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

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

If you're a fan of Marvel, Capcom, and the thrilling world of 1990s fighting games, then the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a dream come true. The journey begins with the fantastic X-Men: Children of the Atom, which set the stage for a series that only got bigger and better. From there, we ventured into the broader Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, then witnessed the groundbreaking crossover with Street Fighter characters in Marvel vs. Capcom, culminating in the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Capcom consistently raised the bar, and this collection captures that evolution perfectly. Plus, you get the delightful bonus of Capcom's Punisher beat 'em up to round out your experience. It's a stellar lineup of timeless classics.

This collection, akin to the Capcom Fighting Collection, comes with a robust set of features and extras. However, there's a downside: it only offers a single save state across all seven games, which can be frustrating, especially for the Punisher beat 'em up where you'd want independent progress tracking. Despite this, the collection is packed with customizable visual filters, various gameplay options, and an impressive collection of art and music. The inclusion of rollback online multiplayer enhances the experience further. A notable addition is the NAOMI hardware emulation, which has been executed flawlessly, making Marvel vs. Capcom 2 look and play exceptionally well.

While I won't detract from the overall quality, I must mention my wish for the inclusion of some home versions. The PlayStation EX editions of the tag-team games offer unique variations that would have been a great addition. Similarly, the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is packed with fun extras that enhance the solo experience. Even Capcom's Super NES Marvel games, despite not being the best, could have been a nice touch. Yet, the collection's focus on Arcade Classics is well-justified and true to its name.

For Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts, this collection is a treasure trove. The games are handled with care, and the suite of extras and options is comprehensive. The single save state issue is a significant drawback, but overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have for fans, delivering a top-notch experience on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

I approached Yars Rising with skepticism when it was first 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 like a stretch. Yet, after playing it, I can say it's a solid game. WayForward, known for their expertise in this genre, delivers a visually appealing and well-sounding title with smooth gameplay and decent map layouts. The only notable flaw is the tendency for boss battles to drag on, but it's not a deal-breaker.

WayForward deserves praise for their efforts to link this new game to the original Yars’ Revenge. You'll find frequent Yars’ Revenge-style sequences, and the abilities you gain are reminiscent of the original game, weaving into its lore as well as possible. While it feels like a significant leap, Atari's need to refresh its classic library is understandable. However, the game struggles to bridge two very different audiences, which might not have been the best approach compared to creating something entirely new.

Despite the conceptual debate, Yars Rising is undeniably fun to play. It may not be the best in its genre, but it's a satisfying Metroidvania to enjoy over a weekend. Perhaps future iterations will feel more cohesive with the original Yars universe.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

Though I'm a bit too old to feel nostalgic about Rugrats, I have fond memories of watching it with my younger siblings. When I started Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, I didn't know what to expect. Someone mentioned it was like Bonk, but I found it to be much more akin to the classic Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) in its mechanics.

The game immediately impressed me with its crisp visuals, surpassing the show's quality in my recollection. Initially, the control placement felt awkward, but the option to adjust them was a welcome feature. The familiar Rugrats theme song set the right tone, and the gameplay involved collecting Reptar coins, solving simple puzzles, and battling enemies—standard platformer fare with exploration elements.

Switching characters revealed the game's true inspiration. Chuckie's high but tricky jump, Phil's low jump, and Lil's ability to float were clear nods to Super Mario Bros. 2. You could pick up and throw enemies, stack blocks to reach higher areas, and navigate stages with verticality and some non-linear paths. The digging mechanic, perfectly suited for Phil, added an extra layer of fun.

The game pays homage to other platformers but primarily evokes the feel of Super Mario Bros. 2. The boss battles are engaging and enjoyable. A unique feature allows you to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks, both of which are well-executed and enjoyable. The addition of a filter option adds to the customization.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded my expectations. It's a quality platformer inspired by a beloved classic, utilizing the Rugrats license effectively. The only drawbacks are the initial control issues and its brevity. However, it's a delightful experience for fans of platformers and Rugrats alike.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5