Marvel Tokon: Fighting Soulsis ramping up its marketing efforts, with a playable build of the game being prepared for this year’s Evo USA tournament. While only six players can be accessed in this preview version, a recently released screenshot of theMarvel Tokoncharacter selectscreen suggests that the final game could feature as many as 35 playable characters—a respectable roster indeed.
Of course, this screenshot doesn’t do much to illuminate which specific Marvel characters will be included in the game’s final build—only eight characters have been officially unveiled thus far. The assumption that there will be 35 characters should be taken with a grain of salt as well, since the original image doesn’t actually show 35 character select icons; it simply appears that there is space for that many characters. Moreover, the screenshot may not be representative of the game at launch;Marvel Tokon: Fighting Soulscould theoretically have an entirely different character select screen, thus undermining the current 35-character theory. Keeping those caveats in mind, it’s still probably safe to assume thatMarvel Tokonwill have a sizable slew of superheroes and villains to play around with, which begs an interesting question: how does this hypothetical selection compare to other popular fighting games?
How Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls' Roster Measures Up Against the Competition
Marvel Tokon vs. Injustice 2
The closest parallel toMarvel Tokonis arguablyInjustice 2, as it’s the most high-profile, modern AAA fighting game featuring comic book characters, albeit those from DC Comics instead of Marvel. Having said that, the size ofMarvel Tokon’s roster could be comparable toInjustice 2’s: if one assumes thatMarvel Tokonwill launch with around 35 playable characters, with more coming via DLC, then it will likely surpassInjustice 2’s rostersize, if only by a bit.
Marvel Tokon vs. Tekken 8
Once again,Marvel Tokonfinds an easy point of comparison inTekken 8, whose base roster has just two more characters thanInjustice 2’s. WhetherMarvel Tokon’s roster can be considered “better” thanTekken 8’s will depend on a number of factors, of course, but in terms of quantity, it should be in the same ballpark, unless the former gets an avalanche of DLC characters; consideringthe Marvel source material, this is certainly possible.
Tekken 8will get more DLC characters, with Armor King and an unrevealed fighter joining the game later this year.
Marvel Tokon vs. Mortal Kombat 1
WhileMarvel Tokon’s percentage of DLC fighters could tip the scale when comparing it toTekken 8andInjustice 2, it will be definitive in establishing superiority overMortal Kombat 1, which has a whopping 13 DLC fighters. This is one of the more disappointing elements of the game, since its paltry selection of just 22 base fighters encourages players to shell out extra cash for new characters likePeacemaker and Ghost Face; the complete 35-fighter lineup feels like the definitive roster. IfMarvel Tokon: Fighting Soulsdoes indeed have 35 fighters at launch, then it will at least have more variety thanMortal Kombat 1from the outset. From there, DLC fighters could continue to expand players' options, potentially putting the game head-and-shoulders above the latestMortal Kombatin terms of quantity.
Marvel Tokon vs. Street Fighter 6
Much likeMortal Kombat 1,Street Fighter 6’s base rosteris relatively trim, and its complete cast is padded out with DLC characters.Street Fighterhas notoriously complex mechanics, so this smaller roster makes sense, though a steady stream of DLC fighters could very well help it surpassMarvel Tokon’s total character count. As with the previous comparisons, howMarvel Tokonmeasures up in the end will depend greatly on its post-launch support, which is a tricky ballgame.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls
WHERE TO PLAY
PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works (Arc), and Marvel Games have joined forces to realize the latest in tag team fighters, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls!Experience the Marvel Universe like never before with reimagined characters and stages, a heart-pounding soundtrack, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and jaw-dropping visuals that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
