Sony Interactive Entertainment and Arc System Works announce MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls for PS5, PC

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Sony Interactive Entertainment, along with developer Arc System Works, have officially unveiled the upcoming tag-fighting game titled “MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls“. This four-versus-four battle game is set to release on PlayStation 5 and PC platforms (Steam and Epic Games Store) in the year 2026.

Here are the first details, via XDEV senior producer Reed Baird on PlayStation Blog:

Collaboratively creating an exceptional tag team fighter titled “MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls“, Sony’s PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works, and Marvel Games have come together! Immerse yourself in the Marvel Universe in a fresh and captivating way with redesigned characters, settings, a pulsating soundtrack, user-friendly gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals that keep you on tenterhooks. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced fighting game player, Arc System Works has skillfully incorporated controls and mechanisms that are simple to grasp yet offer complexity for competitive play at higher levels.

According to its game director and lead battle designer, Kazuto Sekine, the goal from the start was to create MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls as an engaging experience for many different types of gamers.

In most team vs fighting games, players must learn several characters to excel, but in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, you only need to master one character. We’ve structured the mechanics so that various actions can be executed using traditional inputs or simpler ones. By pressing a few buttons, multiple characters will appear on screen to offer support or attack collectively – offering a fresh and exhilarating team vs battle experience.

From the very beginning, our long-standing partners from PlayStation and Arc System Works have consistently shown an abundance of skill and devotion as they redefine the Marvel Universe in a uniquely brilliant way. MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls underscores their expertise and genuine love for Marvel, promising players a thrilling adventure.

Characters

Step into the action alongside some of Marvel’s legendary figures like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Storm, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, and Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes). Arc System Works has given these heroes and villains their distinctive touch when it comes to character designs and gameplay dynamics.

In his own words, Takeshi Yamanaka from Arc System Works admits the tough decision of selecting Marvel characters for their game was due to the abundance of iconic figures. He emphasized that they aimed to feature characters that serve as the ’embodiment’ of Marvel. Furthermore, they looked for a diverse range of battle types and styles, ensuring a balanced roster. Lastly, he hints at incorporating unexpected characters and introducing those who have yet to make an appearance in a fighting game.

Yamanaka-san elaborates, “Initially in the project, we attempted a shader to mimic a western comic-book aesthetic, but the Marvel team preferred a shift towards something resembling Arc System Works’ unique style. It was at this point that we adjusted our approach to the game’s visuals and started emphasizing more of the animation style Arc System Works is renowned for.

Gameplay Mechanics

In Marvel’s Token: Fighting Souls, each character showcases a distinct collection of basic, special, and exclusive moves, designed based on their powers and abilities from the Marvel universe. Arc System Works has put in significant effort to create a unique gameplay experience, with movements and styles that are fresh and different for these iconic characters.

As a gamer, I can tell you that it’s not just about mastering each character individually anymore – the developers have poured their hearts into reinventing and reshaping the entire concept of tag team fighting.

Our team has been contemplating the structure of our fighting games, which often feature either two-versus-two or three-versus-three teams. We’ve debated this topic extensively, considering whether a one-on-one game or sticking with the traditional three-on-three format would be more suitable.

Sekine-san elaborates, “We believe what makes team versus fighting games so captivating is the thrill of intense battles with numerous characters appearing simultaneously. Similarly, a significant draw of Marvel comics lies in witnessing diverse characters unite to form various intriguing partnerships.

Considering these two thoughts, we decided that establishing a 4-on-4 team vs. system would be optimal for generating thrilling, extraordinary moments and advancing the tag team fighting genre even more.

Stages

In Marvel’s Tokon: Fighting Souls, I leap into vibrant stages that pulse with life! Keen-eyed fans will spot hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout these breathtaking landscapes. Many stages are divided into multiple zones, and the transitions between them are more than just visually stunning; they also serve a strategic purpose. Peep the screenshots of Marvel’s New York City to uncover its secrets!

More to Come

Today’s unveiling is merely a stepping stone on our adventure. We’re excited to reveal not only characters, levels, and gaming styles but also the multiplayer aspect and other surprises yet to be disclosed!

1. Check out the announcement trailer and developer’s video below.

2. Browse through the initial images in the gallery.

Announce Trailer

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2025-06-05 02:02