The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is a dream come true for fans of classic arcade fighting games. It’s a treasure trove of legendary titles, including Street Fighter 2, X-Men: Children of the Atom, and Marvel Super Heroes. But amidst this stellar lineup, there’s a hidden gem that might surprise you: The Punisher.
Released in arcades by Capcom in 1993, The Punisher is a beat ’em up in the vein of Final Fight, a far cry from the one-on-one brawls of Street Fighter. Its gameplay is distinct, featuring a relentless wave of enemies and a focus on brawling action. You might think this makes it an odd inclusion in a collection focused on fighting games, but trust me, it’s a welcome surprise.
Don’t let its different style fool you. The Punisher is a blast to play. It’s a game you can pick up and enjoy immediately, offering a satisfying sense of power as you unleash a barrage of punches and kicks on the endless horde of criminals. While the other fighting games in the collection demand hours of practice to master, The Punisher is a quick and easy way to have fun. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all you want is a good old-fashioned beat ’em up, and The Punisher delivers exactly that.
For fans of the Punisher, this game is a treat. It captures the gritty, vigilante spirit of the character, showcasing his no-nonsense approach to justice. While the game doesn’t delve deeply into the character’s tragic backstory or moral complexities, it does a great job of capturing his iconic persona. You play as The Punisher, alongside Nick Fury, taking on Kingpin and his criminal empire. The gameplay is a classic beat ’em up formula: You progress through stages, facing off against waves of enemies, picking up weapons, and battling boss characters like Bushwacker and Jigsaw.
Even if you’re not a Punisher fan, The Punisher is a game worth checking out. Its simple, yet effective mechanics make it incredibly fun to play, and its retro charm is undeniable. It’s full of personality, from the classic comic book onomatopoeia like “Blam!” and “Krak!” to the delightful detail of seeing Nick Fury casually smoking a cigar during gameplay. It’s a game that’s both enjoyable and nostalgic.
So how did this obscure arcade game end up in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection? It’s all thanks to the passion of Capcom’s programmers. Shuhei Matsumoto, the collection’s producer, reveals that it was the programmers who championed the inclusion of The Punisher, just as they did with Red Earth in the first Capcom Fighting Collection. The team saw its value and recognized its potential to appeal to players who might not be familiar with the game.
The Punisher’s inclusion is a reminder that even seemingly obscure games can find new life with the right kind of attention. It’s a testament to the power of passion and dedication in preserving gaming history. The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection is more than just a collection of fighting games; it’s a celebration of gaming history, and The Punisher is a welcome addition to that celebration.
