Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Review – Completing The Set

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In September, a long-standing desire of Capcom fighting game enthusiasts was fulfilled when Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics was released. This collection gathered the entire suite of 2D Marvel-themed fighting games, as well as a side-scrolling brawler for good measure, all in one convenient package. For fans of Marvel Vs. Capcom, this was a dream come true, especially since it included Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, and brought back multiple fighting games that had seemingly disappeared over time, instantly returning them to the gaming landscape.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the challenge Capcom faces in creating Capcom Fighting Collection 2, the highly-awaited sequel to their 2022 classic fighting anthology. This new compilation maintains the excellent quality-of-life enhancements we’ve come to love: a “museum” filled with concept art and design documents, a music player ready to spin each game’s soundtrack, rollback netcode, and more. Yet, as captivating as these treasures are, I can’t help but sense that the well of timeless Capcom fighting games might be nearing its end. The indicators for Capcom Fighting Collection 2 subtly hint at this possibility.

In this collection, the standout games, as suggested by their artwork, appear to be the Capcom Vs. SNK series. These games feature characters from both Capcom and SNK fighting in epic battles. The unique Ratio system, which allows you to adjust the power of the characters you select, is used in these games. Each game uses this system differently; for example, Capcom Vs. SNK assigns ratio levels, ranging from one to four, to specific characters, whereas the sequel lets you set the ratios after choosing your character.

From that point, you are given the option to select either a playstyle reminiscent of Capcom or SNK games, or in the case of CvS2’s “Groove” system, you can opt for C-Groove, A-Groove, P-Groove, S-Groove, N-Groove, or K-Groove. Each of these modes mirrors abilities and super meters from each company’s collection; for example, C-Groove operates like Street Fighter Alpha with its three-level super bar, while S-Groove functions similar to Fatal Fury Special where you can charge the meter whenever you desire.

The role these systems play in the contemporary adaptation of both games, notably Capcom Vs. SNK 2, is significant. They maintain the same intensity and engagement they had when initially released, allowing players to tinker with various teams, ratios, and grooves until they find the perfect balance. Now, thanks to the superior rollback netcode, you can even compete with your chosen teams online, making them even more alluring.

Following that, both Power Stone and Power Stone 2, long-awaited games, are now transitioning from the Dreamcast to contemporary gaming platforms. Unlike other games on this list, these two opt for a 3D arena-style perspective, enabling players to move freely within the stage, gather objects, and employ them in combat. The initial Power Stone supports two players, whereas Power Stone 2 accommodates up to four simultaneously.

Refining the gameplay formula, Power Stone 2 remains an enjoyable multiplayer brawler when four friends gather in a single space. Its timeless appeal continues to entertain with its frenetic action, causing laughter amidst fierce competition. On the other hand, the original Power Stone doesn’t age quite as gracefully. It’s sluggish and lacks precision, making matches feel prolonged, and even the initial Arcade mode CPU is challenging. Despite their respective merits, it’s likely that Power Stone 2 will receive more playtime in this collection due to its dynamic gameplay experience.

Moving on, let’s discuss the underdog among Capcom fighting games, Capcom Fighting Evolution. It’s a 2D team-based brawler featuring an entire cast of Capcom characters. On paper, it seemed destined to be a massive success; Capcom has a rich and diverse roster that makes creating a strong lineup easy. However, in practice, Capcom Fighting Evolution seems somewhat flawed, particularly when compared to Capcom Vs. SNK 2, which debuted four years earlier.

As a passionate gamer, I must admit that this game has an intriguing twist. The characters are categorized based on their origin games, and they engage in combat just as they did in those original titles, including the super meters. However, the groupings are somewhat peculiar – for instance, Ryu is from Street Fighter 2, while Chun-Li is part of Street Fighter 3. The fighting styles between characters don’t always blend seamlessly, especially with those hailing from Red Earth. Despite their fun gameplay, these characters have a more complex system compared to the Street Fighter Alpha group, making it a bit challenging to navigate. It’s a unique game for sure, and while it’s great to preserve such a title in a collection like this, I’m not entirely convinced that it will become a crowd favorite given the stiff competition.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper is the cream of the crop when it comes to SFA3 from the arcade era. It offers additional characters from console versions and fine-tuned balances that make it stand out. The distinctions might not be evident for casual fighting game players, but the most notable change is a crouch-canceling glitch which catered to a specific playstyle. Regardless, you’re still engaging with one of Capcom’s finest 2D fighters ever produced, so it’s a win-win scenario!

The last two games in the compilation are from Capcom’s 3D era, specifically during the original PlayStation timeframe. One of them is Plasma Sword, a game that might provide answers for those wondering about Hayato from Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. It’s an entertaining and distinctive fighter with a futuristic theme, offering you the ability to disable your opponent’s super meter by executing a specific move, which also temporarily enhances your weapon. The character Rain is particularly intriguing as her staff can freeze opponents with every strike when in this special state, making her a formidable choice.

Lastly, there’s Project Justice, a sequel to Rival Schools: United By Fate that was originally exclusive to the Dreamcast. The Rival Schools series, including Project Justice, are captivating additions to Capcom’s history. They utilized technology of their time for full 3D graphics and movement, as well as a team-based format reminiscent of SNK’s The King of Fighters with a 3v3 structure. The characters in these games are high school stereotypes, such as athletes like Shoma or the independent Akira with her iconic skull helmet. This only adds to their allure. It’s fantastic that Project Justice was included in this release.

Despite varying levels of original quality, all these games gain significantly from exceptional emulation. Capcom’s skill at transferring these games to the current era in these collections remains noteworthy. The transition process retains everything and adds very few problems; these are the same fully-featured games we played when they were first released, carefully recreated, and it’s commendable that Capcom pays such meticulous attention to preserving its collection.

All eight of these games also utilize rollback netcode effectively, resulting in an overwhelming majority of my online matches feeling smooth and problem-free. However, the one technical glitch I experienced was during single-player mode, particularly when battling Guy in Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. The game seemed to struggle with his rapid movement speed, leading to occasional visual tears in the background, minor stutters, and other minor inconveniences. Fortunately, these issues did eventually disappear, although occasionally, I had to navigate to the continue screen for the resolution to occur.

It remains uncertain if Capcom will continue to release more fighting game compilations, given that each collection, such as Capcom Fighting Collection 2, offers a selection of games that justifies its cost. Standout titles like Capcom Vs. SNK 2, Project Justice, Power Stone 2, Plasma Sword, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper deserve another moment in the limelight. While Capcom Fighting Evolution, Power Stone, and Capcom Vs. SNK Pro are not poor adaptations, the original games within these compilations appear slightly dated compared to their sequels.

To sum it up, this collection is another fantastic assemblage of some top-tier fighting games from Capcom’s past. Whether they can gather more remains uncertain for now.

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2025-05-14 20:43