As a passionate gamer, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming release of Capcom Fighting Collection 2! Known for their impressive lineup of iconic gaming franchises, Capcom continues to preserve and enhance their arcade classics with this latest addition to the series. Following last year’s Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, Capcom is set to unleash Capcom Fighting Collection 2 on May 16, 2025. This new compilation promises a wealth of classic fighting games that stay true to their original arcade roots while incorporating the modern features we crave. The Fighting Collection titles from Capcom are like no other – virtual gaming museums that showcase gaming history in an unparalleled way. Having had the privilege of trying out Capcom Fighting Collection 2, I can confidently say it only reinforces their reputation as the masters of preserving gaming legends for future generations to enjoy.
Before the launch of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 next month, Game Rant had a chance to try out the current version of the game. It offers a variety of features such as the classic offline arcade modes from all the included titles, extensive online and offline multiplayer options, and an intuitive training mode similar to that found in the previous Capcom Fighting Collection. The best part? A museum filled with digital artifacts displaying character and level designs, coin-op marquee cards, and concept art for the games being compiled. To make things even better, some of these games are making their home console debut after more than 20 years, making Capcom Fighting Collection 2 a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts who appreciate its rich history.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s Games Are a ‘Who’s Who’ of Genre Classics
In an effort to keep up with both the original Capcom Fighting Collection and Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection from last year, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 boasts a stellar lineup of 8 classic arcade fighting games, some making their console debut after more than two decades. The artwork for this collection, created by renowned SNK and Capcom artist Toshiaki Mori, alias Shinkiro, highlights the standout titles as Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro and its sequel, Capcom vs. SNK 2. Additionally, two other beloved Capcom classics that haven’t been ported since the PSP are featured in the collection, with Power Stone and its sequel, Power Stone 2, now part of the games included in Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
Significantly, the game titled “Capcom Fighting Collection 2” seems designed to pay tribute to some of Capcom’s lesser-known games, excluding the two Capcom vs. SNK titles. The majority of other games in this collection can be considered as hidden treasures or cult favorites, albeit without the widespread fame of games like “Marvel vs. Capcom 2” or “Darkstalkers“. Games such as “Plasma Sword“, also known as “Star Gladiator 2” in its Japanese version, are examples where Capcom dabbled with 3D fighting, and its presence in “Capcom Fighting Collection 2” serves as a stark reminder of how overlooked
The same could be said about the Power Stone series of games, which, apart from their initial versions on the Dreamcast and a compilation for PSP some 20 years ago, have mainly been relegated to history books. Being part of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 gives them the opportunity to gain the recognition they deserve, standing out as two exceptional arena fighters outside of the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Previous Capcom Fighting Collection titles have excelled at gathering popular games with lesser-known ones worthy of rediscovery, and Capcom Fighting Collection 2 continues this trend by offering the beloved Capcom vs. SNK titles alongside a variety of original, experimental, and somewhat underappreciated games from Capcom’s past.
Balancing Quality of Life Updates with Game Preservation in Capcom Fighting Collection 2
Capcom consistently brings its popular games across various platforms, making it a key player among top-tier AAA developers in game preservation. The Capcom Fighting Collection titles can be seen as the spearhead of these conservation efforts. Similarly, just like its predecessor, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 maintains the tradition, offering players the familiar array of options that they’ve come to anticipate from Capcom’s fighting game compilations. By recreating the original arcade modes for each of its 8 games as closely as possible to their original coin-op versions, it aims to deliver an authentic experience.
Absolutely, similar to other games in the Fighting Collection, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 offers more than just arcade game porting. Capcom has provided both Japanese and English versions of all included titles, plus a variety of display options for enjoying these games in HD or with their original CRT filters that closely resemble arcade quality. Online modes, both casual and ranked, utilize rollback netcode to ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. Players can also practice while waiting for an opponent to connect. Modern features include quick save functions, the ability to map all special moves to a single button for beginners, and comprehensive move lists for each character.
One standout aspect of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 might be its highly advanced Training Mode, a feature that thrives best in contemporary compilations like this one. In this mode, players can effortlessly access it from any of the eight incorporated games. The intuitive menus within Training Mode allow for swift character, opponent, stage, and game changes. What makes this collection exceptional is the option to choose a specific game’s training mode directly from the main selection screen. However, what truly sets it apart is the ability to smoothly transition between different games within the Training Mode menu, making the frequent tasks of training or refreshing skills both instinctive and effortless.
How Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s Contents are Shaping Up Ahead of Release
Previews for the upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2 initially highlighted three games: Capcom vs. SNK 2, Project Justice, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. However, during our hands-on experience with the collection, we found ourselves delving deeper into three other titles: Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro, Power Stone 2, and Plasma Sword. It’s worth noting that Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro was initially launched in arcades and on the Sega Dreamcast as a Japan-exclusive in June 2001, before being released in the West on the PS1 in 2002. With its inclusion in Capcom Fighting Collection 2, this marks the first home console release of the game in 23 years. Similarly, Power Stone 2 last saw a home console release in 2000 through its Dreamcast port, making its appearance in Capcom Fighting Collection 2‘s lineup a liberation from 25 years of console exclusivity on an obsolete platform. Yet, playing these games in both online and offline modes gives the impression that they’ve defied the passage of time.
Power Stone 2 is Just as Frantic and Fun as It’s Always Been
Both Power Stone and Power Stone 2 are often found on many gamers’ lists as standout titles from the Dreamcast era. Playing Power Stone 2 recently brought back memories of just how exceptional this game really is. Compared to the original Power Stone, Power Stone 2 boasts larger, more interactive stages, a broader character roster, and refined visuals that exude an endearing early 2000s vibe. For those who consider Power Stone 2 one of their favorite Dreamcast fighting games, having it in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is cause for excitement, and it still delivers the same fun and user-friendly arena combat experience we remember from back then.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s Inclusion of Plasma Sword is a Reminder of How Underrated it is Within Capcom’s Library
One unexpected discovery while playing Capcom Fighting Collection 2 was the exceptional quality of the fighting game, Plasma Sword. Much like other games in this set, it hasn’t been released on a home platform since its Dreamcast version 25 years ago. The game most similar to Plasma Sword would be SoulCalibur, where players engage in combat that seems to take place on a 2D plane, but their characters are actually 3D and can evade attacks by side-stepping or rotating around opponents. Interestingly, Capcom’s first 3D fighting game, Star Gladiator, was revolutionary for its time when Plasma Sword demonstrated Capcom’s proficiency in working with 3D graphics just two years later.
In our playtime with Capcom Fighting Collection 2, only the offline arcade modes were accessible (online functionality was limited during the preview period). However, the single-player arcade mode of Plasma Sword stands out as one of the best in this compilation.
Capcom vs SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro Remains One of Capcom’s Best Early 2000s Fighting Games
Whether you’re nostalgic about the Capcom vs. SNK series or new to this crossover franchise, it’s quickly evident why these games are highly revered by hardcore fighting game enthusiasts once you start playing. Particularly, Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro is just as iconic a 2D fighter as the mainline Capcom games from that era, such as Street Fighter Alpha 3, and it offers enough unique features to be considered a must-have for fighting game history, even in its offline arcade mode. The appeal of Capcom vs. SNK lies primarily in the Ratio system, which categorizes each character within an extensive roster according to power ratios from 1 to 4. Players have a total of 4 points to distribute among their team, enabling them to combine weaker and stronger characters. This results in a strategic choice where choosing a very powerful character might mean facing a 1v4 battle.
The standout feature of “Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro” in its “Capcom Fighting Collection 2” release is the exceptional smoothness and responsiveness of the controls, making it a pleasure to execute reversals, counters, and combos, regardless of the character chosen. The original 2D graphics maintain their intricate detail and fluid motion, showcasing the artistry of Shinkiro and Kinu Nishimura as they did in the initial arcade release. Alongside “Capcom vs. SNK 2“, the first “Capcom vs. SNK” serves as a testament to both companies at their creative zenith, creating a crossover title for the ages. With its arrival on modern platforms through “Capcom Fighting Collection 2“, it may well become a must-have for dedicated fighting game enthusiasts.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Is Much More Than Just the Games
Just like previous installments in Capcom’s expanding Fighting Collection series, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 offers much more than just games, despite the 8 titles it contains being its primary appeal. As you’d anticipate, this compilation features an extensive museum filled with character designs, promotional artwork, arcade owner pamphlets, marquee cards, and other digital artifacts that once again highlight the talent of Capcom and SNK’s skilled designers. Additionally, new artwork for the collection, designed by Shinkiro from Capcom vs. SNK, is available, along with the instantly recognizable work of legendary Capcom character designer and artist Akira Yasuda on materials related to the Power Stone games, Plasma Sword, and more. What’s more, you can view these materials whenever you want or while waiting for an online match, making it effortless to appreciate them at the press of a button.
Besides the digital museum included in the game collection such as Capcom Fighting Collection 2, there are also numerous new challenges to uncover, a multitude of achievements to acquire, and countless hours of gameplay to immerse oneself in, whether for training or engaging in ranked or casual online matches. In anticipation of its launch, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 has already proven itself as a crucial addition to Capcom’s Fighting Collection series. Its resurrection of several games previously confined by exclusivity on outdated systems underscores it as a significant contribution to the realm of video game preservation.
On May 16, 2025, the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is set to release on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. For this sneak peek, we were given a PC access code by Game Rant.
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2025-04-15 18:12