A week after its release, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is already the subject of extensive data mining, with fans searching its files for clues about upcoming downloadable content characters. While developer Arc System Works has officially confirmed only Phoenix Cyclops as one of four new heroes planned for the first year, dataminers have identified multiple other characters within the game's data who are not currently part of the playable roster. The specific names found could either excite or disappoint players depending on their personal preferences.
Files indicate the potential inclusion of Doctor Strange, Wasp, Gambit, The Thing, Daredevil, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and Mr. Fantastic. If these characters are indeed slated for DLC, it suggests the entire Fantastic Four could be added to the game, which aligns with Tōkon's story mode premise of 4v4 team battles. The inclusion of Doctor Strange, Gambit, Wasp, and Daredevil appears more varied but fits the game's pattern of bringing together a wide array of Marvel characters from different corners of the universe.
It remains unclear how these potential new characters will be integrated into the game's narrative, specifically whether they will form official in-game "teams" similar to the starting roster or be added without significant story context. The datamine also points to the possibility of new stages, including Klyntar, Japan, and Sanctum Sanctorum, the latter being a likely addition if Doctor Strange is indeed coming to the game.
Given the vastness of the Marvel character catalog, it is virtually impossible to satisfy every fan's desired roster additions. Some players may feel characters like Doctor Strange are overexposed, while others might view Wasp as a less impactful choice compared to more prominent heroes like Ant-Man. However, with many Marvel mainstays already present, incorporating lesser-known heroes could provide a better balance to the roster, especially if the Fantastic Four are to occupy four of the DLC slots. The possibility exists that these characters may not be released sequentially, and some might not appear for several years, mirroring scenarios in other fighting games where planned characters are added over multiple seasons.
While Thor, a prominent Avenger, was notably absent from the game's story mode, his absence from the datamine results also comes as a surprise to some.