Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)
For 90s fans of Marvel, Capcom, and fighting games, Capcom's Marvel-based fighting games were a dream. Starting 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 spectacular Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this era, adding Capcom's Punisher beat 'em up as a bonus. A truly fantastic collection of classic titles.
This compilation, seemingly handled by the same team behind the Capcom Fighting Collection, shares similar features, unfortunately including a single shared save state across all seven games. This is inconvenient, especially with the beat 'em up, which requires independent saves. However, the collection otherwise delivers: visual filters, gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A notable addition is NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in excellent performance and visuals for Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
While not a criticism, I wish home console versions were included. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique elements, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional features appealing to solo players. Including Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles, despite their flaws, would have been a welcome addition. However, the "Arcade Classics" moniker is accurately applied here.
Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate this exceptional collection. The games are superb, meticulously preserved, and complemented by excellent 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 love Yars’ Revenge. A WayForward Metroidvania Yars game featuring a young hacker code-named Yar? It seemed odd. However, this is a solid game. WayForward delivers excellent visuals, sound, gameplay, and level design. Boss battles, typical of WayForward, are somewhat lengthy but not detrimental.
WayForward cleverly integrates elements from the original game. Yars’ Revenge-style sequences are frequent, abilities evoke the original, and the lore is surprisingly well-connected. While the connection to the original is tenuous, Atari's attempts to expand its classic library are understandable. The game feels divided between two distinct audiences with minimal overlap, which may have been a questionable design choice.
Despite conceptual concerns, the game is enjoyable. It may not challenge the genre's best, but it's a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend. Perhaps future installments will solidify the connection.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
My nostalgia for Rugrats is limited, but I'm familiar with the show. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland surprised me. The visuals are crisp, exceeding the show's quality. Control customization is a welcome addition. The game features Reptar coins, puzzles, and enemies. It's a platformer with exploration, a tried-and-true formula.
The game's unique aspect is its inspiration from Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Each character possesses unique jumping abilities reminiscent of the classic game's cast. Enemies can be picked up and thrown, and blocks must be stacked to reach higher areas. The levels are slightly non-linear and vertically oriented, with sand-digging sections.
The game features homages to other platformers, but its core gameplay is inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, a high-selling classic rarely replicated. The boss battles are engaging. The visuals and soundtrack can be switched between modern and 8-bit styles. Multiplayer is also available. The only downsides are its brevity and simplicity.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly good platformer, echoing Super Mario Bros. 2 with additional elements. The Rugrats license is well-integrated, though voice acting in cutscenes would have been a nice addition. While short, it's enjoyable for platformer and Rugrats fans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
