Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on PlayStation 5 is a side-scrolling 4vs4 tag-team battle title packed with famous Marvel heroes and villains. The anime-inspired game, produced by Arc System Works, delivers a lengthy story mode with a comic book aesthetic, detailing the invasion of a big baddie known as the Champion who seeks a worthy opponent. The screen can be packed with up to eight heroes fighting simultaneously.
Story and Characters
The story mode follows the Champion and his presenter companion as they travel across the universe, challenging fighters and destroying the planets of those who fail. Now he has reached Earth, and the entire planet is at stake as teams of heroes emerge. Players control groups like the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man), the X-Men (Wolverine, Storm), and misfits like Spider-Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy, while villains such as Dr Doom and Magneto also band together. Each group has its own comic book story segment, leading to single-player brawls and ultimately a final battle against the Champion.
Gameplay and Combat
Gameplay is frantic, with the screen alight with color and multiple superheroes during peak action. It is a classic button basher, with players using combos and showstopping attacks. Players start with two fighters and must brawl their way to a maximum of four by performing brutal takedowns that smash rivals into the next screen stage. Both teams share a single health bar, and players can call in super moves that trigger spectacular animations for characters like Hulk, Deadpool, Blade, and Ghost Rider. The fighting is immersive and intuitive, with unique move sets, combos, and strategies, plus adjustable controls and easy chain combos.
Content and Online Features
There are 20 superheroes to choose from at launch, with more expected as downloadable content. The game includes online cross-play, with lobbies supporting up to 64 players, Room Match options, and Ranked and Casual matches. While some PC players have reported teething issues, the PS5 experience has been smooth. Backdrops look great, the high-tempo Japanese guitar soundtrack fits the action, and the pop art menu system is easy to navigate.
Verdict
While not quite a genre-defining hit like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls delivers a strong side-scrolling fighter with a cool 4vs4 gimmick, making the on-screen action chaotic, brutal, and brilliant fun. Verdict: 4/5.
