Capcom Fighting Collection 2 [Xbox One] | REVIEW

Capcom returns with another top-notch dose of fighting game nostalgia with Capcom Fighting Collection 2, a package tailored less toward mainstream recognition and more for the die-hard fighting fans who still remember the chaos of Power Stone or the strategic depth of Capcom vs SNK. Whilst its appeal may not be as broad as its Marvel vs Capcom or Street Fighter collection counterparts, there’s still a strong and historically significant line-up of games here – most of which were once stranded on Sega’s Dreamcast (and costing a bomb for those who wanted to play them).

Check out some screenshots down below:

For the sake of bringing a sense of structure to the variety of titles on offer in this collection, we’re going to break this review down into each individual game.

Power Stone & Power Stone 2

Undoubtedly the biggest draw of this collection (and some of my favourite multiplayer fighting games of all time), the Power Stone titles finally return to modern consoles – and in their original arcade forms, no less. These 3D arena fighters were well ahead of their time, offering frantic brawls full of interactive environments, item-based combat, and the iconic Power Stone transformations that turned the tide of matches in an instant. Power Stone 2 ups the ante with four-player mayhem and stages that shift and evolve as you fight, though it is worth noting that the brilliant Adventure Mode that was included in the Dreamcast release of the game is omitted. The addition of online play does ensure that each game shines even brighter than before though, and whilst fans may still pine for Power Stone 3 or a full remaster, this is a worthy revival that I can easily see myself spending a LOT of time playing in the coming months.

Capcom vs SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro & Capcom vs SNK 2: Mark of the Millenium 2001

These crossover fighters were landmark events when first released, pairing Capcom icons with SNK legends in a competitive format that offered a surprising amount of depth. The first Capcom vs SNK blends SNK’s four-button style with Capcom’s tight controls, introducing a ratio system that lets players form balanced teams based on individual character strength. The sequel refines the formula further, adding six ‘Groove’ styles inspired by different games in each company’s history to again fine-tune your character choice. Both titles remain mechanically rich, tactically satisfying, and crucial inclusions for anyone interested in 2D fighter history, offering a taste of Ryu vs Terry Bogard long before Street Fighter V (or Super Smash Bros Ultimate).

Capcom Fighting Evolution (Fighting Jam)

Easily the most divisive game in the collection, Capcom Fighting Evolution feels more like an experimental side project that someone has whipped up in MUGEN rather than a cohesive fighter. It throws together characters from multiple Capcom fighting franchises without much effort to unify their play styles, resulting in a novelty mash-up that never feels as balanced or cohesive as other releases from the developer. Add to that a mixture of art styles and some uncharacteristically ugly stage backgrounds, and it definitely stands out as the weak link of the collection. But hey, for collectors and fans of Capcom oddities, its presence adds some curious value, and I’ll admit, whilst flawed, it certainly isn’t as bad as its reputation might suggest.

“Capcom Fighting Collection 2 may lack the star power other collections, but it more than makes up for it with quality, rarity, and historical value.”

Project Justice

A true Dreamcast gem, Project Justice serves as the sequel to Rival Schools and leans into its bizarre, school-based aesthetic with full confidence. Players pick teams of students from rival institutions, battling it out in brawls that mix exaggerated special moves with a 3D movement system. It’s a game full of personality, and its story mode, complete with branching paths and multiple character arcs, feels ambitious and even shares some similarities with the narrative-driven approach that modern fighting games strive for. Given its previous exclusivity to Dreamcast, this re-release alone is a small victory for preservation, but the fact that it’s actually a lot of fun to play ensures it stands out as one of the best titles in the collection.

Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein

This sequel to Star Gladiator (which I admittedly had never heard of before) deviates sharply from the usual Capcom formula, with its weapon-based combat and 3D movement seeing it play more like a SoulCalibur or Tekken title than anything else. While it may feel out of place stylistically, it stands out for that very reason, with the unconventional control scheme and distinct character designs lending it a unique flavour that helps it stand out as one of the more unique releases in the collection. It really showcases that sense of discovery that these game collections can offer, and whilst I hadn’t even heard of the game before playing Capcom Fighting Collection 2, it’s actually one of the games that I’ve spent the most time playing so far.

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper is arguably the most mainstream game in the collection, and if I’m being honest, its inclusion here is slightly puzzling given that it has appeared in Street Fighter 30^th Anniversary Collection already. That being said, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper still remains an exciting fighter with a giant roster, polished mechanics, and its ‘ISM’ system offering different gameplay styles. It may not be the standout in this line-up and I’d have perhaps preferred to see a more elusive title takes its place, but it’s still one of Capcom’s strongest 2D fighters… just don’t be surprised if you’ve played this one before.

Check out some screenshots down below:

If you’ve played any previous fighting game collection from Capcom, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to the presentation and extras. The UI, menus, and graphical customisation options are all slick, whilst features like the useful training modes, customizable controls, beautiful art galleries, and full soundtracks for each title help flesh out the package. The implementation of rollback net code is a big win too, with multiplayer smooth and responsive throughout. The lack of cross-console multiplayer does feel like a big miss through, especially when trying to build communities for the niche titles included in the collection.

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform(s): Xbox Series One (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Website: https://www.capcom-games.com/cfc2/