MARVEL legends, assemble! Coming to PlayStation 5 in 2026, MARVEL Tōkon: Preventing Souls is a 4v4 team-based combating sport created in partnership with Arc System Works — famend for Responsible Gear and Dragon Ball Fighter Z — PlayStation Studios, and MARVEL Video games.
The sport has captured the eye of each combating sport fanatics and MARVEL followers alike. We spoke with Arc System Works Producer Takeshi Yamanaka, Recreation Director and Lead Battle Designer Kazutoshi Sekine, and SIE PlayStation Studios XDEV Senior Producer Reed Baird in regards to the sport’s standout options, distinctive components, and the debut of Spider-Man and Ghost Rider as playable characters at Tokyo Recreation Present 2025.
Takeshi Yamanaka
Producer, Arc System Works
Kazutoshi Sekine
Recreation Director & Lead Battle Designer, Arc System Works
Reed Baird
Senior Producer, SIE PlayStation Studios XDEV
From Japan to the world – a tribute to MARVEL and its followers
PS Weblog: How was the title MARVEL Tōkon: Preventing Souls chosen?
Yamanaka: A beam of sunshine flashes between the characters after they’re swapped, and we interpreted that mild as a “soul,” which impressed the inclusion of “Preventing Souls” within the title. Nevertheless, “MARVEL Preventing Souls” alone didn’t seize the Japanese id we wished to convey, particularly when one of many challenge’s targets was to ship one thing particular from Japan to a worldwide viewers. That’s why we added the Japanese phrase “Tōkon,” which suggests combating spirit.
With heroes and villains capable of be part of forces, is the sport meant to be an epic but chaotic crossover of MARVEL characters?
Yamanaka: I can’t reveal specifics simply but, however every character has their very own detailed lore and backstory. As for why heroes and villains can crew up, we’ll have extra to share in future updates.
What was most necessary to you when bringing MARVEL characters right into a combating sport?
Yamanaka: We made positive to respect every character by retaining their iconic components that followers know and love. On the similar time, our aim was to showcase our distinctive Japanese perspective and the Arc System Works id inside the designs. MARVEL Video games responded most strongly to Iron Man and Storm. With Storm, I consider we have been capable of ship the imaginative and prescient they have been hoping to see from Japanese creators.
What did you prioritize by way of presentation?
Sekine: We gave the character choose display a recent, distinctive look, drawing on each American comics and Japanese shōnen manga for inspiration. Matches that conclude with a stage transition or an excellent transfer are introduced in a manga panel type, creating a novel impact in contrast to something earlier than.
Spider-Man and Ghost Rider have been made playable for the primary time. What was the idea behind Spider-Man’s design?
Sekine: Our intention with Spider-Man was to faithfully seize his defining traits whereas making him actually gratifying to play. We wished to make him simple to choose up, reflecting his function because the “pleasant neighborhood” hero. We fine-tuned the way in which he performs, and I wished to verify we embody Spidey Sense*, which has by no means appeared in a combating sport earlier than.
*On this sport, Spidey Sense permits Spider-Man to evade assaults and throws whereas mechanically putting again.
What about Ghost Rider?
Sekine: Ghost Rider’s standout mechanic is the “Vengeance Gauge,” designed to resemble a tachometer. When the gauge overheats, Ghost Rider turns into susceptible, however when it hits the purple zone, his skills develop stronger. This method encourages Ghost Rider — usually a long-range fighter — to maneuver in shut. Managing the gauge is difficult, however the exhilaration of coming into the purple zone completely captures his fiery spirit.
Reed: That sort of mechanic is precisely what makes Arc System Works stand out. Storm, which you talked about earlier, additionally fights in methods we’ve by no means seen earlier than, which may be very thrilling.
How has the suggestions been from previous demos and the closed beta check (CBT)?
Yamanaka: We’ve obtained plenty of suggestions, and I didn’t anticipate it to be so overwhelmingly constructive. After all, we additionally obtained constructive criticism, and we are going to use that to make significant enhancements.
Sekine: At EVO, the demo stations have been all the time packed, which spoke volumes about how beloved MARVEL is and confirmed how nicely this sport is assembly these expectations. The gamers’ ardour is what retains us going.
Yamanaka: A father stood by as his children performed, their faces glowing with massive smiles. As a creator, seeing individuals benefit from the video games I labored on is profoundly rewarding.
Lastly, do you have got any phrases for followers wanting ahead to the sport? Are there different particulars you’d like them to search for?
Reed: I hope enjoying this sport will grow to be a cherished reminiscence for gamers. I nonetheless bear in mind being deeply moved by combating video games once I was a child. We’ve poured plenty of love into this challenge, and with the theme of “from Japan to the world” in thoughts, we hope to succeed in followers everywhere in the world.
Yamanaka: We put appreciable thought into the function of music in combating video games, so I’d love for gamers to concentrate to the soundtrack. Pay attention intently to how the music shifts because the battle unfolds.
Sekine: The CBT proved that battles run easily on-line, and the stage designs are a spotlight in their very own proper. Our purpose is to current MARVEL in a brand new mild whereas additionally evolving the team-based combating style. The sport is filled with hidden treasures, and we are able to’t anticipate gamers to find them.
