Fighting games have come a really long way, from the arcade days of yore with classics such as Marvel vs. Capcom 2 to the ever-present Street Fighter series, now on its sixth entry. Among the endless, chaotic 2D fights, there is one developer that has emerged from the rubble victorious, consistently publishing top-of-the-shelf experiences that have everyone else on edge: Arc System Works. The BlazBlue franchise, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and most recently Guilty Gear Strive are some influential works under their belt. In collaboration with PlayStation Studios and Marvel, Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls feels like the culmination of their previous work.
Now running a closed beta through Sunday, December 7, on PlayStation, Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls is one game that caused a splash earlier this year when it was announced at a State of Play showcase. Although the segment was a little long in the tooth, complete with cinematic scenes of Yokohama’s streets and developer interviews, what was briefly shown of the gameplay was enticing enough to spark interest. Seeing Marvel executives gushing over how great it is to work with one of the best fighting game devs of our time was refreshing. But now seeing it in action is a whole new ballpark.
Taking a unique spin on iconic Marvel characters like Captain America, Iron Man, and Dr. Doom, every design feels appropriate for this high-octane universe. Muscular, with lively animations and quips to spare, Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls is a return to form for those who had been clamoring for the comeback of Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Raised in competitive arcades, some of which are still active to this day, now that this new spiritual sequel exists, it seems like it was a long time coming. The fighting, which is the highlight of the experience, does an excellent job at onboarding players.
In a world where other games offer a simplified gameplay experience for beginners, Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls knows exactly what it wants to be and how it wants you to play it. Starting with one character, the usual moves of light, heavy, and ranged attack are the bread and butter of the moveset. If you manage to get closer, a well-placed uppercut will send your rival flying for a formidable set of combos that your three other heroes can join in for maximum effect. Finally, the special attack from each fighter who does the most damage is as flashy as it is striking.
What differentiates Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls from other fighting games in the genre, or MvC2 for that matter, is that all of your heroes share the same life bar. This makes the encounters quick and consistent. Requiring winning three rounds to claim a triumph, changing tactics mid-battle is always welcome to gain an edge. To see characters like Storm, Peter Quill, and even fan-favorite Ms. Marvel working in tandem harkens back to the good old days of arcade games.
Primed to become a competitive tournament darling, Marvel Tokōn: Fighting Souls has all the hallmarks of a great fighting game: a charismatic personality, distinctive art style, and overall precise controls. The wait for its final release will be a long one. With no exact date apart from 2026, this closed beta, for the moment at least, proves that they are on the right track to launch what is likely one of the best games of next year.
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