Developed by Vicious Cycle Software and released in 2007 for PC, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo DS, Marvel Trading Card Game is a digital adaptation of Upper Deck's VS System, the collectible card game ruleset also used across DC Comics and Hellboy franchises. Players take on the role of either a superhero or supervillain in single-player mode, with multiplayer options also available. The game closely follows the mechanics of its physical counterpart, which critics acknowledged as a strength, though many noted that the complexity of the VS System makes it poorly suited to newcomers unfamiliar with collectible card games. The handheld versions drew additional criticism for presenting the card-based interface in a visual format ill-suited to the smaller screens of the PSP and DS. Overall reception was mixed, with the title finding its most appreciative audience among existing VS System players.
