Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Preview – Classic Fights With Modern Polish

by Salal Awan

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is the second compilation from Capcom that bundles their classic fighting games into one package. What makes this collection special are two major franchises making a comeback. The first is Capcom vs. SNK, a series that faded over time until now. The second is Power Stone, another beloved franchise returning in this collection. Both games are fully playable with modern features, including online multiplayer.

I got to try an early preview build of Capcom Fighting Collection 2, focusing on a few select games. One of them was Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro, a crossover that brought together fighters from both companies. Imagine Ryu vs. Kyo or Ken vs. Iori—the matchups are endless. The game uses a ratio system, and you can even choose a “groove” that changes gameplay mechanics based on Capcom or SNK’s style.

I’ve always been a fan of fighting games, but my experience with these classics was mostly casual. I never dug deep into how these systems worked, but the preview build gave me a chance to really test them out. The ratio system lets you pick up to four characters, splitting their strength between them. You can go with one fighter at full power (higher health) or pick a ratio of four and control multiple weaker fighters. It’s a clever way to keep gameplay fresh while letting you experiment with different characters.

Classic Capcom games aren’t easy, and Capcom vs. SNK is no exception. While you can adjust the difficulty, the game also includes one-button supers and specials—optional, but handy if you want a simpler time. There’s also a quick save feature in all the games, letting you bookmark your progress and return to it later. The move lists for each fighter are a big help, especially if you’re new to them. One cool detail is the “marque” option (taken from the arcade cabinet), which shows basic gameplay tips and character moves. Honestly, this was the first thing I checked whenever I tried a new game in the collection.

The other two games I tested were Power Stone 2 and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. If you’ve followed Capcom’s arcade scene, Power Stone 2 needs no introduction. It’s an arena brawler (up to 4 players) that feels a bit like Smash Bros. but with its own twist. You fight in dynamic stages that crumble as time passes, and the goal is to drain your opponents’ health. The game constantly tosses power-ups into the arena to help—or you can just throw enemies off the stage. This was my first real dive into Power Stone 2, and I loved it. With online multiplayer, it’ll probably be a hit with fans, so I’m excited to play more.

The last game I tried was Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein – a title I’d never heard of before. It’s a 3D fighter in the vein of Rival Schools and Street Fighter EX, with some really unique character designs. The combat system stays simple yet satisfying, offering both ground and aerial combos plus special moves that are easy to pull off (the move list makes everything clear). Even today, it holds up well – I didn’t feel like its 3D style aged poorly at all. The collection gives you display options too, defaulting to CRT filters and borders, but you can change these if you prefer. Since I played mostly on Steam Deck, the CRT filter actually worked great for me.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is shaping up to be another solid set of fighting games. I’m really looking forward to the full release on May 16, 2025. It’s bringing back some cult classics and deep cuts from Capcom’s history – having these available on modern platforms is exactly what fans have been wanting.

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