Fighting Souls Just Played the Ace Up Its Sleeve, But Not Everyone is Happy About It

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has been one of the most intriguing announcements of the year so far, especially when it comes to superhero games. Last year, Marvel Rivals brought forth its own Marvel Comics-inspired take on the hero shooter genre, and this time around, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls throws the brand into the world of fighting games.

Seeing Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Captain America fighting on stage in a Mortal Kombat-esque scenario is incredibly exciting, and at this year’s EVO, the game will be playable for the very first time. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls isn’t expected until 2026, but as EVO kicks off today, the first hands-on preview of the 4v4 title will be available to the lucky attendees. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls boasts a classic fighting feel, but when it comes to movesets, the game takes an approach that could prove to be divisive.

6 Things Confirmed About Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

The Marvel Civil War is back for this newly announced 4v4 fighting game. Here’s what fans can expect to see.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls’ Characters Use the Same Inputs for Combat

Making a 4×4 Fighting Experience Far Easier to Digest

With Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls being a 4×4 fighting game, it only makes sense for there to be universal inputs across all characters. Having to remember four different inputs for a variety of movesets for one’s team would quickly become a headache, even for those who are hardcore fighting fans, but there are still likely to be some who are unhappy with this choice. As the wait for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls continues, the reveal of these movesets and inputs are intriguing, but there are some who may crave more complexity.

Overall, the reaction to these universal inputs on Reddit has been mostly positive, but there are still naysayers. While it makes it far easier to keep up with four characters, there are still purists who view these mechanics as being too streamlined. There are plenty of fighting fans who appreciate complexity and depth most of all, and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls may be lacking in that area for some now. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls boasts a powerful roster that features many of the brand’s most beloved characters, and some may argue that all of them sharing the same inputs keeps them from truly feeling distinct.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will launch for PC and PS5.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls’ 4×4 Approach Balances Complexity With Simplicity

The way that Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls goes about its 4×4 formula is compelling, as matches only start as a 2×2 fight. Hitting successful special attacks in specific ways will trigger a transition that introduces a player’s third, and then fourth, character to the match. This makes building up one’s team as fast as possible integral to victory, and that alone adds enough complexity to the game. Building a team in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is the main crux, so streamlining the moveset inputs makes reaching those milestones far more accessible.

Ultimately, there are still going to be fighting lovers who believe more depth across the board is the best route, but it could also isolate a lot of gamers who are excited about Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.

The characters that will be playable at EVO are Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, Iron Man, Captain America, Storm, and Doctor Doom.

With Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls being a 4×4 fighting game, it only makes sense for there to be universal inputs across all characters.

When Does Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Come Out?

Despite being confirmed for 2026, an official release date has yet to be revealed.

With there being a playable version of the game available at EVO over the weekend, this hopefully means that the wait for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls won’t be much longer. An early 2026 launch could be possible, but only time will tell. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a thrilling promise, and it can hopefully live up to expectations. Until then, eager gamers can study the confirmed movesets ahead of its eventual launch.