Capcom Fighting Collection 2: Wishlist, Predictions & Hidden Gems We Need!

Capcom Fighting Collection 2: Dreams of a Retro Fighting Revival

The Capcom Fighting Collection breathed new life into classic arcade fighters, showcasing a diverse lineup of games beyond the Street Fighter and Darkstalkers universes. Following its success, the anticipation for a Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is palpable. What obscure treasures and fan favorites deserve a second chance? This article dives deep into our wishlist, predictions, and the potential hidden gems that could make a sequel truly unforgettable.

Building on a Strong Foundation: What Worked (and What Didn't)

The original Capcom Fighting Collection was a celebration of Capcom's fighting game history. It offered online play, training modes, and rollback netcode for a smooth, modern experience. However, it also had some shortcomings. The lack of certain key titles, the absence of regional variations, and the limited bonus content left some players wanting more.

Before we delve into the wishlist, let's recap what the first collection got right:

Rollback Netcode: A crucial feature for modern online play, ensuring smooth matches even with some latency.
Training Modes: Essential for learning the intricacies of each game, allowing players to practice combos and strategies.
Variety: The collection included a mix of popular and lesser-known titles, showcasing the breadth of Capcom's fighting game library.
Museum: The inclusion of concept art, music, and other bonus materials was a treat for long-time fans.

Areas for improvement include:

Roster Selection: Some notable omissions were felt by fans.
Regional Variations: Including different regional versions of games would cater to a wider audience and offer historical insight.
Content Depth: More bonus content, such as developer interviews and historical documents, would enhance the overall experience.

Our Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Wishlist: The Must-Have Titles

This isn't just a list of games; it's a carefully curated selection of titles that represent different eras, styles, and gameplay mechanics within Capcom's fighting game history. We've prioritized titles that offer unique experiences and would benefit most from the enhancements offered by a modern collection.

1. Cyberbots: Fullmetal Madness

Cyberbots is a cult classic giant robot fighting game that deserves a proper re-release. Its unique mecha designs, customizable robots, and fast-paced gameplay make it a standout title. The ability to customize your robot's arms and legs with different weapons added a layer of strategic depth rarely seen in fighting games of the era.

Why it deserves a spot: Unique gameplay, robot customization, cult following.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online play with robust matchmaking, and a detailed customization menu.
LSI Keywords: Cyberbots, Giant Robot Fighting Game, Mecha Fighting, Capcom Arcade, Custom Robots.

2. Red Earth (Warzard)

Red Earth, also known as Warzard, is a unique boss rush-style fighting game with a fantasy setting. Its RPG elements, such as leveling up characters and collecting items, set it apart from other fighting games. Each character only had a handful of bosses to fight, but those fights were epic and challenging.

Why it deserves a spot: Unique gameplay, RPG elements, stunning visuals for its time.
Potential enhancements: Expand the roster of playable characters, add a survival mode, and incorporate online co-op for the boss battles.
LSI Keywords: Red Earth, Warzard, Boss Rush Fighting Game, Fantasy Fighting, RPG Fighting.

3. Rival Schools: United by Fate (and Evolution 2)

While Rival Schools has a dedicated fanbase, the first game isn't the only entry that deserves recognition. The sequel, Evolution 2, expanded upon the original with new characters, a more in-depth story mode, and even more over-the-top special moves. Including both would be the ultimate Rival Schools package. A full fledged Story Mode, and expanded roster make this a MUST.

Why it deserves a spot: Fan-favorite series, unique school-based setting, high-energy gameplay.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online team battles, and a comprehensive story mode that combines both games.
LSI Keywords: Rival Schools, United by Fate, Evolution 2, School Fighting Game, Team Battles, Japanese Arcade.

4. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (with all iterations)

While Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike is already widely available, including all iterations of Street Fighter III (New Generation, 2nd Impact, and 3rd Strike) would provide a complete historical perspective on the game's evolution. Each version added new characters, refined gameplay mechanics, and tweaked the overall balance.

Why it deserves a spot: Arguably the best Street Fighter game, historical significance, complete package for fans.
Potential enhancements: Option to switch between different versions of the game, detailed historical analysis of each iteration, and online tournaments with different rule sets.
LSI Keywords: Street Fighter III, 3rd Strike, New Generation, 2nd Impact, Parrying, Street Fighter History.

5. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Arcade)

Based on the popular manga series, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a unique fighting game with Stand-based combat. The game's stylish visuals, diverse character roster, and strategic gameplay made it a hit in arcades. The use of Stands, which are physical manifestations of a character's fighting spirit, added a new layer of complexity to the fighting game genre.

Why it deserves a spot: Unique gameplay mechanics, stylish visuals, based on a popular manga series.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online play with Stand-specific matchmaking, and a gallery featuring artwork from the manga.
LSI Keywords: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Stand Fighting, Manga Fighting Game, Capcom Arcade, Hirohiko Araki.

6. Armored Warriors (Cyberbots 2)

A spiritual successor to Cyberbots, Armored Warriors takes the mecha fighting concept to even greater heights. This cooperative beat 'em up allows up to three players to team up and battle waves of enemies in customizable robots. While not a traditional fighting game, its inclusion would add variety to the collection and appeal to fans of cooperative arcade experiences.

Why it deserves a spot: Cooperative gameplay, customizable robots, unique arcade experience.
Potential enhancements: Online cooperative play, improved graphics, and expanded customization options.
LSI Keywords: Armored Warriors, Cyberbots 2, Cooperative Beat 'em Up, Mecha Fighting, Arcade Co-op.

7. Capcom Sports Club

This quirky arcade title is a minigame compilation featuring versions of Baseball, Basketball, and Football. It is included to cater to completionist players as well as those who enjoy some unique multiplayer experiences.

Why it deserves a spot: Quirky arcade title, interesting multiplayer experience, adds variety.
Potential enhancements: Add online multiplayer and leaderboard support.
LSI Keywords: Capcom Sports Club, arcade minigames, quirky sports, Capcom arcade.

Potential Hidden Gems: Digging Deeper into Capcom's Fighting Game Vault

Beyond the more well-known titles, Capcom has a treasure trove of lesser-known fighting games that could surprise and delight players. These games may not be as polished or refined as the mainstays, but they offer unique gameplay experiences and historical significance.

1. Saturday Night Slam Masters (and Muscle Bomber Duo)

Saturday Night Slam Masters is a professional wrestling game with a distinctly Capcom flavor. Its over-the-top characters, unique grappling system, and fast-paced action made it a memorable arcade experience. Including the sequel, Muscle Bomber Duo (a tag-team version), would be a welcome addition.

Why it deserves a spot: Unique wrestling game, over-the-top characters, Capcom's take on wrestling.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online multiplayer with tag-team support, and a create-a-wrestler mode.
LSI Keywords: Saturday Night Slam Masters, Muscle Bomber Duo, Wrestling Game, Capcom Wrestling, Arcade Wrestling.

2. Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein (Star Gladiator 2)

Plasma Sword is the sequel to Star Gladiator, a 3D weapon-based fighting game. While not as popular as other 3D fighters, Plasma Sword improved upon the original with a more refined gameplay system, a larger character roster, and a darker story. Its inclusion would provide a glimpse into Capcom's foray into the 3D fighting game genre.

Why it deserves a spot: Unique weapon-based combat, improved sequel, Capcom's 3D fighting game attempt.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online play, and a comprehensive tutorial mode to help players master the weapon-based combat.
LSI Keywords: Plasma Sword, Star Gladiator 2, 3D Fighting Game, Weapon-Based Fighting, Capcom 3D.

3. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (and other Marvel crossovers)

While the legal landscape for Marvel games can be tricky, the inclusion of Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (or other Marvel crossover titles like X-Men vs. Street Fighter) would be a major draw for fans. These games are known for their over-the-top action, tag-team battles, and iconic characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes. The licensing makes this difficult, but if it's possible, it's a must-have.

Why it deserves a spot: Popular crossover series, iconic characters, tag-team battles.
Potential enhancements: Improved graphics, online tag-team battles, and a comprehensive character roster.
LSI Keywords: Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Crossover Fighting Game, Tag-Team Battles.

Predictions for Capcom Fighting Collection 2: What's Likely to Happen?

Based on the success of the first collection and Capcom's current strategy, we can make some educated guesses about what to expect from a potential sequel.

Focus on Lesser-Known Titles: Capcom is likely to prioritize games that haven't been widely re-released, giving them a new audience.
Improved Netcode: Rollback netcode is a must-have for any modern fighting game collection, and Capcom is likely to continue to invest in this technology.
Bonus Content: Expect more concept art, music, and other bonus materials to enhance the overall experience.
Potential for DLC: Capcom may release additional games or content packs as DLC, extending the lifespan of the collection.
Region Exclusives: The original lacked region exclusives for all the games, such as the Japanese version of Vampire Savior, Vampire Savior 2 or Vampire Hunter 2. Hopefully these would be included in the sequel.

Beyond the Games: Enhancements and Features We Want to See

A great collection is more than just a list of games. It's about providing a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Here are some additional features and enhancements that we'd love to see in a Capcom Fighting Collection 2:

1. Robust Training Modes

Beyond basic training modes, include character-specific tutorials, combo challenges, and frame data displays to help players master the intricacies of each game. Visualizing hitboxes and frame data directly in the training mode would be a massive improvement.

2. Comprehensive Online Features

In addition to rollback netcode, include ranked and casual matchmaking, online lobbies, spectator mode, and the ability to save and share replays. Cross-platform play would also be a major plus.

3. Extensive Museum Content

Go beyond concept art and music and include developer interviews, historical documents, arcade flyers, and even video footage of classic tournaments. A detailed timeline of Capcom's fighting game history would be a fascinating addition.

4. Customization Options

Allow players to customize the display settings, control schemes, and even the game speed. The ability to apply visual filters to mimic the look of arcade monitors would also be a nice touch.

5. Accessibility Features

Include options for remapping controls, adjusting the game speed, and providing visual cues to assist players with disabilities. Making these games accessible to a wider audience is crucial.

The Future of Capcom Fighting Games: More Than Just a Collection

A Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It's an opportunity to introduce a new generation of players to classic fighting games and to revitalize interest in Capcom's rich fighting game history. By including a diverse selection of games, providing robust online features, and offering comprehensive bonus content, Capcom can create a collection that will be cherished by fans for years to come.

Ultimately, the success of a Capcom Fighting Collection 2 will depend on Capcom's willingness to listen to its fans and to deliver a product that is both authentic and accessible. By combining classic gameplay with modern features, Capcom can create a collection that celebrates the past while paving the way for the future of fighting games.

Conclusion: The Dream Collection Awaits

The potential for a Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is immense. With a carefully selected roster of classic titles, enhanced features, and a deep dive into Capcom's fighting game history, this collection could be a definitive celebration of the genre. While the exact lineup remains a mystery, our wishlist and predictions offer a glimpse into the possibilities. Whether it's the robot customization of Cyberbots, the RPG elements of Red Earth, or the tag-team action of Marvel vs. Capcom, there's something for every fighting game fan to be excited about. Now, we eagerly await Capcom's announcement and hope they deliver a collection that lives up to the legacy of their legendary fighting games.