Capcom has once again delivered a love letter to fighting game enthusiasts with Capcom Fighting Collection 2, a vibrant compilation of eight classic arcade titles that blend nostalgia with modern polish. Released on May 15, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, this collection brings back beloved games from the late 1990s and early 2000s, many of which have been inaccessible for decades. With a stellar lineup, enhanced features, and a commitment to game preservation, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a must-have for retro fans and newcomers alike.
A Diverse and Dynamic Lineup
The collection boasts an eclectic mix of 2D and 3D fighters, showcasing Capcom’s experimental spirit during the Dreamcast era. The included titles are:
- Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro
- Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
- Capcom Fighting Evolution
- Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
- Power Stone
- Power Stone 2
- Project Justice
- Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein
The headliners, Capcom vs. SNK and its sequel, are the crown jewels for many fans. These crossover gems pit Capcom’s iconic roster (think Ryu and Chun-Li) against SNK’s legendary fighters (like Kyo Kusanagi and Mai Shiranui). The innovative Groove system in Capcom vs. SNK 2 allows players to customize their playstyle, mimicking mechanics from Street Fighter or Fatal Fury, adding depth that keeps matches fresh and exciting. Reviewers have praised these titles for their vibrant sprites and tight mechanics, with Capcom vs. SNK 2 still commanding attention at tournaments like EVO.
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper makes its Western arcade debut, offering an enhanced version of the beloved 2D fighter with additional characters and refined balance. Its three “Ism” fighting styles—X-Ism for power, A-Ism for technique, and V-Ism for combos—cater to diverse playstyles, making it a standout for both casual and competitive players.
The 3D fighters bring a unique flavor to the collection. Power Stone and Power Stone 2 are chaotic, arena-based brawlers where players scramble to collect Power Stones, transforming into supercharged versions of their characters. Power Stone 2 shines with its four-player mayhem, evoking Mario Party-esque fun that’s perfect for couch co-op sessions. Project Justice, the sequel to Rival Schools, delivers a quirky high-school-themed fighter with a Team-Up system that unleashes hilarious and flashy special moves. Its vibrant 3D visuals and accessible controls make it a hidden gem.
Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein, a sci-fi weapons-based fighter, channels SoulCalibur vibes with its fluid sidestepping and futuristic aesthetic. While it’s the oldest title, its unique charm has earned it newfound appreciation. Rounding out the roster, Capcom Fighting Evolution mixes characters from multiple Capcom franchises, offering a chaotic but fun crossover despite its quirks.
Modern Enhancements for a Retro Experience
Capcom has gone all-out to ensure Capcom Fighting Collection 2 feels fresh while preserving the arcade authenticity. Rollback netcode powers smooth online multiplayer across all titles, supporting ranked, casual, and lobby matches. This is a game-changer for titles like Power Stone and Capcom vs. SNK, which never had online play before. While the lack of cross-platform play is a minor drawback, the online experience is robust and lag-free, perfect for battling friends or strangers worldwide.
The collection is packed with quality-of-life features. Training modes include visible hitboxes, input displays, and damage numbers, helping players master complex mechanics. Customizable controls, one-button special moves, and adjustable difficulty settings make the games accessible to newcomers without sacrificing depth for veterans. Visual filters, including CRT-style options, let players tailor the retro aesthetic, while widescreen support and enhanced resolution options (especially for 3D titles) keep things crisp on modern displays.
The Museum mode is a treasure trove for fans, offering over 700 pieces of concept art, development documents, and more than 300 music tracks from the original arcade soundtracks. New 2K25 remixes for Capcom vs. SNK 2 add a modern twist, and the ability to view arcade marquee cards adds a nostalgic touch. These extras make the collection not just a game but a celebration of Capcom’s fighting game legacy.
A Triumph in Game Preservation
What sets Capcom Fighting Collection 2 apart is its commitment to preserving titles that were once trapped on arcade boards or the Sega Dreamcast. Games like Power Stone and Capcom vs. SNK haven’t seen re-releases in over two decades, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper marks a historic debut outside Japan. By bringing these titles to modern platforms with faithful ports and thoughtful enhancements, Capcom ensures that both longtime fans and new players can experience a pivotal era of fighting game history.
The collection’s variety—spanning technical 2D fighters, chaotic 3D brawlers, and experimental crossovers—highlights Capcom’s daring creativity during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. While some titles, like Plasma Sword or Capcom Fighting Evolution, show their age, their inclusion adds historical value and variety, making the package feel comprehensive.
Why It’s a Must-Play
Priced at £34.99, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 offers incredible value, delivering eight games that range from all-time classics to cult favorites. Whether you’re reliving arcade memories, battling online, or discovering these titles for the first time, there’s something for everyone. The polished presentation, robust online features, and wealth of extras make it a standout in Capcom’s recent string of stellar collections, following the success of Capcom Fighting Collection and Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics.
For fighting game fans, this is a no-brainer. Capcom vs. SNK 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper alone are worth the price of admission, while Power Stone 2 and Project Justice steal the show for their sheer fun and originality. Even casual players will find joy in the chaotic multiplayer of Power Stone or the accessible mechanics of Project Justice.
Final Verdict
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a triumphant celebration of Capcom’s fighting game golden age, blending nostalgia, accessibility, and modern flair. It’s a love letter to the arcade era, a gift to retro enthusiasts, and a gateway for new players to discover timeless classics. With its diverse roster, slick enhancements, and heartfelt preservation efforts, this collection lands a flawless combo. Here’s hoping Capcom keeps the Fighting Collection series rolling—because if this is round two, we can’t wait for the next bout.
