Arc System Works is offering a substantial preview of its upcoming Marvel fighting game, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, with an open beta scheduled for this weekend. The beta will begin on July 24 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT (July 25 at 2 AM BST / 10 AM JST) and conclude on July 26 at 8:59 PM ET / 5:59 PM PT (July 27 at 1:59 AM BST / 9:59 AM JST).
Accessing the Beta
Accessing the Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls open beta is straightforward. The client will be available for download on the PlayStation 5 storefront, as well as on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. No prior registration is necessary, and pre-downloading will be enabled two hours before the beta officially goes live. For PlayStation 5 users, an online connection is required for online play, but a PlayStation Plus subscription is not needed to participate in the beta.
What to Expect in the Beta
The beta aims to provide a comprehensive look at the game's offerings. Players will have access to 15 of the game's 20 planned characters, including fan favorites like Blade, Black Panther, Captain America, Doctor Doom, Ghost Rider, Iron Man, Magik, Magneto, Ms. Marvel, Peni Parker, Spider-Man, Star-Lord, Storm, and Wolverine. Arc System Works has also released gameplay guide videos for each of these characters, offering insights into their unique abilities and playstyles.
The arenas for these battles will be six stages inspired by iconic Marvel locations: Knowhere, Marvel's New York (both Day and Night versions), Savage Land, Wakanda, and the X-Mansion.
Game Modes and Features
Beyond online casual and ranked matches, the beta will feature several other modes. Local Versus Mode allows for couch co-op play, while Practice Mode provides a space to hone skills against a dummy opponent. A unique social hub, the Open Lobby, will also be available. In this space, players can choose from 16 distinct avatars, interact with other players, and initiate matches by finding an arcade cabinet.
For newcomers to the series, the interactive tutorial mode, Start Up Battle, will be available. This mode is designed to quickly familiarize players with Marvel Tokon's core mechanics, including its 4v4 team-based combat, team skills, and advanced combo execution.
Players can also experience a portion of the game's narrative through Episode Mode, where the first three chapters of the Amazing Guardians storyline will be playable. This story centers on Spider-Man forming a team to combat the Champion, and it features a blend of illustrated comic panels and in-game action.