Capcom Fighting Collection 2: The Ultimate PS4 Retro Compilation You Can’t Miss!

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Previewing Capcom Fighting Collection 2 carries an unusual vibe, given that the games within this set have been around for quite a while. As such, it’s unlikely to encounter many new elements since they’ve been part of our gaming landscape for decades.

If you’re familiar with either the Capcom Fighting Collection or Marvel vs Capcap Fighting Collection, you probably won’t encounter many new elements in this one.

The layout and appearance are quite similar across both versions, featuring a band showcasing the eight integrated games that you can easily access at your convenience. Switching between Japanese and English game versions is possible, and you can even engage in multiplayer games using online network code.

Capcom has made enhancements to their emulator and is incorporating them into older games. Now, you can quickly restart any ROM, such as from the primary pause menu, and there’s also an option to increase the resolution of certain games using a new resolution adjustment feature.

This feature smooths out the rough edges on the Dreamcast-era games in this collection, enhancing their overall appearance. However, we’ve been enjoying the authentic, slightly imperfect look of the originals, so we typically play with the jagged edges still turned on. You can customize your experience by toggling this setting to suit your preference.

We can’t talk about all of the games in this bundle just yet, so we’ll focus on just a few.

We’ll begin by discussing the two Capcom vs SNK games, which haven’t seen a re-release for over two decades now. These games belong to the traditional 2D fighter category, much like their peers from that era, Street Fighter Alpha and The King of Fighters ’98.

In your composition, select a “groove” according to the specific rhythm style you prefer, even though this feature is more advanced in “Capcom vs SNK 2“, offering a total of six sub-systems to pick from, compared to the initial game’s mere two.

Battles are intense and chaotic, but they’re regulated by a “proportion” system that lets you distribute the strength of your chosen combatants tactically, giving you an advantage over your adversaries.

These games might not be immediately user-friendly, but they do offer a deeper experience for those willing to explore. The simplified versions come equipped with single-button special moves, making them less intimidating for those hesitant about mastering intricate command sequences.

Absolutely, if you’re seeking something simpler, it’s worth noting that both versions of the classic Power Stone games are part of the package as well.

Regrettably, we’re not able to discuss the initial game at this time because of embargo limitations; however, the sequel maintains the same level of chaos as the original release on Dreamcast in 2001.

If you’re unfamiliar with Power Stone, it’s essentially a 3D battle game similar to Super Smash Bros. In this game, players fight each other in arenas and can pick up various items scattered around the stage to inflict damage.

In this game, each character undergoes a “change” that occurs once you gather three colored gemstones, which could also be referred to as Power Gems or Stones. The core gameplay involves trying to seize the gems from your adversaries while ensuring you keep control over your own.

Initially, the game was primarily a simple arena fighting contest, but its successor introduces various mini-games such as parachuting and a pursuit similar to an Indiana Jones’ boulder escape scene.

In our opinion, it was somewhat over-the-top, even back then – yet, there’s no denying that it makes for an engaging and fun group activity.

Additionally, Project Justice, another combat game from the Dreamcast era, was also enjoyable, though we didn’t get a chance to play it back then. It serves as a sequel to the notorious PS1 fighter, Rival Schools: United by Fate, and introduces some intriguing twists in its gameplay mechanics.

In this updated version, instead of managing duos, you’ll form teams of three characters. This expansion brings about the opportunity to unleash powerful synergistic attacks known as Team Ups. However, be aware that your adversary can respond with a mini-game to counter these attacks.

The artistic depiction of characters is remarkable, reminiscent of vintage anime, while the storyline revolves around a high school setting. Consequently, several of the combatants have fighting techniques based on extracurricular activities, such as tennis and swimming.

As a game from the Dreamcast era, its background details are somewhat fundamental and the gameplay isn’t quite as reactive as numerous Capcom 2D series games, yet it remains highly entertaining.

It’s worth mentioning that the campaign mode for the board game, which came with the initial Japanese release, is not present in this version. Regrettably, this absence was consistent with the Western editions of the Dreamcast version, where it was never included.

Lastly, let’s briefly touch upon “Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein”, a title that isn’t very well-known to us.

This game is another sequel from the Dreamcast era, serving as a follow-up to Star Gladiator on the PS1. As it’s entirely unfamiliar to us, we require some additional playtime for a thorough exploration. However, we are captivated by its science fiction anime aesthetic and the frenetic fighting so far.

Just as with Project Justice, it seems a tad rigid next to the 2D games we’ve played so far, but maybe it’s just the characters I’m choosing that are making it feel that way.

All in all, though, this is a great collection.

It’s fun to observe that Capcom is still releasing compilation series, and it’s pleasant to find the iconic Sega NAOMI arcade system included in this collection.

Mostly, these games have stood the test of time, remaining enjoyable even after multiple plays, and some of the artwork is simply breathtaking – particularly in Project Justice, a visual style that resonates with our personal preferences.

We’ll provide a comprehensive evaluation shortly, so feel free to revisit us before the release. In the interim, if you’re a fan of combat games from the late 90s and early 2000s, go ahead and add this one to your wishlist now. You’ll definitely want it later.

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2025-04-15 18:37