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. The expansion to the wider Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, the groundbreaking Marvel/Street Fighter crossovers, the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom, and the spectacular Marvel vs. Capcom 2 all raised the bar. While the series continued beyond this point, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics encompasses these landmark titles. As a bonus, it includes Capcom's superb Punisher beat 'em up. A truly fantastic collection.
This compilation shares similarities with the Capcom Fighting Collection, including both strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, it only offers a single save state for all seven games. This is frustrating for fighting games, but even more so for the beat 'em up, where independent progress saving is desirable. Despite this, other aspects are excellent. Numerous options like visual filters and gameplay adjustments are included, along with extensive art and a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A welcome addition is NAOMI hardware emulation, resulting in a polished Marvel vs. Capcom 2 experience.
While not a criticism, the absence of home console versions is notable. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games offer distinct differences, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 boasts enjoyable extras making it preferable for solo home play. Including Capcom's two Super NES Marvel titles, despite their imperfections, would have been a nice touch. However, the collection's title accurately reflects its content.
Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts will celebrate this exceptional collection. The games are superb, meticulously presented, and complemented by a comprehensive range of extras and options. The single shared save state is a significant drawback, but otherwise, it's a near-perfect 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 appreciate Yars’ Revenge. It's a 2600 favorite. WayForward's Metroidvania Yars game, featuring a young hacker codenamed Yar, seemed incongruous. The concept raised many questions. My assessment is mixed. It's a good game; WayForward delivers a polished experience with appealing visuals, sound, and level design. As is typical of WayForward, boss battles are somewhat protracted, but not excessively so.
WayForward deserves praise for skillfully bridging the gap between the original single-screen shooter and this new iteration. Yars’ Revenge-style sequences are frequent, abilities evoke the original, and the lore is reasonably well-integrated. The connection feels tenuous, but Atari likely had limited options. Its classic library has limited potential for reimagining. The game seems to cater to two largely separate audiences, which may not have been the optimal approach.
Regardless of its conceptual coherence, the game is enjoyable. It may not surpass genre-defining titles, but it's a satisfying Metroidvania experience for a weekend playthrough. Future installments might better integrate the original concept.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)
My nostalgia for Rugrats is limited, despite childhood exposure. I know the characters and theme song but lack deep familiarity. Therefore, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was an unknown quantity. Comparisons to Bonk were mentioned, fitting Tommy's physique. The game's sharp visuals, initially awkward controls (adjustable thankfully), and Rugrats theme song were immediately apparent. Reptar coins, puzzles, and enemies formed the core gameplay loop. A classic platformer formula.
Tommy's health prompted a character swap to Chuckie, revealing a familiar high-arc jump. Subsequent character selection revealed Phil's low jump and Lil's floating ability. This is a Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) homage! Enemies could be picked up and thrown, blocks stacked, and sand dug. Non-linear levels with verticality. Excellent!
While other platformer influences exist, the core gameplay evokes Super Mario Bros. 2. Engaging boss battles are a highlight. The game offers selectable modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks. Both styles are effective, and a filter is available. Creative and fun, the game successfully utilizes the license. Multiplayer is supported. The only drawbacks are the slightly short length and the initial control issue. Voice acting in cutscenes would have been a welcome addition.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded expectations. It's a high-quality platformer in the style of Super Mario Bros. 2, enhanced by additional features. The Rugrats license is well-integrated. While somewhat brief, it's recommended for platformer and Rugrats fans.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
