Arc System Works, known for its work on Dragon Ball FighterZ and the Guilty Gear series, is entering the Marvel universe with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new tag fighter set to launch on August 6 for PlayStation 5 and PC. The game distinguishes itself from previous Marvel tag team titles with its own mechanics and character roster.

Gameplay Mechanics

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls employs a 4v4 tag fighter format, but differs from titles like Marvel vs. Capcom in its approach to team management. Players begin with two characters and gradually unlock additional team members throughout a match. These additions increase the player's health bar and skill gauge. Characters can be added to the team through stage transitions, cornering opponents, or after losing a round. Each new member grants access to more assist moves and enables mid-match character swapping. The assist moves available are determined by a character's slot in the team, with directional inputs assigned to each. The team-up gauge can be utilized for combos, mix-ups, and rapid multi-character special attacks.

Playable Fighters and Teams

The game features five distinct teams, each comprising four characters. While these teams often evoke recognizable Marvel superhero groupings, some appear to be assembled for the inclusion of specific characters. Players retain the freedom to assemble custom teams from the full roster. Notable teams include the Amazing Guardians (Ms. Marvel, Peni Parker, Spider-Man, Star-Lord), Fighting Avengers (Black Panther, Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man), Knights of Doom (Carnage, Doctor Doom, Green Goblin, Magneto), Samurai Outriders (Blade, Deadpool, Ghost Rider, Loki Laufeyson), and Unbreakable X-Men (Danger, Magik, Storm, Wolverine).

Story Mode and Comic Tie-in

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will include a story mode estimated to be 10 hours in length. Contrary to earlier reports, this mode will not consist solely of cutscenes but will intersperse dialogue with actual matches. Accompanying the game's launch is a one-shot comic, Marvel Tōkon First Strike, which will focus on the Avengers and X-Men teams and feature variant covers for various roster members.

Platform and Regional Lock

The game is scheduled for release on both PS5 and PC. However, the PC versions for Steam and the Epic Games Store will require a PlayStation Network login. This requirement means that players in countries unable to access PSN will not be able to purchase or play the game on PC, a restriction that affects over a hundred nations.

Special Editions and Pricing

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will be available in three editions. The standard edition, priced at $60, includes only the base game. The Digital Deluxe Edition, costing $85, bundles the game with all planned DLC characters for the first year, a stage pass, a Howard the Duck lobby avatar, and a Cosmo lobby pet. The Ultimate Edition, set at $100, adds five costumes and an animated chromatic color unlock to the Digital Deluxe content.