A real fighting evolution
Capcom has been on an absolute tear when it comes to compilations lately. It really all started back when they pumped out the Beat ‘em up Bundle back in 2018, which has now paved the way for similar collections of some of their most popular fighting games. The first Capcom Fighting Collection contained a plethora of familiar and not-so-familiar titles that fans had been dying to come back. Then we got the Marvel collection, which was met with massive praise. The latest collection though might be their best effort yet as it brings back some titles that haven’t seen modern ports in a very long time, as well as some truly niche titles that fans like myself have been clamoring for.
So, what is in this bundle? Let’s kick it off with the two games I was most excited for. Capcom has done plenty of crossovers, but none quite as amazing as their original SNK match-up. The Capcom vs. SNK games are some of the best 2D fighters ever made full stop. This collection includes both games and even tosses in the special edition for good measure. Revisiting these games brought back so many memories of playing them both in the arcade, and their home console counterparts.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
To round out the 2D fighting games we also get the obscure Capcom Fighting Evolution, which is one of the weirdest entries in their legacy. This game has some really obscure characters and a more methodical game play style. Finally, we get what I consider the best 2D fighting game of all-time in Street Fighter Alpha 3. While it is sadly not the superior console version with all the bells and whistles, this game is the pinnacle of Capcom fighting games with a massive roster and buttery smooth game play.
Next up we get the 3D fighting games. This includes the return (finally) of Power Stone. Both games are included here, and it was neat revisiting them, though I feel they have not aged as well as I remember. Rounding out the collection we have two lesser-known franchises that I absolutely adored in the arcades, as well as their home ports for PlayStation and Dreamcast. First up is Project Justice, which is a multi-fighter game that plays on a 2D plane with some 3D elements. It is fast and fun and has some really quirky characters. Finally, we have Plasma Sword, which again is a 2D fighting game with 3D elements. I really enjoyed these games when they were released as they were unlike anything else Capcom had done.
These collections from Capcom have only gotten better over time. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 boasts all the same options from previous entries and even brings with it some of the recent additions made to the Marvel collection. As with all of these compilations, all the games feature rollback netcode. In my tests online everything felt great. There is also a nice feature where I could queue up some single player content while I waited for matches, which is a nice touch. There is also now a dedicated versus mode accessed similarly to the training mode via the menus.
The marquee cards make a return showcasing some great artwork and really tap into that arcade nostalgia. The gallery and museum also make a return and feature some really incredible artwork, including some new pieces created specifically for the game. The soundtrack player also brings back so many memories. The songs in some of these games are embedded into my brain for eternity and hearing them again just rounds out the package. The retro filters and save states return as well, but sadly still only one save state slot exists, Capcom really needs to fix this. There is also a new internal resolution option, which was recently added to Marvel, which really helps with the 3D games in particular.
Some of the games included here have not seen the light of day since they were initially released. These collections really showcase that Capcom used to really produce a ton of great fighting games across the spectrum. This collection also showcases that maybe the well is running a bit dry, and I am not sure we see a third iteration unless they want to bring us the other Star Gladiator and Rival Schools titles. I am definitely down for more, but curious what is left in the tank. Still, I cannot recommend these collections enough for people who love fighting games. Some of these titles showcase Capcom at their peak and revisiting them has been an absolute delight.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
