"Review Roundup: Marvel vs. Capcom, Yars Rising, Rugrats: Gameland"

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

If you're a fan of Marvel, Capcom, and the iconic fighting games from the 1990s, Capcom's latest offering, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, is a dream come true. This collection starts with the exceptional X-Men: Children of the Atom and evolves through a series of increasingly ambitious titles. From the expansive Marvel Super Heroes to the groundbreaking crossover with Street Fighter in Marvel vs. Capcom, and culminating with the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2, each game ups the ante in terms of excitement and innovation. Additionally, the collection includes Capcom's thrilling Punisher beat 'em up, adding an extra layer of variety to this already robust lineup.

Developed by the same team behind the Capcom Fighting Collection, this set offers a similar range of features and extras. However, a notable downside is the single save state shared across all seven games, which can be frustrating, especially for the Punisher beat 'em up where independent progress saving would be ideal. Despite this, the collection delivers on other fronts with a plethora of customization options like visual filters and gameplay tweaks, an extensive art gallery, a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. The inclusion of NAOMI hardware emulation ensures that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 runs smoothly and looks fantastic.

While this collection focuses on arcade classics, I can't help but wish for the inclusion of some home versions like the PlayStation EX editions of the tag-team games or the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which offer unique features and enhancements. Even Capcom's Super NES Marvel games could have been a nice addition, despite their lesser acclaim. Nevertheless, the collection's title, Arcade Classics, is aptly applied, providing a faithful representation of these beloved titles.

For fans of Marvel and fighting games, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have. The games are meticulously curated, offering a rich set of extras and options. The single save state issue is a notable flaw, but overall, this compilation is another triumph from Capcom, delivering a stellar gaming experience on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

When Yars Rising was first announced, I was skeptical. As a fan of the classic Yars’ Revenge on the Atari 2600, the idea of a Metroidvania-style game starring a young hacker named Yar seemed far-fetched. Yet, upon playing it, I found that WayForward has crafted a solid game. The visuals and sound are impressive, the gameplay is smooth, and the map layouts are well-designed. Typical of WayForward, the boss fights might drag on a bit, but it doesn't detract from the overall experience.

WayForward deserves credit for their effort to tie this new game to the legacy of Yars’ Revenge. The game includes frequent Yars’ Revenge-style sequences, and the abilities you gain echo the original game's mechanics. While the connection to the older game feels somewhat forced, it's understandable given Atari's need to leverage its classic titles in new ways. The game seems to straddle two different audiences, which might not be the best approach, but it remains an enjoyable title.

Despite the conceptual stretch, Yars Rising is a fun Metroidvania game. It might not challenge the genre's best, but it offers a satisfying experience for a weekend playthrough. Whether WayForward will continue to refine this concept remains to be seen, but for now, Yars Rising is a commendable addition to the genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

Although I'm a bit too old to have a strong nostalgia for Rugrats, I've watched it with younger siblings and am familiar with the main characters and theme song. Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland intrigued me, especially after hearing it compared to Bonk. Diving into the game with Tommy, I was immediately struck by the crisp visuals, which surpass the TV show's quality. The controls felt a bit awkward initially, but fortunately, the game offers customization options. The familiar Rugrats theme played in the background, setting the right tone.

As I progressed, I encountered Reptar coins, simple puzzles, and enemies. The game's design is a classic platformer with exploration elements, deviating from the Bonk comparison. Switching to Chuckie, I noticed his high, somewhat uncontrollable jump, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Further exploration confirmed it: the game draws heavily from this classic, allowing players to pick up and throw enemies and stack blocks to reach higher areas. The stages offer a mix of verticality and slight non-linearity, with digging mechanics that suit Phil perfectly.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland cleverly homages other platformers while staying true to its Super Mario Bros. 2 inspiration. The boss battles are engaging, and the game offers the option to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks, both of which are enjoyable. The only drawbacks are the initial control issues and the game's relatively short length and simplicity.

Despite these minor flaws, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a delightful surprise. It's a well-executed platformer that pays homage to a beloved classic while utilizing the Rugrats license effectively. It's a bit on the short side, but it's definitely worth playing for fans of platformers and Rugrats alike.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5