"Marvel vs. Capcom, Yars Rising, Rugrats: Game Reviews"

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

For fans of Marvel, Capcom, and classic fighting games from the 1990s, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a dream come true. This collection kicks off with the stellar X-Men: Children of the Atom and progresses through the Marvel Universe with Marvel Super Heroes, leading into the thrilling crossovers with Street Fighter in Marvel vs. Capcom, and culminating in the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Capcom has consistently raised the bar with each installment, and this collection captures the essence of these iconic games. As an added bonus, it includes Capcom's excellent Punisher belt-scrolling beat 'em up, rounding out a truly fantastic set of titles.

The collection, seemingly curated by the same team behind the Capcom Fighting Collection, offers a robust set of features. However, one notable drawback is the limitation to a single save state shared across all seven games, which can be particularly frustrating when switching between the fighting games and the beat 'em up. Despite this, the collection excels with numerous customization options, including visual filters and gameplay settings, an extensive art gallery, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The inclusion of NAOMI hardware emulation is a significant plus, ensuring that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays exceptionally well.

While I appreciate the focus on arcade classics, I couldn't help but wish for the inclusion of some home versions, such as the PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games or the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which offer unique extras. Additionally, the absence of Capcom's Super NES Marvel games is felt, though the collection's name clearly states Arcade Classics, and it lives up to that promise.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have for Marvel and fighting game enthusiasts. The games are treated with care, and the extras and options enhance the experience. The single save state is a significant downside, but it doesn't detract from the collection's overall excellence. This compilation is a testament to Capcom's legacy and plays brilliantly on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

Initially, I was skeptical about Yars Rising, given its attempt to transform the classic Atari 2600 game Yars’ Revenge into a Metroidvania-style adventure featuring a young hacker named Yar. However, after diving in, I found that WayForward has crafted a solid game. The visuals and audio are impressive, and the gameplay is smooth, with well-designed map layouts. The only minor critique is that the boss battles can drag on a bit too long, but this doesn't significantly detract from the experience.

WayForward deserves praise for integrating elements of the original Yars’ Revenge into this new format. The game frequently includes sequences reminiscent of the classic shooter, and the abilities you acquire echo the original game's mechanics. While the connection to the ancient single-screen shooter feels somewhat stretched, it's clear that Atari is making an effort to expand its classic library in innovative ways. The game might struggle to appeal to both fans of the original and those of Metroidvania games, but it's a commendable effort nonetheless.

Despite any conceptual debates, Yars Rising is an enjoyable game. It may not be the best in its genre, but it offers a satisfying experience for players looking for a new Metroidvania to explore over a weekend. The game's future potential is intriguing, and it could pave the way for more natural expansions in subsequent releases.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

As someone who watched Rugrats occasionally with younger siblings but doesn't hold a deep nostalgia for the series, I approached Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland with curiosity rather than anticipation. The game's visuals are crisp, surpassing the original show's quality, and the controls, while initially awkward, can be adjusted to suit your preference. The familiar Rugrats theme sets the tone, and the gameplay involves collecting Reptar coins, solving puzzles, and navigating enemies in a classic platformer format.

What surprised me most was discovering that the game's mechanics are inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). The characters' unique abilities, such as Chuckie's high jump, Phil's low jump, and Lil's floating, along with the ability to pick up and throw enemies, clearly draw from the classic game. The stages offer some non-linear exploration and verticality, with elements like digging in sand that perfectly suit Phil's character.

The game pays homage to other platformers while staying true to its Super Mario Bros. 2 roots, resulting in a creative and enjoyable experience. The boss battles are engaging, and the option to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks adds a nice touch of nostalgia. The only drawbacks are the slightly awkward controls and the game's brevity, but these don't overshadow its overall quality.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeds expectations as a platformer that cleverly uses its license and offers a fun, multiplayer experience. While it could benefit from voice acting in cut scenes and a bit more length, it's a solid choice for fans of both platformers and the Rugrats.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5