We didn’t expect to see Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics during the latest Nintendo Direct. Watching Marvel vs Capcom fighters on modern consoles seemed like a pipe dream, and at that Marvel vs Capcom 2 — one of the best fighting games of all time — being part of a bundle, it’s a dream collection.
With the announcement earlier this week, i launching a page dedicated to all seven games collection, Capcom has uploaded some stunning high-resolution character images for five of the seven games. Big thanks The seventh force for pointing this out on Twitter.
A lot of this artwork wasn’t widely available up until this point, especially Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 was only available in low quality, so we picked some of our favorites to feature here. Don’t worry, just because we don’t feature an artwork or character, doesn’t mean we don’t like it — MvC2 has over 50 characters, so we’re spoiled for choice. It’s also cool to see how the art style has changed over the years, with the thinner lines and more muted colors of MvC2 giving the art style a more “mature” comic style compared to the thicker lines and brighter colors of the earlier games.
Games that use high definition art are X-Men Vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super HeroesMarvel vs. Capcom 2: A New Age of Heroes and The Punisher.
Akuma
One of Street Fighter’s most notorious antagonists, Akuma regularly took on the same role in Marvel/Capcom crossovers. And, as a play on those classic Ken and Ryu designs, Akuma absolutely delivers.
Moreover, in this new collection, Cyber Akuma will be playable in Marvel Vs. Street Fighter, so we had to show his design (below). Who knew Akuma could become even more terrifying?
Black heart
Blackheart was a playable character in crossover fighting games long before his opponent, Ghost Rider (who got a cameo in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter). But we’re not here to talk about Danny Ketch!
What both of Blackheart’s appearances manage to convey is how menacing the character is. The shorter version from MvC2 really emphasizes the red glow of the eyes. Plus, you get a sense of how tall it is. His Marvel Super Heroes design emphasizes the above.
Chun-Li
Come on, you know we can’t talk about amazing character art without looking at Chun-Li. She is an icon of the fighting game genre and has appeared in every Capcom and Marvel crossover fighter.
We’re in love with her look from Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter, featuring the high-kicking queen in a dynamic pose as she prepares to punch her opponent in the face from the air. Some might like it… We can’t ignore the image of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which — although more relaxed — shows Chun-Li in the best light.
Cyclops
The movies may have ruined Cyclops a bit, but those familiar with the comics know the beauty of this character. His appearance in almost every crossover fighting game cements his former popularity, with each appearance showing that stoicism that Scott Summers is associated with.
Cyclops’ design has remained very consistent over the years, but there’s a reason for that. All of his art also has his goggles – along with the flash of those concussive rays – visible, thanks to a small flash, spark, or beam of red light.
Jill Valentine
What an inspired choice. Jill Valentine was the Resident Evil at the time, especially this close to the release of Resident Evil 3. Taking her Resi 1 design along with her full STARS uniform, Jill plays unlike any other character in Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.
The art manages to capture Jill’s youth and inexperience, but we can tell she’s also ready to embrace whatever Marvel — or her Capcom peers — have to offer.
Mega man
We can’t talk about Capcom characters without Mega-Man, can we? In the middle of a more serious fighter, the blue bomber looks absolutely lovely, especially in its MvC1 image.
Honestly, she looks adorable every time she appears. Definitely a ray of sunshine within the competition. The different art styles also work well for the character.
Morrigan
Even if you’ve never heard of the Darkstalkers game, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Morrigan. The Scottish-born succubus has been a mainstay in the series, and has also made many popular appearances in crossover games.
Morrigan’s character design is as iconic as it is unsubtle – yet there are several reasons why she’s popular. But what we love about her MvC1 and MvC2 renders is how different they portray her. The first is a little more sultry and gloomy, while the second shows her playful and confident side.
biter
How was Rogue only in two Marvel/Capcom crossover fighters in this collection? Oh good. We won’t argue now, but know that Rogue is excellent and worth highlighting here as another example of simple character design done right.
The jacket, the colors, the hair – we love the different poses here too, both highlight the different colors used in her default appearances.
Ruby heart
If you’ve never played Marvel vs. Capcom 2, then you might have no idea who Ruby Heart is. As one of the four original characters in the game, she actually serves as the protagonist. Plus, she’s a pirate, and that’s so clearly reflected in her design.
All the classic pirate notes fit here, but with their own little Capcom flourishes. The eyepatch in particular, which looks like it’s attached to the hat, is extremely cool. Plus, given that Ruby is French, there are plenty of little nods to her origins.
Spider man
Spider-Man is a no-brainer here. Arguably Marvel’s greatest superhero, one of our writers is a particularly big fan of the web-slinger.
It’s hard to pick a favorite Spider-Man work – both MvC1 and MvC2 are excellent, showing Spidey in two different dynamic poses. Honestly, it looks like a frame from one of the comic books. We’re sure we’ve seen him in those poses before…
storm
If you’ve played Marvel vs Capcom 2 competitively, you’ve almost certainly fought — or played with — Storm. In the right hands, she is an absolute monster.
Her fine art has always managed to perfectly capture this blend of grace and power. Somehow, Storm wasn’t in every crossover game — only X-Men vs. and MvC2 in this collection — but as one of this writer’s favorite X-Men characters, she had to be featured. Just look at the muscles, the loose robe and that beautiful mane of hair.
The fight against Hiryu
When the crossover fighter expanded to include Capcom’s characters, Strider must have been a no-brainer for Capcom. Another one of those tailor-made fighting game characters, Strider is such a simple, cool character that’s incredibly fun to play with.
His art is also perfect. The character’s trademark face covering is prominent, blowing in the wind behind him, as is his sword, which Hiryu isn’t afraid to show off what he can do with.
Wolverine
Wolverine has been in every crossover game so far, and who can blame the developers? Logan is practically tailor-made for the fighting game with his retractable adamantium claws and his ultimate outfit. And those muscles on the screen? Don’t mess with Wolverine.
In Marvel vs. Capcom 2, there are two playable Wolverine characters — one based on his MvC1 appearance, and the other (known as Wolverine Bone) closer to his X-Men vs. Street Fighter. We have the latter art shown below.
That’s just a selection of our favorites, but there’s plenty more high-quality art for you to browse official Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics website. Just scroll down, click on the game you want to watch, then scroll down to the character list and click on whoever you want to watch. Boom. Done.
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