Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is packing a solid mix of technical & party brawling

by

Each fighting game varies in its own unique way, and few companies understand this better than Capcom. Over the years, they’ve been refining their formula, and this diversity is clearly evident in the upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2. This compilation includes some of the best and most refined fighting games, such as Capcom Vs. SNK 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3. Moreover, it doesn’t shy away from adding a touch of silliness with titles like the Power Stone series. After trying out these games, we believe that this collection caters to both dedicated fighters and casual gamers alike.

Everything but the smell of machines & tokens

In this sneak peek, we were given access to the updated editions of Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s titles: Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro, Power Stone 2, and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. On one side, there lies CvS, a game that boasts a technical experience with an extensive roster of characters from both the Capcom and SNK fighting universes. The depth in team assembly and maximizing character potential is crucial for advanced play. I selected Joe Higashi, Ken Masters, and Cammy, and enjoyed using their full move sets against various opponents within the arcade mode. Regrettably, I was defeated by Rugal’s relentless Genocide Cutter attacks. Although I’m a bit out of practice, it was refreshing to revisit a potential engaging fighting game study project if I feel motivated enough.

In contrast to Power Stone 2, Plasma Sword and its sequel are far less complex in their gameplay mechanics. Plasma Sword, a 3D fighter dating back to the early era of gaming, features characters armed with energy weapons. What sets it apart is that each character can alter the battlefield and enhance their abilities temporarily when they build up enough meter and execute specific attacks. For instance, Hayato’s sword might extend abnormally long, or Rain could freeze opponents with every strike. The game shares similarities with the Street Fighter EX series due to its overall feel, but the empowered abilities and combos seem more akin to Bloody Roar games. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience reminiscent of both series.

In simpler terms, Power Stone 2 is a lively multiplayer game where up to four players engage in intense battles on stages brimming with weapons like rocket launchers and swords. Additionally, they can engage in close-quarter combat. The main objective, however, revolves around gathering Power Stones – colorful gems that enhance characters, transforming them into powerful versions of themselves, boosting their attack capabilities.

In most stages, each player begins with a portion of a Power Gem and needs to gather three complete gems to transform. Taking heavy attacks can cause your collected gems to be lost, so it’s essential to play cautiously and hold onto all three if possible for a better chance at winning, although a match concludes when two out of the four players are knocked out. This means you could also strategically target weaker opponents if doing so leads to victory. As battles progress, stages tend to change, sometimes including mini-game segments where players can compete to gain an advantage in the upcoming stage portion. The game is incredibly chaotic, but in a lively and entertaining way that would make for a fantastic time with friends.

Punching us right in the nostalgia

The variety we saw in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 looks like something for everyone. Hardcore gamers who spend countless hours perfecting their strategies will find joy in Capcom Vs. SNK, while Power Stone is a game you can play casually with friends at a social gathering. Plasma Sword lies somewhere between, offering easy-to-grasp mechanics yet still providing depth for skilled players. Overall, it seems Capcom has put together a versatile selection of games, ensuring there’s something for everyone when this collection releases in May 2025.

The content you see is derived from an advance PlayStation 5 digital copy provided by the publisher. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is set to be released on May 15, 2025 across several platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, as well as PC systems.

Read More

2025-04-15 18:28