Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has begun a 72-hour open beta ahead of its full release early next month, giving players an opportunity to try the Marvel fighting game without registration or a PlayStation Plus subscription. Arc System Works also announced Phoenix Cyclops as the first post-launch downloadable fighter, signalling the start of a planned first-year content programme.

The beta runs from 24 July at 8am BST until 27 July at 7.59am BST, requiring an internet connection and PlayStation account. It includes 15 of the game’s 20 launch fighters, six stages, training and lobby modes, plus the first three chapters of Episode Mode; Phoenix Cyclops will arrive in autumn alongside three other characters and a new stage.