Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls reveals moves list and beginner guide

Arc System Works has unveiled the complete move list for six playable characters in its upcoming fighting game Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, along with a beginner’s guide video. 

The starting roster features Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, Storm and Doctor Doom, each with distinct playstyles and mechanics designed to appeal to both casual and competitive players. The beginner’s guide video showcased the game’s 4v4 team battle system and extensive assist mechanics.

“We want to grow Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls together with the community, and so we look forward to hearing your candid feedback,” Game Director Kazuto ‘Pachikoto’ Sekine stated in the announcement video.

Marvel Tōkon has introduced a dual-input system for executing special moves. Players can choose between traditional command inputs familiar to fighting game veterans or simplified ‘Quick Skill Input’ controls designed to lower the barrier to entry.

The Quick Skill Input system allows players to perform special moves using the QS button combined with attack buttons, though this convenience comes at a cost — these simplified inputs consume double the skill gauge compared to traditional commands.

Each character possesses unique abilities activated through the G button. Captain America can throw his shield at various angles, Iron Man fires repulsor blasts and Storm creates wind effects that alter her other moves’ properties.

Matches in Marvel Tōkon follow a best-of-five round format with teams sharing a single Vital Gauge. The first round begins as a 2v2 battle, with additional teammates joining through stage transitions triggered by throws or specific moves.

The Assemble system enables extensive team synergy through various assist attacks, character swaps and combination moves. Players can perform Super Assemble sequences, chaining up to three characters’ Super Skills in succession for devastating damage.

The initial roster demonstrates significant mechanical variety. Captain America offers balanced gameplay with projectiles and counter options, while Ms. Marvel excels at long-range combat using her stretching abilities but cannot perform aerial dashes. Iron Man and Star-Lord feature eight-directional aerial movement and flight capabilities, with Star-Lord able to switch between four elemental properties for his attacks.

Storm’s wind manipulation affects her entire moveset, creating a technical character requiring mastery of her unique mechanics. Doctor Doom specialises in zoning with projectiles and defensive barriers, rounding out a roster designed to accommodate various playstyles.

The game’s first public appearance at Evo 2025 will serve as a crucial testing ground for Bandai Namco. The development team has explicitly requested player feedback to shape the game’s future direction.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls joins an increasingly competitive fighting game market, with its team-based mechanics and Marvel license positioning it to compete with established franchises. The simplified control options suggest Bandai Namco aims to capture both hardcore fighting game enthusiasts and Marvel fans new to the genre.

Players attending Evo will have the opportunity to experience the trial version firsthand, with the development team actively collecting feedback for future improvements. The game’s release date remains unannounced.