Walking into the extreme chaos of Anime Expo 2026, my absolute top priority was getting my hands on Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls at the Arc System Works booth. As a long-time fighting game fan, the promise of ArcSys bringing their signature, jaw-dropping 2.5D visual flair to the Marvel Universe sounded like a dream on paper, but seeing it in motion is an entirely different beast. After spending some quality time on the sticks with the latest build, it’s clear that this isn't just another comic book adaptation or an attempt to ride the coattails of the MCU. With its gorgeous, shōnen-inspired aesthetic, accessible yet deeply strategic mechanics, and an addictive new 4v4 tag system, Tōkon is evolving into the next major competitive obsession ahead of its August launch. 

Hands-on with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, gameplay feels remarkably smooth and very responsive, perfectly matching the high-octane 2.5D visual style Arc System Works is known for. I spent most of my time experimenting with Peni Parker, Magik, and Ms. Marvel quickly highlights how uniquely distinct each hero feels. Chaining together combos with Ms. Marvel’s elastic, hard-hitting attacks feel incredibly fluid, while Magik's quick teleportation and soulsword capabilities offer a completely different tactical flow. Switching over to Peni Parker brought an entirely new rhythm to the field, with her huge hitting attacks seem to hopefully give her great grappling potential proving that the game's mechanics are built to keep up with precise, fast-paced inputs without missing a beat. 

Though my time with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls was brief, it left a massive impression and has me incredibly optimistic for the final release. Arc System Works has already proven they know how to deliver world-class fighting mechanics, and seeing their distinct style infused with the Marvel universe is a massive win for the genre. I have only scratched the surface of what the game has to offer, and I am genuinely excited to see another high-tier fighter join the studio's legendary roster. I absolutely cannot wait to dive back in, explore the rest of the lineup and check out the open beta coming soon.