During a special panel at EVO 2025, Arc System Works and Marvel Games took the stage to present an in-depth look at their upcoming fighting game, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. This marks the first new Marvel-based fighting game since 2017’s Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite and introduces several ambitious gameplay innovations, including a 4v4 team-based system. The panel, which included key developers and representatives from Marvel Games and PlayStation Studios, offered fans a closer look at the title’s gameplay mechanics, design philosophy, and unique approach to both storytelling and combat.
The panel opened with an introduction by Marvel Games’ product development manager, Michel Francisco, alongside members of Arc System Works, who are leading development on the project. Set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC in 2026, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is the result of a creative partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment, Marvel Games, and the renowned fighting game studio responsible for titles like Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ.
Embracing Marvel’s Legacy with Tag Team Evolution
When asked about the decision to design the game as a tag team fighter, the Arc team referenced the Japanese phrase onko-chishin, which refers to creating the new by learning from the old. Staying true to the legacy of Marvel’s previous fighting games, the developers chose to retain tag-based mechanics while evolving the formula to include 4v4 matchups—one active fighter with three unique assist characters. According to the team, this not only honors the fast-paced dynamics fans expect but also reflects the Marvel universe’s emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and character interplay.
The Ambitious Leap to 4v4
One of the most surprising and technically complex elements introduced was the 4v4 format. The development team admitted that their initial pitch was met with hesitation by both Marvel Games and PlayStation Studios. The expanded team size raised concerns about accessibility, balancing, and mechanical complexity. To address these issues, Arc System Works embarked on an unusually lengthy pre-production cycle—more than double that of a standard fighting game. This extra time allowed them to prototype the format, refine assist systems, and create a convincing build that ultimately secured stakeholder approval.
Accessibility Meets Competitive Depth
To avoid overwhelming players with too many characters, Fighting Souls uses a shared health bar for the team and simplifies assist inputs through a unified “Assemble” button combined with directional commands. This design allows beginners to enjoy the game with minimal friction while giving advanced players strategic tools to develop nuanced team setups. Michel Francisco noted that part of the challenge was reflecting the kinds of relationships and teamwork seen in comic books—such as in X-Men, Avengers, or Guardians of the Galaxy—and translating that into meaningful gameplay mechanics.
Unique Approach to Comeback Mechanics
Departing from traditional comeback features like rage meters or buffs for trailing players, Fighting Souls adopts a more narrative-driven system. Drawing inspiration from Marvel’s storytelling, the team designed matches where the momentum builds organically as characters “assemble,” creating tension and drama akin to the rising action of a comic book climax. Strengthening your team early becomes a strategic necessity, reinforcing a sense of unity and build-up that mirrors iconic moments from Marvel’s history.
Arc System Works Signatures and Future Plans
The game will also feature mechanics familiar to fans of Arc System Works, including a variation of the “wall break” mechanic from Guilty Gear Strive. In this case, breaking walls can trigger team-up sequences or character swaps mid-battle, further adding to the cinematic nature of fights. The developers emphasized that defense will play a key role, with newly designed mechanics to balance offensive momentum and counterplay.
Throughout the panel, the team expressed their excitement at engaging directly with the fighting game community. They highlighted their desire to receive feedback, both from casual Marvel fans and from dedicated players within the FGC. The playable demo available on-site at EVO 2025 was met with positive reception, particularly from players eager to explore the interplay between tag strategies and character synergy.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls represents a bold reimagining of what a Marvel fighting game can be, pushing the boundaries with a 4v4 system, deeper team mechanics, and a hybrid design that aims to satisfy both casual fans and competitive purists. As the first major Marvel fighting game in nearly a decade, and with development led by one of the genre’s most respected studios, anticipation is running high.
The game is scheduled to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5 and PC, with additional reveals expected in the coming months.
