Following the overwhelming excitement around the Marvel Vs. Capcom Arcade Classics bundle, Capcom returns with a fresh instalment—Capcom Fighting Collection 2. While the previous collection celebrated the Marvel crossover legacy, this latest edition aims to spotlight more niche entries from Capcom’s deep fighting game catalogue. This sequel brings familiar upgrades: rollback netcode, a gallery packed with concept art, and a comprehensive music player, all wrapped in a nostalgic package. However, the choices in this bundle do suggest that the reservoir of iconic titles is starting to shrink.
The Core Attraction: Capcom Vs. SNK Series
Taking centre stage are the Capcom Vs. SNK and Capcom Vs. SNK 2 titles. These crossover brawlers pit characters from both Capcom and SNK universes against each other in dynamic and tactical combat. The Ratio system returns, letting players fine-tune their team compositions by assigning strength levels to characters, either pre-assigned or custom-set depending on the version.
Especially in the sequel, players can pick from a variety of fighting styles via the “Groove” system—each modelled after different classic games, whether it’s Street Fighter’s multi-tiered super meters or Fatal Fury’s manual charge mechanics. These customisation layers are what keep the gameplay feeling deep and rewarding, and thanks to modern rollback netcode, these beloved systems are more accessible than ever for online bouts.
Power Stone Duology: Chaotic Fun Reimagined
The long-requested Power Stone and Power Stone 2 finally leap from the Dreamcast to current-gen platforms. Moving away from 2D fighters, these games adopt a 3D arena style, letting players roam freely, collect weapons, and cause havoc. The original Power Stone allows two-player duels, while its sequel ramps up the chaos with four-player brawls.
Power Stone 2 continues to shine as a party-friendly favourite. Its mix of humour and mayhem translates effortlessly even today. The original game, on the other hand, feels more sluggish in comparison, and its high difficulty curve in single-player mode might turn off some newcomers. Still, having both titles together showcases the series’ evolution.
The Odd Entry: Capcom Fighting Evolution
Among the more curious inclusions is Capcom Fighting Evolution, a 2D team fighter that assembles characters from across Capcom’s library. Despite the exciting premise, the game doesn’t quite hit the mark. Fighters retain their original mechanics and meters, leading to a disjointed gameplay experience. Unusual design choices—like separating Ryu and Chun-Li into different franchise groupings—don’t help cohesion either. Characters from Red Earth stand out for their complexity but clash with simpler fighters, making the balance feel off. While worth archiving, it’s unlikely to become a community favourite.
A Refined Classic: Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
A standout gem in this collection is Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. This arcade-favourite variant includes additional characters and some balance tweaks from its console iterations. While more technical elements—such as crouch-cancel mechanics—might fly under the radar for casual players, the game still represents a peak in Capcom’s 2D fighting legacy.
Hidden Blades and Justice: Plasma Sword and Project Justice
The package also dusts off Plasma Sword, a PlayStation-era 3D fighter that offers a unique experience with futuristic flair. Characters have access to special moves that temporarily disable opponents’ super meters and power up their own weapons, creating thrilling momentum shifts. One notable character, Rain, can freeze opponents with every strike when in an enhanced state, giving her a strong edge in battle.
Equally noteworthy is Project Justice, the sequel to Rival Schools: United By Fate. Previously exclusive to the Dreamcast, this team-based 3D fighter features high school-themed characters across various archetypes—from moody loners to sporty stars. It’s a distinct and fun slice of Capcom history that feels fresh, even today.
Technical Delivery and Final Thoughts
Capcom has once again demonstrated remarkable care in preserving these classics. The emulation quality is top-notch, with games running almost identically to their original releases. Online play is smooth, with rollback netcode keeping matches stable and responsive. The only noticeable issue appeared in Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, where the game occasionally stuttered during fights against the character Guy. These hiccups, however, were minor and didn’t detract significantly from the experience.
As a whole, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a strong addition to the retro fighter revival trend. Titles like Capcom Vs. SNK 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, Power Stone 2, Plasma Sword, and Project Justice are worth the price alone. While other games like Capcom Fighting Evolution or the original Power Stone feel more like historical curiosities than standout features, their inclusion helps round out a comprehensive retrospective.
The question now is how many more of these collections Capcom can meaningfully assemble. If future bundles maintain this level of quality and nostalgia, there will always be a corner of the fighting game world eager to welcome them back.
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