Capcom Fighting Collection 2: Is Capcom vs. SNK 2 Still the King? A Deep Dive into the New Collection

The Capcom Fighting Collection 2 has arrived, and the burning question on every fighting game enthusiast's mind is: can it recapture the magic of its predecessor? While the collection boasts a solid lineup of classic fighters, one title has emerged as the clear fan favorite: Capcom vs. SNK 2. But is fan-favorite status enough to secure this collection's legacy? Let's delve into what makes this compilation tick, and see why CvS2 continues to reign supreme.

Capcom vs. SNK 2: A Landslide Victory

Shortly after the collection's release, Capcom held a poll asking players to choose their favorite game in the collection. The results speak volumes: Capcom vs. SNK 2 utterly dominated, securing nearly 40% of the vote, a staggering four times more than the runner-up, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. This overwhelming victory highlights the game's enduring appeal and confirms its status as a true classic.

What Makes Capcom vs. SNK 2 So Special?

The game's enduring popularity stems from its unique blend of Capcom and SNK fighting styles. With its innovative Ratio system, players could create dream teams composed of their favorite characters, ranging from Ryu and Kyo to Chun-Li and Mai. The six different Groove systems, each replicating abilities and super meters from both companies' portfolios (C-Groove, A-Groove, and more), add depth and replayability, allowing players to experiment and find their perfect fighting style. The ability to assign ratio (strength) to team members with the Free Ratio System provides strategy.

Beyond the Marquee: A Diverse Roster

While Capcom vs. SNK 2 may be the star of the show, the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 offers a diverse range of experiences. Other key titles include:

• Power Stone 1 & 2: These two 3D arena fighters bring chaotic fun to the mix, allowing players to freely roam the stage, pick up items, and unleash them on their opponents. Power Stone 2, with its support for up to four players, is a fantastic party game option.
• Project Justice: The 3v3 Dreamcast sequel to Rival Schools utilizes full 3D graphics, intriguing high school-themed characters, full 3D graphics, and movement.
• Plasma Sword: A unique futuristic fighter with an interesting system that allows players disrupt opponent strategies.
• Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper: A refinement of SFA3 with extra characters and balance updates.

The Not-So-Good: Capcom Fighting Evolution

Not all titles in the collection are created equal. Capcom Fighting Evolution, a 2D team-based fighter featuring an all-Capcom roster, falls short of expectations. Despite the potential of its diverse character pool, something fails in the execution, leaving it feeling disjointed compared to other titles in the collection.Characters are divided by the games they hail from and don't mesh well.

Rollback Netcode and Quality of Life

The collection benefits from excellent emulation and the all-important rollback netcode, ensuring smooth online play. Capcom's dedication to carefully preserving its library is evident, making these games feel as good as they did upon their original release. Additional features are available, like adjustable difficulty levels, single-button specials, and training modes.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition, But Can Capcom Keep It Up?

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a valuable addition to any fighting game fan's library. With the strong quality-of-life improvements, great online play, and some truly stellar titles, Capcom has delivered another solid collection. However, the varying quality of the included games raises the question of how long Capcom can sustain these collections before the well runs dry. For now, Capcom vs. SNK 2 and the other highlights make this a worthwhile purchase. But the big concern is if there will be even more classic fighting games to come.

What are your thoughts on the Capcom Fighting Collection 2? Which games are you most excited to play? Let us know in the comments below!

• Capcom
• Capcom vs. SNK 2
• Fighting Games

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