The upcoming second beta test of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is set to introduce exciting new elements, including the addition of two beloved characters–Spider-Man and Ghost Rider–as well as two fresh stages: the Savage Land and the X-Mansion. The inclusion of the X-Mansion stage is particularly noteworthy, as it features three out of the five original members of the X-Men as background characters, stirring anticipation among fans of the franchise.
So far, Storm remains the only mutant in the primary character roster of Marvel Tokon, which heightens curiosity regarding the future playable options from the X-Men universe, especially in light of the newly unveiled X-Mansion stage.
In the X-Mansion backdrop, players can spot prominent figures such as Angel, Beast, and Iceman, alongside others like Colossus, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Psylocke, Professor X, and Rogue. However, while the presence of these characters is enticing, their current designs appear too simplistic to suggest that they will be playable in this installment.
The developers at Arc System Works have opted for a distinctive hybrid art style, merging the classic American cartoon aesthetic with Japan’s stylized anime influences. This approach has resulted in visually impressive characters, though some background figures, particularly Nightcrawler, seem less detailed compared to the playable characters like Storm and Ghost Rider.
Despite the initial impression that these background characters might not be playable, there is precedence in other fighting games–such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat–where background characters eventually become part of the main roster through downloadable content. For instance, Gambit is partially visible in the X-Mansion stage but has yet to be confirmed as a playable character, leading some to speculate on why his full reveal hasn’t occurred yet.
Notably, among the background characters, Nightcrawler’s agility could make him a standout addition to the roster, especially since he has not appeared in other notable Marvel fighting games. This raises the question of potential X-Men characters that could join the playable lineup, with fan-favorites like Cyclops, Wolverine, and Magneto being strong candidates due to their absence in the background.
Lore-wise, characters like Magneto may not fit seamlessly into the X-Mansion environment, as they lack the justifications for being seen in such a context. Jean Grey could also be a strong contender; her absence from the stage and the presence of the M’kraan crystal suggest her significance to the story.
Marvel Tokon incorporates a 4v4 tag team format, allowing players to switch characters mid-fight to enhance their strategies. This mechanic adds depth to both gameplay and narrative, as seen in interactions like Storm’s playful banter with Star-Lord during matches.
With this dynamic gameplay, fans can expect character interactions to contribute significantly to the overarching story. For instance, the established romantic history between Storm and Wolverine in the comics could pave the way for their synergistic partnership on the battlefield.
The game already boasts a diverse lineup, including five members from the Avengers, hinting at the possibility of a balanced roster featuring an equal number of villains. Popular choices for villain slots could include Magneto, Mystique, and Apocalypse, among others.
In summary, Marvel Tokon presents numerous opportunities for X-Men characters to be integrated into the game, and the developers appear to have strategically crafted the background details to set the stage for future reveals. Fans of the X-Men, particularly those who favor characters like Magneto and Wolverine, have much to look forward to as the game continues to develop.
