Marvel vs. Capcom, Yars Rising, Rugrats: Gameland Reviewed

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)

As a fan of Marvel, Capcom, and the iconic fighting games of the 1990s, Capcom's series of Marvel-based fighters was nothing short of a dream come true. It all started with the phenomenal X-Men: Children of the Atom, and each subsequent game raised the bar. From the expansion into the wider Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, to the groundbreaking crossovers with Street Fighter characters, then to the exuberant Marvel vs. Capcom, and culminating in the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom consistently elevated the gaming experience. This journey is encapsulated in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which also includes Capcom's excellent Punisher beat 'em up as a delightful bonus. This collection is a treasure trove of classic games.

Developed by the same team behind the Capcom Fighting Collection, this set offers similar features and extras, though it unfortunately shares a single save state across all seven games. While this was already a limitation in a collection of fighting games, it's particularly inconvenient with the inclusion of a beat 'em up where independent progress saving would be ideal. Despite this, the collection shines with an array of options including visual filters and gameplay settings, an extensive collection of art and a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The addition of NAOMI hardware emulation is a notable enhancement, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 benefits greatly from it, looking and playing superbly.

While I won't criticize the collection for this, I must express a wish for the inclusion of some home versions. The PlayStation EX editions of the tag-team games offer unique experiences, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 comes with fun extras that enhance solo play. Additionally, including Capcom's Super NES Marvel games would have been a nice touch, even if they're not top-tier. However, the collection's focus on Arcade Classics is clear and well-executed.

Marvel enthusiasts and fighting game fans have much to celebrate with this collection. The games are treated with the respect they deserve, offering a robust set of extras and options. The single save state is a significant drawback, but overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is another essential compilation from Capcom, delivering a stellar experience on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

I was initially skeptical about Yars Rising when it was announced. As a fan of the classic Yars' Revenge on the Atari 2600, the idea of a Metroidvania-style game featuring a young hacker named Yar seemed far-fetched. However, upon playing, I found that WayForward has crafted a solid game. The visuals and sound are impressive, the gameplay is smooth, and the map layouts are engaging. True to WayForward's style, the boss battles can be a bit lengthy, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience.

WayForward deserves praise for their efforts to link this game to the original Yars' Revenge. The game frequently incorporates Yars' Revenge-style sequences, and the abilities earned are reminiscent of the classic. While the connection to the original feels somewhat forced, Atari's attempt to expand its classic library is understandable. The game seems to straddle two different audiences, which might not be the best strategy compared to creating something entirely new.

Despite the conceptual debate, Yars Rising is undeniably enjoyable. It may not challenge the best in the Metroidvania genre, but it's a great option for a weekend gaming session. Perhaps future iterations will make the connection to the original feel more natural.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

Though I'm a bit too old to have strong nostalgia for Rugrats, I'm familiar enough with the series to have watched it with younger siblings. I had no special attachment to the brand, so my expectations for Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland were neutral. The game's comparison to Bonk intrigued me, though I found it didn't quite fit. Upon starting the game and selecting Tommy, I was immediately struck by the crisp visuals, which seemed sharper than the original show. The control placement felt awkward at first, but fortunately, there's an option to adjust it. The soundtrack featured the iconic Rugrats theme, and the gameplay involved collecting Reptar coins, solving simple puzzles, and facing enemies.

Switching characters to Chuckie, I noticed his jump was high yet somewhat uncontrollable, reminiscent of another classic game. Phil had a low jump, while Lil could float. It became clear: Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland draws inspiration from the Western Super Mario Bros. 2. Enemies could be picked up and thrown, and blocks needed to be stacked to reach higher areas. The stages offered a mix of verticality and slight non-linearity, with digging sections where Phil excelled.

The game includes nods to other platformers, but its core gameplay echoes the beloved Super Mario Bros. 2. The boss battles are engaging and fun. A unique feature allows switching between modern visuals and 8-bit NES-style graphics, both of which play well. The game also supports multiplayer, adding to its appeal. My only criticisms are the initial control issue and the game's brevity and simplicity.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded my expectations, offering a quality platformer in the style of Super Mario Bros. 2 with additional elements to distinguish it. The Rugrats license is used effectively, though I wished for voice acting in the cut scenes. Despite its short length, it's a worthwhile play for fans of platformers and Rugrats alike.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5