Marvel, Capcom Fighters, and Rugrats Join Forces for a Retro Gaming Bonanza

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. Beginning with the excellent X-Men: Children of the Atom, the series consistently improved. The franchise expanded to the wider Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, then delivered incredible crossovers with Street Fighter, culminating in the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom and the spectacular Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses this era, also including Capcom's acclaimed Punisher beat 'em up. A truly fantastic collection.

This compilation shares similarities with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including the unfortunately limited single save state across all seven games. This is particularly inconvenient for the beat 'em up, requiring independent save progress. However, other aspects are excellent: visual filters, gameplay options, extensive art galleries, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. New NAOMI hardware emulation ensures Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays flawlessly.

While not a criticism, the absence of home console versions is notable. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer unique features, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts additional content. The inclusion of Capcom's Super NES Marvel titles, despite their flaws, would have been a welcome addition. However, the collection accurately reflects its "Arcade Classics" title.

Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate this exceptional collection. The games are superb, meticulously preserved, and complemented by a comprehensive range of extras and options. The single save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, this is a near-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)

Initial skepticism regarding this Metroidvania-style Yars game was understandable. The concept of a young hacker, code-named Yar, in a Yars’ Revenge Metroidvania seemed incongruous. However, WayForward delivers a solid title. The visuals and audio are impressive, gameplay is smooth, and level design is competent. While boss battles are lengthy, this isn't a major issue.

WayForward successfully integrates elements of the original Yars’ Revenge. Yars’ Revenge-style sequences are frequent, abilities evoke the original, and the lore is surprisingly well-integrated. Despite the conceptual stretch, Atari's attempt to revitalize its classic library is commendable. The game struggles to appeal to both fans of the original and Metroidvania enthusiasts, potentially hindering its overall success.

Regardless of conceptual concerns, Yars Rising is enjoyable. It may not challenge genre leaders, but it provides a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Future iterations could potentially refine the concept.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

Lacking significant nostalgia for Rugrats, expectations for Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland were moderate. The game's visuals are surprisingly crisp, exceeding the show's quality. Initial control issues are easily addressed via in-game options. The game features Reptar coin collection, simple puzzles, and enemies.

The game's core gameplay is reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA), with character-specific abilities mirroring the original's diverse cast. Enemies can be picked up and thrown, blocks can be stacked, and levels incorporate verticality and sand-digging mechanics.

The game includes both modern and 8-bit visual and audio options, each with its own charm. A filter is also available. Multiplayer is supported. The only drawbacks are its brevity and simplicity.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a surprisingly high-quality platformer, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2. The Rugrats license is effectively implemented, although voice acting in cutscenes would have been a welcome addition. While short, it's a worthwhile experience for platformer and Rugrats fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5