In the universe of fighting games featuring Marvel characters, there is a considerable variety of options, especially for those who do not prioritize ultra-realistic graphics or the presence of other franchises. The acclaimed series Marvel vs. Capcom, with its titles 2 and 3, has maintained its relevance over time. However, a new competitor has emerged on the superhero fighting game scene: Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. This title is signed by Arc System Works, a studio known for classics such as Guilty Gear, BlazBlue and Dragon Ball FighterZ, promising a unique combat experience.
In a collaboration with Sony, Arc System Works aimed to develop a fighting game that was fun and inclusive for all audiences. Although Marvel enthusiasts will naturally enjoy the experience more, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls also wins over those who simply enjoy the fighting genre. Its learning curve is remarkably smooth, combining disparate features into a streamlined control system that allows anyone to pull off impressive combos and visually spectacular special attacks. At the same time, the game offers a deep challenge, rewarding those who dedicate themselves to mastering its mechanics and delving into the details of each available character.
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Following the pattern of other Arc System Works fighting titles, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls uses separate buttons for light, medium and strong attacks, instead of the traditional distinction between punches and kicks. Players can easily chain their own combos by advancing between these options. To maximize damage, it is essential to incorporate special attacks, which can be activated through specific commands or by pressing the right trigger combined with a direction. The use of assistant characters is also crucial, with a dedicated button that, along with directions, summons a specific team member.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls stands out as a team fighting game, but with a distinct mechanical approach. Players select a team of four characters to battle, however, they all share a single health bar. Furthermore, not all characters are accessible from the beginning of the confrontation; the player starts with the main character, and the others are released in subsequent rounds or after completing certain actions during the fight.
The gameplay balances the dynamics between 1v1 combat and up to 4v4 confrontations, where the team’s extra characters offer new ways to attack the opponent and keep them under constant pressure. This feature adds an element of excitement and chaos to the action, especially when multiple teammates are called upon to assist in a coordinated attack.
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As is common in games of this genre, the most elaborate and powerful attacks in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls are managed by energy bars, specifically the Mount Bar and the Skill Bar. The big advantage is that, while experienced players can use them to improve their attacks and extend combos in a more sophisticated way, beginners or those with less practice can also use them without difficulty.
For example, repeatedly pressing the medium attack button results in a combo that culminates in a Super Skill, if the skill bar has enough charge. If there are enough charges in the Mount Bar and Skill Bar, you can call on a teammate to perform an additional Super Skill at the end of the attack, simply by holding the assist button. These details ensure that all players have access to the complex mechanics of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, while more advanced players can inflict even more damage by creating personalized combos and entering commands for special attacks.
The fast pace, flashy visuals, and surprising accessibility of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls would be incomplete without a good variety of modes. Fortunately, the game offers a lot of content. In single-player Episode Mode, players follow a narrative with one of five pre-determined teams, fighting to protect Earth from a formidable antagonist known as the Champion. Between the intense battles, there are story scenes written by Kieron Gillen and illustrated by various comic artists, providing an immersive and authentic experience.
For those looking for more individual action, the options continue. Arena mode serves as the Arcade version of the game, where you choose a team for a series of fights. The freedom to choose routes at key moments is an attraction that encourages multiple plays, although the absence of a more traditional Arcade mode is a point to be regretted. However, Survival mode makes up for this lack with a roguelite touch. In it, players face successive opponents, seeking to go as far as possible before being defeated. The ability to strengthen your team with Combat Souls after defeating powerful bosses adds an extra layer of interest.
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Naturally, the game also offers several online features. It’s easy to join casual or ranked matches, or join an online lobby, where players control cute, customizable avatars to interact with others, participate in minigames, and find matches more socially. An Arcadia Rumble mode is also available, allowing you to participate in avatar competitions, which include some traditional fights from the game for a twist. Although it’s not the highlight, it provides light and relaxing fun when needed.
The experience of playing online is, for the most part, very pleasant. During the analysis on PS5 Pro, the only problems found occurred in clashes with PC opponents via cross-play. For this reason, the recommendation is to disable cross-play on PS5, at least for a period of time, until any issues are fixed.
Regardless of whether you are a Marvel fan or a fan of fighting games, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a highly recommended title. It combines stunning visuals, an excellent cast of fighters, a great variety of modes, and some of the most exciting action sequences in the genre. However, what really impresses is its ability to be a fighting game for everyone. Whether you’re new to the genre, someone with little skill or a seasoned pro, you can start playing Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls and thoroughly enjoy the experience.