Arc System Works` highly anticipated fighting game, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, introduces a groundbreaking mechanic to the tag fighter genre: players must dynamically assemble their team over the course of each match.
A recently released beginner`s guide video for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls provides an in-depth look at its core mechanics and systems. This video reveals that matches, structured as best-of-three rounds, do not commence with players having their complete four-character team ready for battle.
Instead, competitors begin each confrontation with only two characters. Strategic execution of successful throws or specific special attacks in designated areas of the stage can trigger a crucial stage transition, which brings a third, and subsequently, a fourth character into the player`s active roster. Additionally, allies will join a player`s team upon knocking an opponent into a stage`s corner or after a round has been lost.
Rapid team assembly is paramount in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, as it significantly enhances a player`s maximum health and special gauge. Moreover, a full team unlocks expanded possibilities for executing potent assist attacks. The beginner`s guide strongly advises players to prioritize assembling their full team as quickly as possible to “reach your team`s full potential.”
Beyond this innovative team-building system, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls incorporates many familiar mechanics common to tag fighters, including a variety of special moves and character assists. Players will have the option to perform special moves using traditional directional inputs or a simplified single-button-plus-direction command, although moves executed with directional inputs will yield a slight increase in damage.
The game features a progressive meter system with EX moves, super moves, and ultimate moves, each consuming increasing amounts of the special gauge. Players can unleash devastating combos by chaining together ultimate moves across multiple characters. In line with trends in many modern fighting games, rapidly pressing any of the main attack buttons will perform an auto-combo, termed a “Link Attack.” For mobility, players have access to a suite of options including double jumps, launch attacks, and air dashes.
Furthermore, each character possesses a distinct unique attack, activated via a dedicated button. For instance:
- Captain America can throw his iconic shield.
- Iron Man unleashes a flurry of repulsor blasts.
- Miss Marvel extends her arms to pull herself across the arena with agility.
- Star-Lord can dynamically change the elemental properties of his gun`s attacks.
- Dr. Doom summons an energy shield capable of blocking projectiles.
- Storm can conjure powerful gusts of wind to control the battlefield.
While the depth of mechanics is considerable, players will fortunately have an early opportunity to experience Arc System Works` new fighter firsthand. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is slated to be playable for the first time at this year`s Evo 2025 fighting game tournament. The full game is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and PC platforms in 2026.