Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a visual carnival, a celebration of comic books, movement, and wall-to-wall action. Having played a bunch of Sony and Arc System Works’ upcoming 4v4 tag fighting game at Evo last week, I came home with the bug. Yes, the usual convention sickness too, but it’s the Tokon bug keeping me awake at night.
The game made a shock showing at Sony’s State of Play back in June, and almost immediately I was gripped by the boisterous, almost ink-and-water uniqueness of its art style. Believe it or not, the game looks even better in person. Marvel fatigue is a powerful thing, but a blend of vibrant colour and Arc System Works’ distinct style reinvent the cast in refreshing fashion.
It goes beyond the characters. The single stage I was able to play was set in a densely packed arena filled with fun little landmarks – though ones competitive players will be glad to know still don’t overcrowd the screen as to be distracting. You’ve got more obvious examples, like a large statue of golden age Marvel heroes, as well as secrets hidden for those with an eye for detail. Matt Murdock listening in on a brawl from an apartment window.
This visual flair is more than just eye candy, it’s a blank canvas on which Marvel Tokon can channel love for Marvel comics with each stroke and splatter. Not the films, to be clear; the comics. The character select screen even creates a custom comic book cover once you select your team.