Sony Interactive Entertainment has teamed up with Arc System Works and Marvel Games to announce a brand new tag fighting game, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. It’s heading to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, with a release window set for 2026.
At first glance, Marvel Tokon might sound like just another Marvel brawler, but it’s not. What we’re looking at here is a full-scale reinvention of the tag fighter format. And with Arc System Works behind the controls, expectations are already sky high.
A new approach to team-based fighting
Rather than sticking to the traditional 2v2 or 3v3 formats seen in games like Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls takes a bold step forward. This one’s built around 4v4 battles, letting players experience all-out team clashes while only focusing on mastering a single character.
According to game director Kazuto Sekine, the idea was to make it easier for players of all skill levels to jump in. You’re not expected to learn an entire squad from scratch, just get comfortable with one hero, and let the assist system do the rest. Backup characters can jump in with a few button presses, creating fast-paced, high-energy moments without overwhelming newcomers.
But don’t mistake Marvel Tokon for a simplified experience. Beneath the surface, there’s still plenty of depth for competitive play. Traditional fighting game inputs are fully supported, alongside a more accessible control option. Whether you’re a casual Marvel fan or a seasoned FGC regular, there’s something here for you.
Familiar faces, fresh takes
The launch roster already includes several big names from across the Marvel Universe: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Storm, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, and Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes). Each one has been redesigned visually and mechanically to reflect Arc System Works’ signature anime-inspired style while staying true to the original character roots.
Takeshi Yamanaka, producer at Arc System Works, shared that character selection was based on striking a balance between fan favourites and gameplay diversity. The team also hinted at including characters who’ve never been featured in a fighting game before, suggesting some deep cuts may be on the way.
Interestingly, Marvel Tokon’s early visual direction leaned towards a Western comic-book look. But after feedback from the Marvel team, the studio pivoted back to what they do best: vivid, high-energy animation that looks like it leapt straight out of a stylised anime.
Stage transitions and fan-service galore
Levels won’t just be static backdrops. Each stage is designed with dynamic transitions that can change the flow of battle, and they’re packed with subtle nods for longtime fans. The revealed Marvel’s New York City stage already shows off this approach, blending slick design with interactive elements and visual surprises.
Building the future of tag fighting games
The decision to go 4v4 in Marvel Tokon wasn’t made lightly. Sekine explained that the goal was to push the genre forward by creating chaotic, cinematic matches that make full use of Marvel’s massive cast. Instead of limiting players to the usual setups, the expanded team size encourages creative combos, unique synergies, and a sense of scale that other fighting games rarely reach.
And with Arc System Works at the helm, known for their sharp mechanics and bold visual designs’s hard not to be curious about how far they’ll take it.
More reveals on the way
The announcement is just the beginning. More characters, stages, game modes, and online details are still under wraps. But if this debut is anything to go by, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is shaping up to be something special.
Whether you’re here for the fighting or just to see Doctor Doom and Star-Lord tag team in anime style, 2026 can’t come soon enough.
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