GamesFightingMarvel Vs. CapcomAfter 30 years, The Punisher arcade game finally gets a home port worth playing - “No matter what, our goal was to get as close to the original version as possible"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesFightingMarvel Vs. CapcomAfter 30 years, The Punisher arcade game finally gets a home port worth playing - “No matter what, our goal was to get as close to the original version as possible"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Capcom)
Marvel Vs.CapcomFighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a long-awaited treasure trove of beloved crossover games between Marvel and Capcom, allcentered around its hotly anticipated re-release of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. But there are other hidden gems in the collection, including the first ever accurate port of The Punisher arcade game - the first game released in the partnership between Capcom and Marvel, over 30 years ago.
That’s why, for Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection producer Shuhei Matsumoto, nailing the collection’s port of the classic side-scrolling brawler was a key priority when including it in the latest Capcom Fighting Collection installment.
The port we always deserved
(Image credit: Capcom)
“No matter what, our goal was to get as close to the original version as possible,” Matsumoto tells GamesRadar+. “This is something I strive for throughout the Capcom Fighting Collection series.”
It may stand out to players that The Punisher is the only side-scrolling beat-em-up game in the collection of classic fighting games, but according to Matsumoto, the game has its fans inside Capcom who urged him to make sure and finally give the game the port it deserves.
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“It’s a simple reason actually,” Matsumoto explains. “It’s because this is another title that both Capcom and Marvel were involved in. Similar to when we decided to include Red Earth in the previous Capcom Fighting Collection, our legendary programmers Kobuta and Muumuu called out to me and said, ‘Hey Matz, we can get The Punisher in too!’ and that’s how we made the decision.”
And of course, it’s got historical significance as well, as the first collaboration between Marvel and Capcom.
“I think it had a significant impact. No doubt, the reason we have so many other amazing Marvel games is thanks to The Punisher,” Matsumoto says.
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Title Showcase Trailer: THE PUNISHER - YouTubeWatch On
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Title Showcase Trailer: THE PUNISHER - YouTube
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Title Showcase Trailer: THE PUNISHER - YouTube
As for the producer’s personal favorite game in the collection, it likely comes as no surprise that Matsumoto doesn’t hesitate to call out MvC2. And there’s no doubt that the groundbreaking fighter is the crown jewel of the collection, especially considering how many retro fighting game fans have been downright begging for a re-release on modern platforms. But the Punisher may be the collection’s biggest diamond in the rough, and getting to share a long lost arcade classic with modern fans after 30 years is an added bonus to an already impeccable compilation.
“Thank you for your patience!” Matsumoto tells fans who have been waiting for The Punisher to come home since 1993. “We are ecstatic to finally be able to release The Punisher. It’s been many years since the original game was released, and we hope that new players will finally get the chance to play it!”
Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is now available digitally on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, with the physical release scheduled for November 22. A digital version will be released for Xbox One in 2025.
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