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Capcom has been on a tear with its compilations just lately, and now Capcom Preventing Assortment 2 has arrived sizzling on the heels of the also-excellent Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics.
Assessment info
Platform reviewed: PC
Accessible on: PS4, Nintendo Change, Xbox One, PC
Launch date: Could 16, 2025
What makes Capcom Preventing Assortment 2 further particular is its variety. The primary Capcom Preventing Assortment was very Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior flavored. This newest compilation, nevertheless, manages to ship one thing for everybody, with some video games that followers have been pining to have re-released on trendy platforms for years now.
The large draw on this assortment is, after all, Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. Fighting game legends and casuals alike largely take into account it to be one of many best the style has ever seen – owing to its massive crossover roster, distinctive soundtrack, and the revolutionary Groove system.
However that’s to not say the remainder of the gathering is a dud. You completely shouldn’t sleep on the unique Capcom vs. SNK and its superb presentation, nor 3D curiosities like Undertaking Justice and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. Each Energy Stone video games are right here, too, and people are among the many finest occasion platforming fighters of all time.
The one actual stinker in Capcom Preventing Assortment 2 is Capcom Preventing Evolution. It’s a weird inclusion given its notorious status, complicated programs, and roughshod presentation. Alternatively, it’s an fascinating one from a curiosity standpoint, and it’s nonetheless worthy of preservation.
It’s also possible to count on the standard smattering of extras, together with idea artwork galleries, achievements, and sound take a look at choices. Some video games even have totally remixed soundtracks courtesy of the CAP-JAMs workforce, and there’s loads of bangers right here, particularly for Capcom vs. SNK 2.
Go for broke
Earlier than diving into the evaluate correct, right here’s a fast rundown of the eight video games you’ll be able to count on to play in Capcom Preventing Assortment 2.
- Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Combat 2000 Professional
- Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
- Avenue Fighter Alpha 3 Higher
- Undertaking Justice
- Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein
- Energy Stone
- Energy Stone 2
- Capcom Preventing Evolution
I received’t be giving a full evaluate of every sport individually, as to be fairly sincere, I’d want round 5,000 phrases to take action. However what it is best to know is that – apart from Capcom Preventing Evolution – every sport on this assortment is totally value taking part in, whether or not you’ve carried out the rounds with combating video games earlier than or not.
For many gamers, the primary port of name will virtually definitely be Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. What looks like a easy crossover fighter on its floor rapidly reveals itself as maybe one of many deepest combating video games ever made. And it’s all because of the Ratio and Groove programs.
Initially, Ratio determines the facility scaling of the character(s) you choose. You’ve gotten 4 Ratio factors with which to construct your workforce, with larger numbers granting your characters extra well being and assault power. For instance, you’ll be able to decide a single Ratio 4 character, or one Ratio 2 and two Ratio 1 fighters.
The Groove system is vastly extra advanced and can basically change how your workforce operates. There are six grooves: C, A, P, S, N, and Okay. Every can apply completely different properties and skills, however there are distinctive quirks inside every. C-Groove, for instance, is the one Groove that grants you entry to Degree 2 Tremendous strikes. P-Groove provides you a Avenue Fighter 3: Third Strike-model parry, whereas Okay-Groove enables you to enter a powered-up rage state. You may solely choose one Groove, and studying which you want finest (to not point out which works finest along with your chosen characters) is an extremely rewarding course of for these keen to place the time in.
The unique Capcom vs. SNK is probably not as fondly remembered, however skip on it at your peril. It arguably has the stronger presentation of the 2, with charming stage intro animations and one of many slickest entice screens to ever grace the arcades. There are some limitations right here in comparison with its sequel, although. Characters have a preset Ratio, for one, and there are simply two Grooves to select from (both Capcom or SNK). It’s nonetheless nicely value testing, although, if just for its mesmerizing Y2K-style presentation.
Occasion on
Should you choose extra casual-friendly 3D fighters, this assortment has you lined there, too, within the types of Undertaking Justice and Plasma Sword. The previous is a team-based fighter that pits characters from rivaling excessive faculties in opposition to one another, making use of highly effective workforce synergy assaults to rapidly flip the tables.
The latter is an fascinating one; Plasma Sword (and its predecessor, Star Gladiator) was, allegedly, initially envisioned as a Star Wars combating sport. You’ll have the ability to see that affect in lots of its character designs, too. A four-button fighter not dissimilar to the Soul Calibur video games, it’s not probably the most advanced sport on the market, however it’s nicely value experiencing for its lighthearted sci-fi appeal and bonkers particular strikes.
Finest bit
The crown jewel of the bundle is undoubtedly Capcom vs. SNK 2. It’s a extremely technical combating sport, however definitely one of the crucial rewarding to this present day. High-quality-tuning your workforce and matching them with certainly one of six Groove types is extremely satisfying, if solely to see what sorts of loopy synergies you’ll be able to give you. It actually appears like a sport of limitless prospects, and I can solely hope Capcom and SNK revisit the idea sooner or later.
Then you could have Energy Stone and Energy Stone 2, each of that are an actual deal with and – for individuals who choose much less technical fighters that flourish in informal multiplayer environments – maybe the most effective video games on this assortment. The Energy Stone video games mix melee combating with a spread of enjoyable gadgets, together with gatling weapons, lasers, and hammers. Each are an unbelievably enjoyable time regardless of their age, with a forged of charming characters, a stunning artwork model, and phases that evolve over time. Energy Stone 2 does bump issues up from two gamers to 4 and options all-new phases. However you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with both title, actually.
Rounding out the bundle is Avenue Fighter Alpha 3 Higher, a incredible arcade model of Alpha 3 with steadiness adjustments and further characters. Then there’s Capcom Preventing Evolution, which – to be well mannered – is the black sheep of the gathering. It’s one you’ll be able to safely skip attributable to its frankly horrible presentation, with muddy low-resolution backgrounds and a grossly unbalanced roster.
It’s a curiosity for positive, as a sport that chucks in characters from Avenue Fighter, Darkstalkers, Crimson Earth, and extra, but additionally one which merely isn’t as enjoyable or rewarding as the opposite titles in Capcom Preventing Assortment 2.
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Accessibility
Capcom Preventing Assortment 2 does have a few noteworthy accessibility choices. One-button supers apply to most video games right here, letting you enter your favourite characters’ flashiest and most damaging strikes with little effort – good for informal and newbie play. It’s also possible to entry numerous CRT filters or disable them completely based mostly in your preferences.
I performed Capcom Preventing Assortment 2 for 15 hours on a gaming PC, through Steam. I primarily performed with my Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller, but additionally switched to the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha for a bit to verify the sport’s compatibility with the best fight sticks.
First reviewed Could 2025