Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Review – A Nostalgic Knockout with Modern Touches

After nearly three years since the original Capcom Fighting Collection and last year’s Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, Capcom has returned with Capcom Fighting Collection 2, a comprehensive bundle that takes their classic arcade fighting games to the next level. The crown jewel of this package is undoubtedly the return of Capcom vs. SNK, the iconic crossover series that first thrilled fans in 2000. In this review of Capcom Fighting Collection 2, we’ll dive into everything this collection offers, from gameplay and controls to quality-of-life improvements and visual enhancements, to help you decide if this nostalgic package deserves a spot in your gaming library. This new collection breaks new ground by including 3D fighting games for the first time, alongside beloved 2D classics.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 brings together an impressive roster of fighting games spanning both 2D and 3D titles:

2D Fighting Games:

• Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 PRO
• Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
• Capcom Fighting Evolution
• Street Fighter Alpha 3 UPPER

3D Fighting Games:

• Power Stone
• Power Stone 2
• Project Justice
• Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein

This lineup offers something for everyone, from hardcore fighting game enthusiasts to casual players looking for multiplayer fun with titles like Power Stone 2.

Controls and Accessibility

One of the collection’s strengths is its flexible control options. Games play smoothly whether you’re using a modern controller or an arcade fight stick, with the latter providing the most authentic arcade experience. For newcomers or those who find complex inputs challenging, the collection introduces One-Button Specials, allowing players to execute special moves with a single button press. This feature is available in all modes except Ranked Matches, ensuring competitive balance while still making the games more accessible.

The collection also includes helpful resources like viewable arcade marquee cards that display control information during offline play, making it easier for new players to get acquainted with each game’s mechanics.

Training and Practice Features

Modern players will appreciate the robust training mode, something that wasn’t available in the original arcade releases. The training system is particularly impressive in Street Fighter Alpha 3 UPPER, featuring a setup similar to Street Fighter 6 with customizable dummy characters, input display, hit box visualization (for 2D titles), and damage numbers.

Players can practice combos, counters, and special moves with precision, or set up specific scenarios to prepare for competitive matches. These tools bridge the gap between the arcade era and modern fighting game expectations, making the collection welcoming to both veterans and newcomers.

Nostalgic Touches and Presentation

For purists seeking an authentic experience, the collection includes original instruction cards and character move lists just as they appeared in arcades. Visual filters can be applied to mimic the look of original arcade cabinets, though these can be disabled for those who prefer a cleaner presentation.

While not drastically overhauled, the games feature visual enhancements that make them look sharper and cleaner on modern displays. Character sprites, backgrounds, and interface elements have been refined just enough to improve the experience without sacrificing the original aesthetic that fans remember.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 introduces several modern conveniences that make these classic games more enjoyable today:

• Adjustable Difficulty: Players can customize the challenge level to either enjoy the story at a relaxed pace or crank it up to Level 8 for a true arcade challenge.
• Quick Save System: This feature allows players to save their progress before starting a stage, making it easier to play through arcade modes in multiple sessions. However, each game has only one save file, and saves can only be created before entering a stage, not after individual matches.
• Gallery and Sound Mode: A digital museum of design documents, character art, promotional materials, and arcade marquee cards lets players explore the history of these games. The sound gallery includes all music tracks from the collection, from character themes to stage background music.

The online component offers three match types:

• Casual Match: Relaxed matches with no ranking pressure
• Ranked Match: Competitive play where players earn League Points and climb global leaderboards (One-Button Specials are disabled here)
• Custom Match: Personalized rules for playing with friends or spectating matches, including support for Power Stone 2’s 4-player battles

There’s also a High Score Challenge mode for competing under specific conditions. One notable limitation is the lack of crossplay support, restricting matchmaking to players on the same platform.

Verdict

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 stands as both a celebration of Capcom’s rich arcade legacy and a thoughtfully modernized package that caters to various player preferences. The inclusion of Capcom vs. SNK titles alongside 3D fighters like the Power Stone series creates a diverse collection that offers something for everyone.

While small drawbacks exist—the limited save system and absence of crossplay—they don’t significantly detract from what is otherwise an impressive compilation. With its accessibility options, training tools, gallery content, and quality-of-life improvements, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 delivers a rich and rewarding experience that respects its history while acknowledging modern expectations. Whether you’re reliving the glory days of arcade fighting games or experiencing these classics for the first time, this collection offers substantial value and hours of fighting game enjoyment.

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