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

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

If you're a fan of Marvel, Capcom, and the fighting games that defined the '90s, then Capcom’s Marvel-based fighters were a dream come true. Starting with the exceptional X-Men: Children of the Atom, these games only got better. From Marvel Super Heroes expanding the Marvel Universe, to the groundbreaking crossovers with Street Fighter in Marvel vs. Capcom, and the wildly entertaining Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom continually pushed the boundaries. The journey doesn't end there, but Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics captures this era beautifully. Plus, you get the bonus of Capcom’s excellent Punisher beat 'em up to round out this fantastic collection.

This collection, curated by the same team behind the Capcom Fighting Collection, offers similar features and extras. However, it disappointingly includes only one save state for all seven games, which can be frustrating, especially when switching between the fighters and the beat 'em up. Despite this, the collection delivers with various options like visual filters and gameplay settings, a wealth of extras including art galleries and a music player, and rollback online multiplayer. A notable addition is the NAOMI hardware emulation, which is executed flawlessly, ensuring Marvel vs. Capcom 2 looks and plays brilliantly.

While I appreciate the focus on arcade classics, I can't help but wish some home versions were included. The PlayStation EX versions of the tag-team games have unique elements, and the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 offers fun extras that enhance solo play. Including Capcom’s Super NES Marvel games, even if not top-tier, would have been a nice touch. Nevertheless, the collection's name, Arcade Classics, is appropriately used here, unlike some other collections.

For fans of Marvel and fighting games, this collection is a treasure trove. The games are treated with the utmost care, and the extras and options are comprehensive. The single save state issue is a significant drawback, but overall, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-have compilation that plays wonderfully on the Switch.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Yars Rising ($29.99)

I was skeptical when Yars Rising was announced. As a fan of Yars’ Revenge, one of my favorite Atari 2600 games, the idea of a Metroidvania-style game featuring a hacker named Yar seemed like a stretch. Yet, after playing, I can say it's a solid game. WayForward, known for their expertise in this genre, delivers a visually appealing and well-playing title. The map layouts are satisfactory, though the bosses tend to overstay their welcome—a common trait in WayForward games.

WayForward deserves credit for trying to bridge the gap between this new game and the classic single-screen shooter. You frequently engage in Yars’ Revenge-style sequences, and the abilities you earn reflect the original game. The connection to the lore is commendable, though it still feels like a stretch. Atari's attempt to expand its classic library beyond Recharged versions is understandable, but Yars Rising struggles to find its audience, caught between fans of the original and those interested in Metroidvania games.

Despite the conceptual debate, Yars Rising is enjoyable. It may not be the best in the Metroidvania genre, but it's a good option for a weekend playthrough. Whether this approach feels natural in future iterations remains to be seen.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

As someone a bit too old to have grown up with Rugrats, I watched it occasionally with younger siblings. I know the characters and the theme song, but my connection to the series isn't deep. When I started Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, I wasn't sure what to expect. Someone mentioned it was similar to Bonk, but that comparison didn’t quite fit.

The game's visuals are crisp, surpassing the TV show’s quality. The controls were initially awkward, but there's an option to adjust them. The music features the familiar Rugrats theme, and the gameplay involves collecting Reptar coins, solving puzzles, and battling enemies—standard platformer fare.

Switching characters, I noticed the distinct jump mechanics reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA). Each character has unique abilities: Chuckie's high jump, Phil's low jump, and Lil's floating ability. The game even includes mechanics like picking up and throwing enemies and stacking blocks to reach higher areas, adding verticality and non-linearity to the stages. The boss battles are engaging, and the option to switch between modern and 8-bit visuals and soundtracks adds a nice touch.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland exceeded my expectations. It's a quality platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, with creative elements and a good use of the Rugrats license. The only drawbacks are the initial control issues and the game's brevity. It's worth playing for both platformer enthusiasts and Rugrats fans.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5