With Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls playable at EVO 2025, Arc System Works has released an 11-minute video explaining the gameplay mechanics.
Presented by game director Kazuto “Pachi” Sekine (via EventHubs), the footage delivers a complete overview of what to expect and how to play.
The video begins by explaining battles follow a 4×4 format across best-of-five rounds. Notably, your team shares a single Vital Gauge (life bar), meaning when you die, the round immediately ends.
Matches start as 2×2 bouts – fitting for an Avengers-themed fighter, you must gather allies to assemble your full squad. This occurs through throw moves or special attacks triggering stage transitions that physically move you toward teammates. As your team forms, your Vital Gauge increases to a higher maximum, and you gain access to expanded assist functions.
You also recruit allies after losing rounds, so don’t worry if your opponent dominates early; you’ll still build your full team even at a disadvantage.
Two additional gauges matter: the central Charge Gauge powers assist mechanics. Assists serve multiple functions – including Guard Cancel-style moves and overheads that lead to tag combos.
Assist behaviors vary by character slot placement: forward assists typically fire projectiles while down assists perform anti-air attacks, making inputs intuitive.
Different assist moves trigger based on whether you’re airborne or combo-linking, enabling dynamic team interactions regardless of point character. An active tag system also lets you swap characters just before or after landing hits, adding strategic depth.
The control scheme resembles Marvel vs. Capcom with light, medium, and heavy attacks. Familiar mechanics include opponent throws, chase-based air combos, and ground-slam finishers.
A Unique button delivers character-specific actions: Captain America throws his shield, Iron Man fires repulsors, and Star-Lord cycles elemental weapons.
As detailed earlier, moves can be executed via command inputs or simpler button presses. Command inputs deal slightly more damage, offering minor but non-essential optimization.
The second gauge is the Skill Indicator, your standard Super meter used for EX moves and Supers.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch for PS5 and PC.
