Unlocking the Ultimate Capcom vs. SNK 2 Grooves: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Summary

S-Groove lacks priority but can be used for oppressive blockchains with infinite supers in pro-level play.
P-Groove, based on SF3, lacks features like EX moves, making it a mid-level groove for those skilled at parrying.
N-Groove is beginner-friendly, offering temporary power-ups and heightened attacks, making it a good starting point.

Initially, the Capcom Fighting Collection was a delight for players as it combined popular cult classics and hits. However, compared to it, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 seems to have captured more interest, especially among hardcore Darkstalkers enthusiasts. The reason is that the latter brought back Dreamcast favorites like Project Justice and Power Stone, as well as two lesser-known games called Capcom vs. SNK and Capcom vs. SNK 2. These are considered Capcom’s next best crossover series after their Marvel games.

Capcom vs. SNK 1 combined the unique gameplay styles of Street Fighter and King of Fighters into a single, unified game, offering players two distinct ‘modes’ or ‘grooves’ to explore. It laid a solid foundation, but Capcom vs. SNK 2 significantly built upon this, delivering smoother gameplay, an expanded character roster, and six different modes for players to experiment with. However, which ones are the best? Here’s a breakdown of their individual strengths.

6. S-Groove

S-Groove in Name, D-Grade in Quality

Based On: King of Fighters ’94-’96, KOF ’97-’98‘s Extra Mode.
Features: Run, Dodge, Counter-Attack, Small Jump, Tactical Recovery.
Best Characters: Sagat, Cammy, Sakura, Ryu.

Among all the available options, it’s regrettable that S-Groove is lagging behind. This gameplay style requires players to hold down Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick simultaneously to build up their power gauge. Once charged, they can execute a Level 1 super move. When their health drops, they enter Desperation Mode where they can perform endless repetitions of Level 1 supers or recharge their power gauge for a Level 3 super.

The Level 1 supers may seem weak due to their low priority, but with the right strategic strikes, they can be effectively neutralized. Their Standing Dodge (combination of Light Punch and Light Kick) is useful for dodging attacks or setting up opponents for throws if used tactically. Some skilled players have managed to make S-Groove work, as it allows for oppressive blockchains with infinite supers, but mastering S-Groove requires a high level of play, as the benefits may not outweigh the drawbacks for most players.

5. P-Groove

A Long Way Away From Third Strike

Based on: The Street Fighter 3 series.
Features: Parries, Dash, Small Jump, Tactical Recovery.
Best Characters: Sagat, Cammy, Kyo, Iori.

The appeal of P-Groove lies in its connection to the classic Street Fighter 3, particularly its acclaimed version known as Third Strike. However, it falls short compared to its predecessor, missing out on some of its standout elements such as EX moves and adjustable meter lengths. These aspects allowed players to strategize which Super Art would be most beneficial for them. Instead, it only features dashes, parries, and a single extended super meter that allows players to execute Level 3 supers once fully charged.

In this game mode, mastering parrying is crucial since your defense gauge depletes quicker here compared to other modes, making blocking a potentially dangerous strategy. However, executing parries requires precise timing, which is trickier than in SF3. Even seasoned parry experts might find it challenging to build up their meter quickly enough. The EO version addresses this issue by allowing players to accumulate more meter while still being able to block effectively, but this mode remains moderately difficult.

4. N-Groove

Maximum Power, Medium Output

Based on: King of Fighters ’97-’98‘s Advanced Mode.
Features: Run, Roll, Counter-Attack, Counter-Movement, Small Jump, Safe Fall.
Best Characters: Blanka, Sagat, Iori, Chun-Li.

In the game referred to as “N-Groove“, beginners will find a suitable starting point, even though it might not be the top choice for advanced players. This is particularly beneficial for those who have previously played KOF 14, 15, or their predecessors from ’97 and ’98. In this game, players accumulate meter to earn three stocks, which they can utilize to perform super moves or enter Max Mode.

Max Mode is a short-term boost that increases player speed and attack strength, allows for Level 3 supers with only one stock instead of two, and provides a dodge roll (Left/Right + Light Attack + Light Kick). Players can execute this move independently or while guarding, but it consumes a stock. While Max Mode is versatile, there are other grooves that offer more potent power-ups and superior benefits.

3. K-Groove

Fueled By Rage

Based on: The Samurai Shodown series.
Features: Run, Small Jump, Just Defend.
Best Characters: Cammy, Geese, Sagat, Blanka.

Example demonstrates K-Groove: When a player is struck repeatedly, their Fury Meter fills up. Once it reaches its maximum, the player glows red and inflicts greater damage, as well as enduring more hits. The meter gradually empties while in this Furious state, allowing players to continue attacking during the boost period, use up all the power at once with a potent Level 3 super move, or combine both for an intense, powerful combo.

Players don’t necessarily have to take heavy damage before retaliating. Instead, they can fill their gauge by executing Just Defenses, which function similarly to parries but require pressing back instead of forward at the right moment. The advantage is that it restores some health as well. While they are more challenging to perform, mastering them can be beneficial because a few well-timed defends and an opportune moment can help the player shift the battle’s momentum.

2. C-Groove

The Best Pick For Super Combos

Based on: The Street Fighter Alpha series.
Features: Dash, Roll, Air Guard, Counter-Attack, Tactical Recovery.
Best Characters: Blanka, Chun-Li, Sagat, Cammy.

In this game, all super moves for the Level characters originate from what we call the “C-Groove”. The degree to which they’ve filled its segmented meter (1, 2 or 3 segments) determines the power of their super move – mild, medium, or max-strength. Additionally, players can defend against attacks in midair and retaliate while blocking, similar to the Street Fighter Alpha series. However, unlike Street Fighter Alpha, this game includes dodge rolls. On top of sharing the same advantages as N-Groove, dodge rolls also enable “Roll Cancels”.

Players can transform a regular roll move into a powerful invincible technique by canceling it, allowing them to overpower their opponents’ attacks more easily. Additionally, C-Groove allows players to extend combos and inflict greater damage by canceling Level 2 supers into special moves or even converting Level 1 supers during combos. Although these techniques were initially considered glitches, they have now become an integral part of advanced gameplay. However, it’s worth noting that these tactics were patched out in the EO version.

1. A-Groove

Cancel Culture

Based on: Street Fighter Alpha 2‘s Custom Combos and Alpha 3‘s V-ISM.
Features: Dash, Rolls, Counter-Attack, Safe Fall.
Best Characters: Sakura, Bison (Dictator), Blanka, Iori.

In the A-Groove setting, players have the ability to execute roll cancels as well. It’s not necessary, considering it’s already considered the best groove within the game – at least for more seasoned gamers, since it’s not particularly beginner-friendly. This mode fills up its meter based on percentages, allowing players to unleash a Level 1 super when either 50% or 100% is reached, or to initiate a Custom Combo by pressing Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick simultaneously. While in this state, they can continuously cancel one attack into another until the meter depletes.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve found that mastering the intricate dance of combos in this game can unleash a relentless storm of attacks, capped off with a Level 1 super for maximum damage. This technique outperforms even the most impressive combos from other characters. However, it’s important to note that it requires practice to perfect; newcomers might initially feel bewildered as they figure out which strikes chain more effectively together. But once you get the hang of it, you can pummel opponents with Sakura’s rapid Shououkens or understand why Bison’s ‘Paint the Fence’ move is as potent as it may seem strange at first.

2025-05-20 16:14