience.
WayForward skillfully integrates elements from the original Yars' Revenge, incorporating similar gameplay sequences and abilities within the broader Metroidvania framework. The connection to the original game's lore is surprisingly well-handled, though the overall concept may still feel like a significant departure for some.
Despite its conceptual quirks, Yars Rising is an enjoyable Metroidvania experience. While it might not challenge the genre's best, it offers a solid and engaging adventure for a weekend playthrough. The potential for future installments to solidify its identity remains.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
A surprisingly creative platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA)! While lacking strong personal nostalgia for the Rugrats franchise, the game's quality quickly won me over. The visuals are crisp, and the controls (adjustable thankfully) work well. The inclusion of Reptar coins, puzzles, and enemies creates a fun and engaging gameplay loop.
The game cleverly incorporates the different Rugrats characters, each with unique movement abilities reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2's diverse character mechanics. The ability to pick up and throw enemies, the verticality of the levels, and the inclusion of digging mechanics create a dynamic and varied experience.
The game offers both modern and retro 8-bit visual and audio options, adding replayability. The boss battles are surprisingly well-designed and engaging. The only significant drawbacks are the game's relatively short length and the lack of voice acting in cutscenes.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a well-executed platformer that successfully blends classic gameplay with the Rugrats license. While short, it's a fun and creative experience that will appeal to platformer fans and Rugrats enthusiasts alike.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
