Why there'll be no Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls review from us this week

As I sat down to write this piece, I couldn't help but think about the anticipation building up in the gaming community for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. The game, developed by the renowned Guilty Gear studio Arc System Works, has finally landed on PlayStation 5 and PC, but a closer look reveals a curious situation. Sony's decision to release review codes for the game at the same time it went live, instead of the usual pre-release period, has left many reviewers, including myself, scrambling to catch up.

The open beta, which I had the chance to participate in a couple of weeks ago, offered a promising glimpse into the game's mechanics and features. The beta included a substantial chunk of the base roster, offline and online versus matches, a training mode, and an early look at one of the five story mode routes. I must admit that I enjoyed my time with the beta, and the online matches, in particular, worked seamlessly.

Sony's explanation for the delayed review codes, that Marvel Tōkon is a live service title, raises more questions than answers. While it's true that most modern fighters can be classified as live service titles, the term is usually reserved for games that receive regular updates, new content, and ongoing support over an extended period. Marvel Tōkon, on the other hand, is a full-price game with a planned one-year DLC cycle, which will add four new characters and a new stage. The first DLC character, Phoenix Cyclops, has been confirmed, and it's likely that further long-term support is in the works.

Sony's decision to make Marvel Tōkon available on PC, despite its recent retreat from PC ports of many of its PlayStation games, is an interesting move. The game's multiplayer nature likely played a significant role in this decision, allowing fans on both platforms to engage in online matches. However, this departure from the norm has also led to some confusion among reviewers, who are now working under the same tight deadline to deliver their verdicts.

For many gamers, the delay in reviews may seem like a minor issue, but for those who rely on timely reviews to make informed purchasing decisions, it can be a significant concern. As someone who's had the chance to experience the game's beta, I can attest to its potential, but I'm eager to dive deeper and explore the game's full capabilities. Unfortunately, the delayed review codes have put us all on the same playing field, and we'll have to wait until next week for our full reviews.

As I conclude this piece, I'm left with a sense of curiosity about what the future holds for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Will the game live up to its promise, or will it struggle to find its footing in a crowded market?## Key Facts:

• Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is developed by Arc System Works.
• The game is available now on PlayStation 5 and PC.
• Sony released review codes for the game at the same time it went live.
• A one-year DLC cycle is planned, adding four new characters and a new stage.
• The first DLC character, Phoenix Cyclops, has been confirmed.