Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls review

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a four-vs-four tag fighting game that offers a fresh take on the genre. The game features a stylized redesign of the Marvel universe from a Japanese perspective, presenting characters in a way that feels unique and refreshing. While the game may not be the next great Marvel vs Capcom game, it stands out as the best tag fighter the reviewer has played in years.

The game's presentation is one of its strongest features. The visual design is a combination of classic comic book aesthetics and modern elements, creating a colorful and joyful experience. Arc System Works has done a great job drawing inspiration from comic book aesthetics and incorporating it throughout the game, from the panel frames lining the parameters of menus to the retro dotted texture on sub-menus.

When it comes to gameplay, Marvel Tōkon blends old and new elements effectively. The combat has been designed with a certain way of playing in mind, which may result in movements seeming tectonic at times. However, this design choice allows for a more accessible experience, making it easy for new players to pick up and play. The game's controls support both high-dexterity players and those just starting out, ensuring a smooth learning curve.

One of the game's standout features is its onboarding system. Players can start by mashing buttons to navigate themselves around the cast and learn the basics of each character. As they progress, they can begin pressing the assist button to fold in tag attacks into their game plan and try out basic combos manually. This natural progression helps new players get the hang of the game without feeling overwhelmed.

As matches progress, players can gradually unlock their entire squad, leading to a natural climax with a big burst of chaotic action. The game offers five single-player episodes, each featuring a different team of characters, with nice cinematics and comic-style animations. While the single-player content may not be especially challenging, it provides a good introduction to the game's mechanics and characters.

In terms of online play, Marvel Tōkon primarily focuses on fighting other players in a 4v4 tag format. There are five single-player episodes, but they are not particularly long or challenging. Overall, the game offers a smooth, easy-to-understand experience that caters to both new and experienced players, making it an enchanting choice for tag fighter enthusiasts.