We're Entering a Golden Age of Marvel Fighting Game Figures
A few weeks ago, Hasbro revealed it was cooking up a massive tribute to the legacy of Capcom's Marvel fighting games, from Children of the Atom all the way through to the legendary Marvel vs. Capcom franchise, with a series of Marvel Legends figures replicating aesthetics and matchups from across some of the most iconic fighting games ever made. But would it be a fighting game without a shock new challenger entering the ring?
Last night Bandai confirmed that it would be kicking off its own 'Gamerverse' line of figures in the S.H. Figuarts range, likewise inspired by the classic Capcom Marvel games, starting with a downright glorious Cyclops that's due out this November for ¥9,900 (or around $68). Heavily inspired by the aesthetic of Bengus' artwork for the likes of Marvel vs. Capcom and X-Men vs. Street Fighter (itself drawing inspiration from Cyclops' then-current Jim Lee suit from the '90s refresh of the X-Men comics), the figure is more than just Bandai's first crack at comics-inspired X-Men figures (the Figuarts line has had a few mutant entries via movie adaptations, most notably Deadpool and Wolverine via their appearances in Deadpool & Wolverine). It's a celebration of Cyclops specifically as he appeared in those classic fighting games.
View this post on InstagramIt's very cool to see the SHF Cyclops hitting all the poses you'd want him to hit from those early games, from his legendarily sassy Optic Blast pose, to hitting a Gene Splice uppercut, to, of course, using a set of back sheets to replicate his massive Mega Optic Blast hyper combo. He can even do his little x-hand pose before he fires, to boot!
But what's most interesting about this wave of merchandising nostalgia for the early Marvel/Capcom games—off of the back of the re-release of several of the classic games in the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection last year—is that they're now all dropping right as Marvel's fighting game legacy prepares to move away from Capcom itself. The start of this month saw Sony make a surprise reveal of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new tag-team fighter in the vein of those classic Capcom titles, but made by Guilty Gear's Arc Systems Works. It was the first major Marvel fighting game not developed by Capcom in years, and came in the wake of the disappointing release of Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite back in 2017.
The MvC series had spent nearly a decade wash with disappointment for the latest title, while also patting itself on the back for the legacy that had come before it. Now, on the video game front, that legacy is preparing to go elsewhere. But on your toy shelf, at least, it's staying firmly put in Capcom's court.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘Squid Game' Emmy predictions: Netflix's most popular drama still in play for these categories
When it comes to the 2025 Emmys, it's not yet game over. The Netflix thriller Squid Game made a major splash at the 2022 ceremony, earning 14 nominations for its first season, including Best Drama Series. The show brought home six awards that year: Best Actor for Lee Jung-jae, Best Directing ('Red Light, Green Light'), Best Drama Guest Actress for Lee Yoo-mi, Best Production Design ('Kkanbu'), Best Stunt Performance ('Stick to the Team'), and Best Visual Effects ('VIPs'). Three years later, Squid Game's second season continued to captivate audiences, logging over 192 million views on Netflix — behind only the show's record-breaking first season in 2021 (265 million) and the first season of Wednesday in 2022 (252 million). More from GoldDerby Rashida Jones raises the bar in 'Black Mirror' - and deserves an Emmy nomination for it Why 'Elio' sank at the box office - and why it could take a cue from 'Elemental' and rise again Inside the music scene at 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon': From breakout discoveries to global superstars According to Gold Derby's latest odds, Squid Game is unlikely to match its impressive 14 nominations from Season 1. But are we underestimating this beloved series as it gears up to premiere its third and final season on June 27? With eight slots available for Best Drama, Squid Game is barely holding onto the eighth position. Clear front-runners include Severance, The Pitt, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, followed by strong contenders Slow Horses, Andor, and The Diplomat. Squid Game is now locked in a tight race for the final spot, facing stiff competition from newcomer Paradise and former nominee The Handmaid's Tale. While the second season of Squid Game wasn't as critically acclaimed as the first — scoring 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes compared to 95 percent for Season 1 — it remains undeniably one of the most-watched and talked-about shows of this television season. Netflix "I wanted to create a show that was entertaining to watch, that people could enjoy," creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Gold Derby. "After you enjoy watching the show, I wanted the show to give audiences some food for thought — maybe some conversation starters after watching it together with people that are close to [them]. Maybe you could talk about some of the themes that are explored in the show. I thought that that would be a nice bonus." Three years ago, Lee Jung-jae made history as the first Asian man to win Best Drama Actor and the first to win for a non-English show. Could he really go from winning to falling completely off the ballot for Season 2? That's what our Best Drama Actor odds suggest. He's currently ranked 10th, and his chances aren't helped by the fact that the category will be limited to just five nominees this year. The last actor to go from winning to not receiving a nomination was 2016 champ Rami Malek for Mr. Robot. Will The White Lotus dominate the Drama Supporting Actress category again, as it did two years ago when it claimed five of the eight slots? It's certainly possible, and with only seven slots available this year, the competition is tougher than ever — bad news for anyone trying to break through. While other shows will certainly be represented in this category, it seems like an unlikely spot for Squid Game to make its mark. Currently, Kang Ae-shim, for her role as protective mother Jang Geum-ja (Player 149), and Park Gyu-young as Kang No-eul, the determined North Korean defector fighting to save her daughter, are ranked 19th and 20th, respectively. Netflix Choi Seung-hyun (aka T.O.P.) is ranked ninth for Best Drama Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Thanos (Player 230), a rapper who joined Squid Game after incurring debts due to a failed cryptocurrency investment. "While he is a villain, he's not like a very villainous villain, but I think he's more of a loser guy," the actor told Gold Derby. "He's got a few screws loose, and he's a little bit clumsy. I think that's what makes him a little bit adorable to people." Although this category looks poised to be dominated by names from The White Lotus and Severance, Squid Game is certainly still in the mix in this seven-person field. Also in contention are Season 1 survivor Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, currently ranked 14th, and Park Sung-hoon as heroic trans ex-soldier Hyun-ju (Player 120) in 16th place. SEE The Guest Drama Actor category seems like an open race, with six nominees making the final ballot and no clear front-runner dominating the conversation. Sitting in eighth place is Gong Yoo, who reprises his role as the Recruiter in a showcase episode this season. In "Bread and Lottery," Recruiter tempts the unhoused and impoverished with a choice between bread or a lottery ticket. He later comes face to face with Gi-hun and proposes an irresistible deal, leading to a deadly game of Russian roulette. SEE Squid Game played it smart by submitting just one episode, "Bread and Lottery," for writing, penned by creator and showrunner Hwang. In "Bread and Water," a vengeful Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jai) makes a U-turn at the airport. Later, in his hideout, he intensifies his search for the elusive Recruiter (Gong Yoo), who is seeking new players. Hwang earned an Emmy nomination in 2022 for writing "One Lucky Day," so he might be feeling lucky again this year. Tough competition will come from last year's winner, Slow Horses, which submitted Will Smith's Season 4 finale, "Hello Goodbye." Also in contention for the six slots in this category are three episodes from The Pitt ("7:00 A.M.," "10:00 A.M.," and "2:00 P.M."), the Season 2 finale of Severance ("Cold Harbor"), one episode of The White Lotus ("Full Moon Party"), and "Through the Valley" from The Last of Us. As with writing, Squid Game has submitted a single episode for Best Drama Directing in Season 2. Since Hwang wrote and directed every episode, the Netflix series benefits from being able to select its strongest submission without risking internal competition among contenders. This year, Hwang opted for "O X" as his directing submission, an episode in which Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and his team prepare to infiltrate a suspicious island. As tensions and monetary stakes continue to escalate, players are forced to split into two opposing factions, pushing the survival drama to new heights. Hwang previously won this category in 2022 for directing the iconic "Red Light, Green Light" episode. Among the top contenders competing for one of the seven directing slots this year are three episodes from The Pitt, three from Severance, one from The White Lotus, and one from Slow Horses. Netflix There are plenty more categories in play for Squid Game, even if it's considered a dark horse in most of the above-the-line races this year. As mentioned earlier, the crafts-heavy series previously won Emmys for production design, stunts, and visual effects three years ago — making it a strong contender in each of those categories once again. Additionally, Squid Game was a prior nominee for both editing and cinematography, areas where it continues to showcase strength this year. The series was also submitted for costumes, makeup/hairstyling, original dramatic score, and sound. Best of GoldDerby Everything to know about 'The Pitt' Season 2 Adam Brody, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and the best of our Emmy Comedy Actor interviews Kristen Bell, Tina Fey, Bridget Everett, and the best of our Emmy Comedy Actress interviews Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Singapore to Host Inaugural International Chinese Film Awards This December
An annual international Chinese film award initiated by Singapore, the Golden Singa Awards is set to emerge as the region's foremost cultural and entertainment platform within the next five years. The Golden Singa Awards will take place in December 2025, in conjunction with the Singapore Media Festival, which is hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). SINGAPORE, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NoonTalk Media Limited ("NoonTalk Media"), a Singapore-based media entertainment company specialising in artiste and talent management, multimedia, film and drama production, as well as event conceptualisation and management, is pleased to announce the inaugural launch of an international Chinese film award – Golden Singa Awards. Organised by NoonTalk Media, the Golden Singa Awards will be, subject to the execution of definitive agreements, backed by Mr Ng Tse Meng, Honorary Chairman of RuiFeng Wealth Management Pte Ltd. This strategic collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the development of the awards event, which will take place on December 1, 2025 in conjunction with the Singapore Media Festival – an annual event hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) between late November and early December. Mr Dasmond Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NoonTalk Media cum Chairman of the Golden Singa Awards Committee says, "As a Singapore-owned media company, the launch of the Golden Singa Awards marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth — representing our first foray into staging an international event. The timing is especially meaningful, as the inaugural edition coincides with SG60, a national milestone that reflects Singapore's journey and growing stature as a global city." "The Awards will serve as a high-profile platform to showcase cinematic excellence, honour outstanding talent and foster cross-border creative exchange. As a Singapore-based initiative, it also reflects our company's broader strategy to elevate brand visibility and expand our presence in the Chinese media and entertainment landscape. "Beyond the accolades and red carpets, the Golden Singa Awards will reinforce Singapore's reputation as a trusted host for world-class events. It will amplify our nation's international profile, enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for tourism, lifestyle, media and the arts," adds Dasmond. Mr Vincent Zhou, Vice Chairman of the Golden Singa Awards Committee adds, "Chinese-language cinema, with its rich cultural depth and rising global influence, deserves a dedicated platform to inspire cross-market collaboration. As an international hub with strong Chinese cultural roots, Singapore is ideally positioned to be a strategic center for the Chinese film industry — a vision shared by V Picture and NoonTalk Media. The Golden Singa Awards aims to spotlight filmmakers across Asia, elevate Chinese cinema globally and strengthen Singapore's role as a regional media and creative hub." Establishing itself among Asia's most prestigious film honours — including Mainland China's Hundred Flowers and Golden Rooster Awards, Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards and Hong Kong's Hong Kong Film Awards — the Golden Singa Awards is set to emerge as the region's foremost cultural and entertainment platform within the next five years. Industry veterans on board the Golden Singa Awards include Mr Tsai Sung-lin, a key figure behind the growth of the film industries in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, who serves as Organising Committee Advisor. Mr Tsai is the founder of the film company "xué zhě yǐng yè" and has been responsible for numerous box office successes, contributing to internationally acclaimed films such as A Chinese Odyssey, In the Mood for Love , Ashes of Time and Farewell My Concubine. Committed to champion homegrown brands, NoonTalk Media is proud to partner with RISIS as the Official Trophy Partner for the Golden Singa Awards. Renowned for its mastery of 24K Swiss Gold and precision craftsmanship, RISIS lends its artistic finesse and technical expertise to the creation of a bespoke trophy that reflects the prestige and spirit of the Awards. Founded in Singapore and acclaimed globally, RISIS brings a sense of authenticity and national pride to this distinguished celebration of regional cinematic brilliance. Building on this commitment, NoonTalk Media is also pleased to have Allen & Gledhill LLP, a distinguished Singaporean law firm with a notable presence in the Southeast Asian region, as the Official Legal Advisor. It is a top-tier award-winning law firm, with its Partners consistently recognised internationally for excellence in their respective fields. About NoonTalk Media NoonTalk Media Limited is a Singapore-based media entertainment company that specialises in artiste and talent management, multimedia, film and drama production, as well as event conceptualisation and management. The Company aims to be Singapore's leading media and entertainment platform in creating quality entertainment content and to inspire a vibrant media landscape in Singapore, with a particular niche in Chinese-language media productions. The Company taps on its comprehensive suite of service offerings to be a one-stop provider of high-quality, bespoke events and entertainment solutions that can be adapted to suit the demands of its clients. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Noontalk Media Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
The Nintendo Switch 2 Is a Huge Upgrade. But It Has Some Annoying Flaws
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo Although only a few new games are currently available for the Switch 2, we actually enjoy playing the games we already own on the new console, thanks to its backward-compatibility features. Over the past several years, playing games on our original Switch consoles has often been a zen-like exercise in acceptance that games just wouldn't run very well. Even bigger releases such as Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet could be downright painful to struggle through — Wirecutter writer Kimber Streams purchased a copy at launch and couldn't get past the awful performance, so they traded it in to buy other games. However, like a number of other original Switch games, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have received an update for the Switch 2 that breathes new life into them, fixing performance and providing a meaningful improvement in image quality. Other games are also seeing major benefits from the Switch 2's more powerful hardware even without official updates, so we're actually considering picking up older games that might finally realize their potential on the new system. And it might just give you the perfect excuse to go back to that Animal Crossing: New Horizons island you've been neglecting (something Wirecutter editor Caitlin McGarry would rather we hadn't told her). It's fast and easy to use The Switch 2 offers a night-and-day difference in responsiveness and navigation speed in comparison with the original Switch. In 2025, almost everything about the original Switch — from maneuvering through its menus to braving the extended stuttering waits of the Nintendo eShop storefront — suffers from a molasses-like sluggishness. We had almost given up hope that this experience would ever get better, but the Switch 2 turns out to be more than capable of gliding through the same hoops, more or less, with ease. It almost makes exploring the eShop a pleasure. The move to fast game storage and microSD Express (mostly; more on that later) also results in much, much faster game-startup speeds and greatly reduced load times for games old and new. The Switch 2's Game Chat feature supports the Switch 2 Camera and uses the microphones in your Joy-Cons or Switch 2 Pro Controller. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter We also like the promise of the Switch 2's Game Chat feature, which lets you join a party of friends with up to four simultaneous video feeds along the bottom of your screen, through the Switch 2 Camera. It isn't a revolutionary feature, but it does work easily thanks to microphones built into all of the Switch 2's official controllers, and we're excited to see how the feature develops as the Switch 2 platform matures. It feels great to hold, and the build quality is more solid Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter The original version of the Nintendo Switch, and even the offshoot Switch Lite and OLED models, felt a little unstable, but the Switch 2 feels much more solid in comparison. The new system's larger size makes it a bit easier to hold for people with slightly bigger hands, which could be a pro or a con depending on how you feel about the current Switch. But more importantly, the new Joy-Con controllers lock into place far more solidly on the right and left sides of the system courtesy of a new magnetic locking system. As a result, stressful sessions of Mario Kart World don't make us feel like we're going to break the Switch 2 as we grip the controls ever more tightly, which everyone knows makes you take corners more effectively — it's just science. (Not actually science, but it feels true.) Along with the far more useful revised kickstand design on the back of the console, which runs the entire length of the tablet, and the notably improved speaker quality, the more solid build makes the Switch 2 feel much less like a toy than its predecessor. We love the Switch 2 Pro Controller Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter For players who can't tolerate Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers, the $85 Switch 2 Pro Controller is a pricey option. But on the bright side, it's been one of our favorite controllers in our time with it so far. 'I really love the Pro Controller,' said writer Kimber Streams. 'It's comfier than the [original], and the joysticks feel much smoother and responsive.' The Switch 2 Pro Controller also includes a headphone jack and a built-in mic, which you can use with the Switch 2's Game Chat feature. All of that, combined with a much more pleasing surface texture, adds up to an amazing controller, albeit an expensive one in comparison with the original Switch Pro Controller and its $70 price tag. Mario Kart World is the best party game of 2025 (so far) Mario Kart World. Nintendo Mario Kart World takes the manic, goofy energy of previous entries in the series and doubles the player count, resulting in races that can be even more chaotic and unpredictable. It's also gorgeous and full of the kinds of personality and charm we expect from a Nintendo game, with a huge cast of characters and a ton of great tracks. However, the most important thing about Mario Kart World is how consistently it levels the playing field between video game veterans and casual players. World , like previous Mario Kart games, regularly gives the back of the pack a leg up and a way back into the race, and almost no lead is ever safe. The result is a game that families and mixed friend groups can play together without worrying too much about one or two hotshots consistently ruining everyone else's fun. Plus, the new Knockout Mode, which periodically cuts the bottom of a race's leaderboard every so often, is the kind of thing that will cause much shouting and temporarily end friendships (in a good way). And we expect that Nintendo will continue to add tracks and new goodies to Mario Kart World , straining your relationships for years to come.
