Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls continues to impress

As widely expected, Sony and Arc System Works did not miss out on the opportunity presented by one of the most celebrated events of the fighting games community, EVO Japan, revealing more information about the eagerly-awaited Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. The title is scheduled for release on the PS5/PS5 Pro and PC in about three months, on August 6th, so both companies will have to make the most of every such opportunity until then – especially since there’s sadly still no word on whether a public beta or open network test version of the game will be made available before launch.

There’s been wild speculation as of late regarding who the next Marvel heroes filling out the initial character roster would be, so yours truly is somewhat relieved to see that Sony and Arc System Works went for the safe, popular choices with the Fighting Avengers team: Hulk and Black Panther join Captain America and Iron Man, the former vaguely reminiscent of his Planet Hulk version influenced by Wakandan elements, the latter being none other than Shuri, T’Challa’s sister whose Black Panther version is more agile and tech-focused.

Both characters look amazing in design and in motion, their respective signature fighting styles splendidly illustrated and animated as part of the new trailer released by Sony. In line with the Wakandan storyline of both characters – Shuri is officially the leader of the country and Hulk was for some reason exiled there by the Avengers recently – a Wakanda stage was also revealed, complete with the jungle aesthetics and futuristic architecture featured in Marvel comics and movies. It’s great to see that Arc System Works continues to respect the original material the game is based on, while adding original details here and there to keep it fresh and visually interesting in 2026 terms.

There’s also been a lot of talk online about what the main story of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will revolve around, as there have been quite a few different plot lines involving super hero teams facing one another in the comics over the years. As it turns out, some of the rumors (based on small details fans have noticed in a couple of the stages already revealed) are actually true: the game’s “main villain” – for lack of a better term – is Tryco Slatterus, also known as Champion of the Universe, one of the most iconic threats ever featured in the Marvel comics of the ’80s and ’90s, comparable to Thanos or Galactus.

As per the official PlayStation blog post, he is “one of the Elders who have existed since the birth of the universe and travels the cosmos alongside his right-hand show woman, Promoter. A cosmic conqueror obsessed with hand-to-hand combat, he journeys from planet to planet in search of worthy opponents”. “Those who fail to satisfy his thirst for battle face the destruction of their entire world”, the post notes, before pointing out that Earth is his next target.

Under Promoter’s direction the “Challenge of the Champion” tournament is announced and teams of four will battle through qualifiers, earning the right to face the Champion himself. The post also implies that there’s more to the story… which is to be expected since Doctor Doom is also involved, no?

Judging from online impressions based on the latest version of the game demonstrated at EVO Japan, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is coming along nicely, incorporating more of the changes fans have been asking for since its first two closed beta tests. Yours truly took part in the second one and really, really liked the game Arc System Works has put together, so he’s happy to see others reporting that it’s in an even better state now in terms of control, tactical options and gameplay direction overall.

As mentioned earlier, it’s not yet confirmed when or indeed if another Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls closed beta test will take place soon, but it’s hard to believe such a high profile game – officially announced about a year ago now – won’t have a chance for a final beta test before showtime, so… fingers crossed?