The announcement that Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is coming to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam sometime in 2024 completely took everybody by surprise. Notably, it’s been nearly seven years since Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite was released. This latest collaboration suggests that Disney and Capcom are on speaking terms, which has heavy implications for the future of the series.
As it turns out, this collection is implementing a number of modern features that come from today’s fighting games. For example, the game will include rollback netcode for online play as well as a robust replay viewing mode that actually has a built-in hitbox viewer.
Those paying attention to the trailer may have also noted the presence of “one button specials” which are not entirely dissimilar to Street Fighter 6’s Modern Controls, though there are some important caveats in play here.
As demonstrated in the the video, even Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu — aka the Raging Demon — can be assigned to a single button. This was something people were pretty fearful of leading up to Akuma’s release in Street Fighter 6.
However, it’s not just a simple matter of pressing the assigned button for an instant Raging Demon. In the next scene, Akuma can be observed throwing out a light punch before performing the technique, implying that the one button special basically functions as a macro consisting of the required inputs to perform the desired action.
Based on the frame data to the side, there appears to be some gaps in the input. Perhaps this is the game’s way of encouraging the player to eventually branch out into trying the inputs themselves as a player might be able to pull off the sequence a little faster than the one button special with some practice.
Regardless, those who seek to climb the leaderboards won’t have to worry too much about the one button special. According to the official Marvel vs. Capcom Fight Collection, one button specials are not permitted in Ranked Matches.
Based on this, it will still be possible to play like this during Casual Matches or during offline sessions. In terms of restrictions, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics’ one button special feature is more similar to Street Fighter 6’s Dynamic Controls in terms of restrictions.
For Street Fighter 6, Modern Controls are actually permitted to be used in Ranked Matches and even tournaments. Though there are clearly some advantages to Modern Controls, most top players have continued using Classic Controls.
Of course, the one button special for Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics would probably end up being more of a problem due to the lack of a damage penalty. With all of this in mind, the one button special’s implementation is seemingly only intended to be a tool to help newcomers out.