In contrast to other Marvel games that mimic the comics’ look and feel, 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. 

n 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 is set to be released in 2026 for the PlayStation 5 and PC.