While the first Capcom Fighting Collection focused heavily on the Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior series, this second volume takes a broader approach
Familiar faces like Morrigan and Felicia do return, and Street Fighter gets a nod with the inclusion of Alpha 3, but this time, there’s no clear headliner. If anything dominates this new collection, it’s the era of 3D. Featuring titles released between 1998 and 2004, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 shifts the spotlight to Capcom’s early ventures into 3D fighting games.
This collection might seem less flashy at first glance, but it brings together a fascinating mix of titles that will delight players who experienced them back in the day—or those curious enough to discover them now. Here’s the full lineup in chronological order:
Star Gladiator 2, Power Stone, Power Stone 2, Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro, Project Justice: Rival Schools 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, and Capcom Fighting Evolution.
Test Conditions
We played the PS4 version for about 15 hours, spending time with each game. For the best experience, we recommend checking out the Japanese versions—some of them feature notable differences.
Back to School (and Beyond)
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 marks Capcom’s first fighting game compilation to include 3D fighters. Like its predecessor, the focus here isn’t on fancy remasters or new content—it’s about bringing these classics back in their original form. It’s perfect for nostalgic fans or newcomers eager to explore Capcom’s rich fighting game history.
Some of these games were never even released outside Japan, and access to such titles used to be limited. But thanks to modern consoles and online play, experiencing them today is easier than ever—with both Japanese and American versions included.
While the Capcom vs. SNK entries stand out for their polish and production value, the heart of this collection lies in its experimentation. The 3D fighters here reflect a period when Capcom was taking creative risks—some ideas didn’t land, but many were genuinely innovative. These are games made with passion, each with a distinct identity.
Alpha and Beyond
Let’s start with one of the 2D highlights: Street Fighter Alpha 3. Often overshadowed by 3rd Strike, Alpha 3 stands strong thanks to its huge roster and unique gameplay. The game introduces three distinct fighting styles:
- One based on Alpha 2 with a three-level Super Combo gauge
- Another mimicking Street Fighter II Turbo with a single-level gauge
- And a more customizable third style
This flexibility, combined with tight mechanics, makes Alpha 3 a great fit for the collection. It also serves as a bridge between 2D and 3D, as many mechanics from Alpha influence the 3D games featured here—especially in Project Justice and Star Gladiator 2.
Star Gladiator 2 – Futuristic Flair
While Soul Blade and Soulcalibur popularized 3D weapon-based combat, Capcom’s Star Gladiator wasn’t far behind. Released in 1996, it offered a futuristic twist and a colorful cast, including humans, robots, and beasts. Its sequel, Star Gladiator 2, is included here.
The gameplay doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it blends 2D-style combos with 3D movement. One standout feature is the “Plasma Field”—a unique move that locks you and your opponent into a special duel space where ultimate attacks shine. It’s a chaotic and thrilling mechanic.
The arcade mode includes character backstories, multiple endings, and unlockable content based on your performance, encouraging players to master each fighter. It’s not the deepest fighter, but it’s full of clever ideas and approachable fun.
Project Justice – Schoolyard Mayhem
Another hidden gem is Project Justice: Rival Schools 2. Created by Hideaki Itsuno, this title blends wacky school-themed characters with team-based combat. Battles are 1v1, but you can switch fighters between rounds—two wins are all it takes.
What sets it apart are the team-up attacks and its joyful, over-the-top style. The sequel expanded teams from two to three members, enabling more varied and hilarious combo attacks. With exaggerated powers and humorous interactions, the game doesn’t take itself seriously—and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. The only downside is the inconsistent AI, which may frustrate single players.
Power Stone – Pure Fun
Let’s keep the fun going with Power Stone and Power Stone 2. These arena brawlers, also directed by Itsuno, combine chaotic fun with simple controls. The first game sticks to 1v1 battles, but the sequel ramps things up with four-player mayhem.
Forget complex combos—here, anything goes. You can throw boxes, collect power gems to transform into super-powered versions of your character, and dodge traps in destructible environments. It’s all about unfiltered joy, evoking the kind of childlike wonder you rarely find in modern games. Think Smash Bros. or Kung Fu Chaos, but with Capcom flair.
Capcom vs. World
Power Stone 2 stands out with its dynamic level transitions, inventive item usage (including vehicles and weapons), and sheer variety. It’s easy to see why fans are still clamoring for his return. Even if the characters aren’t well-known, the formula is ripe for revival—imagine it with a modern roster or established IPs.
The collection wraps up with Capcom Fighting Evolution, a crossover fighter that blends multiple franchises into one 2v2 format. Each character represents a different Capcom series, including SF II, Darkstalkers, Alpha, Red Earth, and SF III. The roster is a bit slim, but the gameplay is solid and layered. Players choose a style at the beginning, each with its own mechanics—some allow air guards, others don’t, creating a unique mix of strategies.
Final Thoughts – A Slice of History
Capcom deserves credit for this effort. Yes, the price might feel steep for older titles, and the bonus content is lacking compared to something like TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, which included tons of artwork, manuals, and extras. Here, the main bonus is a jukebox feature. Still, this collection is a window into a bold, creative era in fighting game history.
These games may not all have the prestige of Street Fighter II, but they showcase a Capcom unafraid to experiment—especially in 3D, where most franchises eventually faltered. With Bandai Namco dominating the 3D space today, it’s refreshing to remember that Capcom once had the tools to compete.
In 2025, these games still hold up—not just as nostalgia trips, but as fun, functional fighters. We can only hope this collection inspires new installments and brings some of these forgotten franchises back into the spotlight.
