Capcom revives Marvel vs Capcom 2 fighters in new titles

Capcom producer Shuhei Matsumoto has hinted at potential comebacks for fan-favorite original characters from Marvel vs Capcom 2. Read his full statement ahead of the upcoming "Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection" release.

Capcom Producer Teases Potential Returns of Marvel vs Capcom 2 Original Characters

Says Return Remains Possible as Capcom Evaluates Options

The return of original Marvel vs Capcom 2 characters in future games "could always happen." This statement comes from Capcom producer Shuhei Matsumoto during EVO 2024, the world's premier fighting game tournament.

While the franchise hasn't seen a new installment since Marvel vs Capcom Infinite, Capcom is preparing to launch "Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics" - a remastered compilation of earlier titles that Matsumoto is currently producing.

The Marvel vs Capcom series features iconic crossovers between Capcom and Marvel characters. During June 2024's Nintendo Direct, Capcom showcased a trailer for their new collection including six classic games, with Marvel vs Capcom 2 being a highlight.

This particular entry introduced three original fan-favorite characters: Amingo (a cactus-like creature), Ruby Heart (a sky pirate captain), and SonSon (the monkey-like granddaughter of Capcom's 80s arcade character). These characters have been largely absent in recent series entries beyond minor cameos in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Capcom's card fighting games.

At EVO 2024, Matsumoto suggested these characters could return, with the collection's release potentially sparking renewed interest. "There's always possibility. This collection presents a great opportunity to reintroduce these characters who only appeared in the Versus series," Matsumoto stated through a translator.

The producer also hinted these OGs could appear outside the Versus franchise if fan demand warrants it. "With sufficient interest, who knows? They might appear in Street Fighter 6 or other fighting games. Re-releasing these classics helps expand knowledge of these characters and gives our team more creative material to work with."

Future Marvel Crossovers Depend on Fan Response

Capcom spent "three to four years" developing plans for the new collection. "We've been in discussions with Marvel for quite some time. The timing just wasn't right until now," Matsumoto explained.

"Regarding past Capcom Marvel titles, our team has wanted to re-release them for years. It was about waiting for the right timing and getting all parties on board," he continued.

Matsumoto also revealed Capcom's interest in creating new Versus entries and reviving other legacy fighting games. "We're looking at various possibilities, including updating older fighting games lacking rollback or modern platform support. We have ambitious plans, but must proceed step by step."

The producer emphasized Capcom's commitment to bringing back classic fighting games. "We're aware fans want legacy fighting games re-released on modern platforms. The development team shares this sentiment," he told IGN.

"Our current focus is reintroducing these classics to newer audiences. While licensing and scheduling challenges exist, we believe re-releasing these games will energize the community as we explore other possibilities," Matsumoto concluded.