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[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

In contrast to other Marvel games that mimic the comics' look and feel, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls has a distinct Japanese aesthetic for its characters and world. While you might assume this was Arc System Works' (ArcSys) doing from the get-go, it was actually Marvel Studios that suggested ArcSys put its own spin on the formula.

In the title's first behind-the-scenes video, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls producer Takeshi Yamanaka reveals that ArcSys's initial designs for the game were Western-inspired and more in line with the traditional Marvel look. After speaking to Marvel Games' Michael Francisco, Yamanaka learned that the collaboration called for ArcSys to show the Marvel game they wanted to create. This is when ArcSys leaned into the trademark manga/anime look its games like Guilty Gear Strive and Granblue Fantasy Versus are known for.

From Iron Man's mecha-looking suit to Ms. Marvel's anime-like appearance (complete with large eyes), you can tell that Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a fighting game with a Japanese visual style. Despite the new look, the developers are staying true to the source material by including iconic Marvel characters, stages, and Easter eggs (many of which can be found in the debut trailer).

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls’ anime look wasn't pushed by Arc System Works, but Marvel Games - AUTOMATON WEST

Arc System Works' initial designs for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls were more faithful to its original comic style.

automaton-media.com

 

[March Climber]

From the way the producer phrased it in the video, it sounded like they were initially designing the characters to appease Marvel first, because they probably thought 'maybe this is what they would prefer' rather than presenting their own thing first.

Michael Francisco made the best possible decision by telling them to do it their way. Those are the type of people needed in those positions at a games division of a big company, making these types of handshake deals, including being a part of helping Capcom greenlight that Marvel collection.

James Gunn is literally wanting this type of gaming leadership for D.C. but the suits above him can't seem to wrap their heads around it.

 

[Rentahamster]

Good. Shake things up a little and let developers put their own spin on things instead of forcing everything into the safe corporate approved aesthetic we've seen over and over again.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

If you give the IP to a Japanese dev then I'd expect to allow them the creative freedom to interpret it through their unique cultural lens, good on Marvel for pushing it. Batman Ninja is a great example of this, beyond cool take of Batman in feudal Japan

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

It will be released annually with 2 new characters and 2 scenarios for 4 years... Each update will be sold for $50, as arc system works always does.

 

[lh032]

good choice