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Marvel Tokon Stumbles to Mixed Steam Reviews as ‘Miserable’ PC Port Complaints Prompt Response From Arc System Works
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has launched to “Mixed” user reviews on Steam, with PC players criticising mandatory PlayStation Network accounts, anti-cheat restrictions, limited Linux support and poor performance. The complaints have overshadowed enthusiasm for Arc System Works’ fighting game, which features a large Marvel character roster and had been highly anticipated before its 6 August release.
At publication, only 44% of 2,561 Steam reviews across all languages were positive. Players reported frame rates as low as 45fps, problems with settings, unstable online matches and a lack of Steam Deck and Linux compatibility; some also noted that PSN linking blocks access in more than 100 countries. The dispute recalls the backlash over Helldivers 2’s PSN requirement in 2024, although Sony kept the requirement for Marvel Tokon.
In short
- Marvel Tokon’s PC launch received mixed Steam reviews.
- Players cite PSN, performance and Linux compatibility problems.
- Many reviewers still praise the underlying fighting game.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Arc System Works can argue that PSN integration provides essential security and enables coordinated anti-cheat systems necessary for fair competitive play in fighting games. Developing full Linux and Steam Deck support would strain resources better devoted to polishing performance on primary platforms. Regional restrictions reflect service and licensing limitations largely beyond their control.
The case against
Players justifiably expect that purchasing a PC game grants full platform access without mandatory third-party account linking, particularly when that linking fails in over 100 countries. They argue Linux and Steam Deck support are now standard expectations in modern PC gaming, that anti-cheat systems needn't exclude entire platforms, and that a properly resourced title should deliver acceptable performance at launch.
Explained simply
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a fighting game based on Marvel’s superhero characters. It was made by Arc System Works, a Japanese studio known for games in which players compete using characters with distinct moves and abilities.
Sony publishes the game on PC as well as PlayStation. PlayStation Network (PSN) is Sony’s online account service, and PC games that require it can be unavailable in places where the service is not supported. PC players also use different hardware and operating systems, including Linux and the Steam Deck, so compatibility and performance can vary.
The game’s reception matters to both players choosing whether to buy it and publishers deciding how to support PC releases. A similar debate arose around Sony’s Helldivers 2 in 2024, when a PSN account requirement drew criticism from PC players.