Released on May 16, 2025, for PC and Nintendo Switch, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 delivers a vibrant anthology of classic fighting games, following the success of the Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. This sequel to the 2022 original brings eight titles from Capcom’s storied vault, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements. While the lineup varies in quality, the collection’s polished emulation and online features make it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts. Available for $39.99 at GameStop and Best Buy, this bundle is a solid addition to any fighter’s library.
A Packed Roster with Modern Flair
The collection mirrors its predecessors with thoughtful quality-of-life features. A museum mode showcases concept art and design documents, while a music player lets gamers relive iconic soundtracks. Rollback netcode ensures smooth online matches, breathing new life into these arcade classics. However, with Capcom’s finite archive of retro fighters, some titles in this bundle hint that the developer may be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Capcom Vs. SNK: The Headliners
The standout titles, prominently featured in the collection’s key art, are Capcom Vs. SNK and its sequel. These games pit Capcom’s iconic characters against SNK’s roster in thrilling crossover battles. The innovative Ratio system allows players to adjust character strength, adding strategic depth. In the first game, characters are assigned fixed ratio levels from one to four. The sequel offers more flexibility, letting players allocate ratios after picking their team.
Players can also choose between Capcom or SNK playstyles, with the sequel introducing the Groove system. Options like C-Groove, mimicking Street Fighter Alpha’s three-level super bar, or S-Groove, inspired by Fatal Fury Special’s chargeable meter, cater to diverse preferences. Capcom Vs. SNK 2 shines brightest, with its fast-paced action and team-building experimentation remaining engaging today, especially online with flawless netcode.
Power Stone: Arena Chaos Returns
Power Stone and Power Stone 2, long-awaited ports from the Dreamcast, bring a unique 3D arena-style approach to the collection. Unlike traditional 2D fighters, these games let players roam freely, grab items, and unleash chaos. Power Stone 2 steals the show with its four-player brawls, delivering laugh-out-loud moments that hold up remarkably well. The original Power Stone, however, feels sluggish and less precise, with overly tough CPU opponents that can frustrate early on. While both deserve their place, Power Stone 2 is likely to dominate playtime.
Capcom Fighting Evolution: A Missed Opportunity
Capcom Fighting Evolution aims high but falls short. This 2D team-based fighter boasts an all-Capcom roster, which sounds promising given the company’s rich character pool. Yet, its execution feels disjointed, especially compared to the polished Capcom Vs. SNK 2. Characters are grouped by their original games, each retaining their native mechanics, like super meters. Oddly, Ryu is tied to Street Fighter 2, while Chun-Li aligns with Street Fighter 3. The clashing styles, particularly for Red Earth characters with their complex systems, create an uneven experience. While worth preserving, it struggles to compete in this lineup.
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper: A Timeless Gem
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper is a highlight, often hailed as the definitive arcade version of SFA3. It includes extra characters from console releases and balance tweaks, though casual players might not notice subtle changes like the crouch-canceling glitch. Regardless, its tight mechanics and vibrant roster cement it as one of Capcom’s finest 2D fighters, offering endless replay value.
Plasma Sword and Project Justice: 3D Oddballs
Plasma Sword, a 3D fighter from the PlayStation era, introduces a futuristic twist. A unique mechanic lets players disable an opponent’s super meter with specific moves, temporarily boosting their weapon. The character Rain, with her freezing staff, adds flair to battles. Meanwhile, Project Justice, a Dreamcast-exclusive sequel to Rival Schools, embraces 3D graphics and a 3v3 format inspired by The King of Fighters. Its high school-themed roster—featuring archetypes like baseball star Shoma and the skull-helmeted Akira—adds charm. Both games are quirky but welcome additions.
Emulation Excellence with Minor Hiccups
Capcom’s emulation quality is stellar, faithfully recreating these titles with minimal issues. Online matches, powered by rollback netcode, feel seamless across nearly all games. The only noticeable flaw occurs in Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper’s single-player mode, where battles against the speedy Guy cause graphical tears and occasional stutters. These issues, though minor, can disrupt the experience but typically resolve without major impact.
A Worthy Collection with an Uncertain Future
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 delivers a robust package, with standouts like Capcom Vs. SNK 2, Project Justice, Power Stone 2, Plasma Sword, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper justifying the price. Lesser entries like Capcom Fighting Evolution and the original Power Stone show their age but don’t detract from the overall value. As Capcom digs deeper into its archives, questions linger about how many more collections are feasible. For now, this anthology is a love letter to fighting game fans, blending nostalgia with modern polish.
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