Fighting game fans love to say that “they don’t make ’em like they used to.” With Capcom Fighting Collection 2, they don’t have to—because Capcom is bringing some of the most iconic and brutally competitive fighting games of the late ’90s and early 2000s to modern platforms.
At a recent preview event, we got to go hands-on with three titles in the collection: Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Project Justice, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to relive the arcade days or a new player wondering what all the hype is about, this collection is shaping up to be an authentic, no-frills revival of the games that defined an era.
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Capcom vs. SNK 2
There’s a reason Capcom vs. SNK 2 is still talked about in fighting game circles like a sacred text. It’s a game built for mastery, with six different groove systems that let players tailor their play style to the mechanics of Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, and more. It’s a level of customization that makes every matchup feel dynamic and personal, and it’s easy to see why high-level players still dissect this game over 20 years later.
For someone like me, who isn’t deep into competitive fighters, Capcom vs. SNK 2 was both fascinating and intimidating. It’s a game that rewards patience and precision, and even with modern training tools like input displays and hitbox viewers, it’s clear that Capcom vs. SNK 2 is meant for players willing to put in the time to get good.
But don’t let that scare you off completely—local play is an absolute blast. It’s the kind of game where, even if you’re just mashing buttons, you can still appreciate the fluidity of the animations, the deep roster, and the satisfying impact of every hit. Online play will be the real test, but with rollback netcode confirmed, Capcom vs. SNK 2 might finally have a proper modern home in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
Project Justice
If Capcom vs. SNK 2 is about technical mastery, Project Justice is pure, unfiltered anime chaos. As the sequel to Rival Schools: United by Fate, it carries forward the over-the-top, team-based high school brawls that made the original a cult classic.
Unlike most fighting games, Project Justice isn’t just about individual characters—it’s about teams, with assist attacks, cinematic team-up moves, and ridiculous super specials that feel like something straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. It’s also surprisingly accessible, which made it the easiest game in the collection for me to just jump in and start having fun.
That accessibility, however, doesn’t mean it lacks depth. Movement is fast, combos flow naturally, and there’s a rhythm to the combat that feels different from both 2D and traditional 3D fighters. Playing locally was a blast, but the big question mark is how well Project Justice will handle online play. Rollback netcode is great, but how well will it handle a game like this, with its fast-paced movement and unique mechanics? That remains to be seen.
Still, just having Project Justice available again is a massive deal if you’ve never played it, this might be the most fun, approachable game in Capcom Fighting Collection 2—and if you have, you already know how good it is.
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
I’ll be honest—I’m not a Street Fighter guy. But even I could recognize that Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper is something special. What makes Alpha 3 stand out is its ISM system, which lets players pick between three distinct playstyles. A-ISM gives players a traditional three-level super meter, X-ISM is a high-damage, single-super option reminiscent of Super Street Fighter II Turbo.
V-ISM is the most technical, allowing for custom combo creation and deep strategy. This alone makes every match feel unique, even when using the same character. It’s a game that demands understanding, and while the new training mode tools helped, it was clear that Alpha 3 belongs to the die-hard Street Fighter fans who know their frame data and combo routes like the back of their hand.
That’s not to say it wasn’t fun—I actually enjoyed it more than I expected. The roster is stacked, and the combat feels fast and aggressive. While I probably wouldn’t sink hours into learning every mechanic, I can absolutely see why hardcore players swear by this version of the game. As with CvS2, online play will be the deciding factor. If the rollback netcode holds up, Alpha 3 Upper could become the go-to way to play this classic.
Playing these games back-to-back made one thing clear—Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is built for the old heads and the hardcore. This isn’t a casual pick-up-and-play collection; these are games with high-skill ceilings, deep mechanics, and a learning curve that rewards dedication. While the training modes and CPU settings are more forgiving, these are not games that will hold your hand.
If you have a group of friends who love classic Capcom fighters, you’re going to have a blast with this collection. Right now, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting revivals of the year. Whether it becomes a new home for competitive play or just a nostalgia trip for arcade warriors remains to be seen, but either way, it’s bringing the fight back to modern consoles in a big way.
