MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

The music in this collection is widely praised for its nostalgic charm, featuring a mix of classic tracks and a unique jazz soundtrack that resonates with players. While many enjoy the extensive music player and the ability to listen to soundtracks from each game, some users express frustration over the inability to mute or adjust the main menu music, which can become repetitive. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the collection, enhancing the overall experience with its engaging and memorable tunes.

The graphics in the Marvel vs. Capcom collection are generally praised for their sharpness and nostalgic charm, effectively capturing the arcade aesthetic with options for various filters and settings. While some visuals may appear dated, especially when compared to modern titles, the collection includes a wealth of artwork and concept art that enhances the overall experience. However, there are criticisms regarding inconsistent art styles between characters and a desire for more significant graphical updates.

Overall, the game's stability has improved significantly after recent patches, with many users reporting a smooth experience free from major crashes or freezes. While some minor glitches and audio issues persist, the collection is praised for its solid online performance and arcade-like feel. Players appreciate the crisp visuals and the absence of certain glitches from the original arcade versions, although some express a desire for the return of specific glitches for authenticity.

The game's story is largely considered nonexistent, with players noting a lack of character development and narrative depth compared to other titles. While the humorous interactions, such as Spider-Man fighting Thanos, provide some entertainment, the overall storyline feels minimal, and any deeper narrative seems to be relegated to online play.

Overall, the optimization of the game is mixed; while many users report smooth performance and no input lag, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, some players experience significant issues with stuttering and lag on certain ports, particularly on PC. The game's performance seems to vary based on the platform and individual setup, leading to a range of experiences from excellent to frustrating.

The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as an overpriced cash grab, with reviewers noting a lack of online players and the presence of cheating AI, which detracts from the experience. Many feel that the collection offers little more than an expensive emulator of classic arcade games without meaningful enhancements or additional content, despite the absence of microtransactions or DLC. Overall, the sentiment leans towards disappointment, particularly for fans of the original titles.

The humor in the game is highlighted by its absurd scenarios, such as Spider-Man battling Thanos, which contrasts sharply with modern interpretations of these characters. Players find the game's intentional glitches and matchmaking quirks amusing, particularly the experience of being paired against highly skilled opponents, adding a layer of comedic frustration to the gameplay. Overall, the game is described as genuinely funny, contributing to an authentic and entertaining experience.

The game offers enjoyable co-op gameplay with a variety of playable Marvel characters, providing a fun diversion from traditional fighting games. However, it lacks the depth and replayability of more complex titles in the genre, despite some users noting its "insane replay value." Matchmaking issues may also affect the overall experience.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game excessively time-consuming, often requiring significant effort to progress, particularly when facing challenging opponents like Wazzler. Additionally, the lack of a universal control configuration option adds to the tedium, as users must individually adjust settings for each game.