Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a world of retro fighting goodness? The Capcom Fighting Collection on the Nintendo Switch is here, and I’m super excited to break it down for you. This collection brings together some of Capcom’s most iconic arcade fighters, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a chance for new players to experience these classics. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let’s get into it!

The Capcom Fighting Collection is more than just a simple compilation; it's a curated museum of Capcom's fighting game history. This collection includes ten different titles, each with its own unique charm and gameplay mechanics. You're getting a solid mix of well-known titles and some hidden gems that might have flown under your radar back in the day. The inclusion of online multiplayer is a huge win, breathing new life into these classic games and allowing you to test your skills against players from around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer looking to explore the genre's roots, this collection has something to offer.

One of the standout features of the Capcom Fighting Collection is the attention to detail in preserving the original arcade experience. The games are emulated faithfully, capturing the look and feel of the arcade cabinets we all know and love. Capcom has gone the extra mile by including a variety of display options, allowing you to customize the visuals to your liking. You can choose to play with the original pixelated graphics or apply filters to smooth out the image, giving the games a more modern appearance. The collection also includes a treasure trove of bonus content, such as artwork, music, and historical documents, providing a fascinating glimpse into the development of these iconic games. This level of dedication to preserving the history of these games is truly commendable and adds significant value to the overall package.

What's Included in the Collection?

Okay, let’s talk specifics. What games are actually included in the Capcom Fighting Collection? You get a solid lineup, including the entire Darkstalkers series, which is a massive win for fans of those characters. We’re talking:

• Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors
• Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge
• Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire
• Vampire Hunter 2: Darkstalkers' Revenge
• Vampire Savior 2: The Lord of Vampire

But that's not all! You also get Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition, which is a fantastic compilation of Street Fighter II versions. Plus, there are some cool additions like Red Earth (Warzard), Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness, and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. Each game brings its own flavor to the collection, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For those unfamiliar, Red Earth is a particularly interesting inclusion, as it was previously quite difficult to access outside of arcades. Its unique RPG-like elements and monster designs make it a standout title in the collection.

The inclusion of these titles is a masterclass in Capcom's fighting game history. Each game represents a different era and evolution of the genre, showcasing Capcom's innovation and creativity. Darkstalkers, with its gothic horror aesthetic and unique character designs, stands in stark contrast to the more traditional martial arts themes of Street Fighter. Cyberbots brings a mecha twist to the formula, while Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo offers a delightful and addictive puzzle experience. The variety on display is truly impressive and ensures that players will find plenty to keep them engaged for hours on end. Whether you're in the mood for intense head-to-head battles or a more casual puzzle experience, the Capcom Fighting Collection has you covered.

Gameplay and Controls on the Switch

Now, how do these games play on the Nintendo Switch? Pretty darn well, actually! The Capcom Fighting Collection supports various control options, including the Joy-Cons, Pro Controller, and even arcade sticks if you’re a hardcore enthusiast. I primarily used the Pro Controller, and the experience was smooth and responsive. The button mapping is customizable, which is a huge plus, allowing you to tailor the controls to your preferred playstyle. Pulling off those classic special moves and combos feels satisfying, and the input lag is minimal, which is crucial for fighting games.

However, playing with the Joy-Cons can be a bit of a mixed bag. While they're perfectly functional for casual play, the smaller buttons and less precise D-pad can make executing complex inputs more challenging. If you're serious about competing online or mastering the intricacies of each game, I highly recommend investing in a Pro Controller or an arcade stick. The Pro Controller offers a more comfortable and ergonomic grip, as well as a more responsive D-pad, making it easier to perform precise movements and combos. Arcade sticks, on the other hand, provide the most authentic arcade experience, allowing you to recreate the feel of playing in a classic arcade cabinet.

One of the great things about the Switch is its portability, and the Capcom Fighting Collection takes full advantage of this. Being able to pick up and play these classic fighters on the go is a real treat. Whether you're on a long commute, waiting for an appointment, or just relaxing at home, you can always squeeze in a quick match. The game also supports local multiplayer, allowing you to challenge your friends to a retro fighting game showdown wherever you are. The Switch's versatility makes it the perfect platform for this collection, allowing you to enjoy these classic games in a variety of different ways.

Online Multiplayer and Features

Let's be real, online multiplayer is a must-have for any modern fighting game collection, and the Capcom Fighting Collection delivers. The online lobbies are well-implemented, allowing you to find matches quickly and easily. The netcode seems solid, and I experienced minimal lag during my matches, which is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable online experience. You can also customize your online profile with titles and icons, adding a touch of personalization to your online presence. Training modes are also available, allowing you to practice your moves and combos before jumping into online matches.

Beyond the standard online versus modes, the Capcom Fighting Collection also includes ranked matches, allowing you to test your skills against other players and climb the leaderboards. This adds a competitive element to the game, giving you a reason to keep playing and improving your skills. The game also supports cross-platform play, allowing you to compete against players on other platforms, such as PlayStation and Xbox. This greatly expands the player base and ensures that you'll always be able to find someone to play against. The online features are a major highlight of the Capcom Fighting Collection and significantly enhance the overall value of the package.

However, the online experience isn't without its flaws. Some players have reported occasional connection issues and lag spikes, particularly during peak hours. While these issues aren't widespread, they can be frustrating when they occur. Capcom has been actively monitoring the online performance and has released several updates to address these issues. Hopefully, they will continue to improve the online experience in the future.

Graphics and Sound: A Retro Revival

Graphically, the Capcom Fighting Collection stays true to its arcade roots. The pixelated graphics are faithfully recreated, and you have the option to apply smoothing filters if you prefer a more modern look. The character sprites are vibrant and detailed, and the backgrounds are full of personality. The game also includes a variety of display options, allowing you to customize the aspect ratio and screen size to your liking. Overall, the graphics are a faithful recreation of the original arcade games, and they look great on the Nintendo Switch's screen.

The sound design is equally impressive. The iconic soundtracks have been remastered and sound better than ever. The sound effects are punchy and satisfying, and the character voiceovers are full of personality. The game also includes a music player, allowing you to listen to your favorite tracks outside of the game. The audio presentation is a major highlight of the Capcom Fighting Collection, and it perfectly complements the retro visuals.

One of the standout features of the audio presentation is the inclusion of Japanese voiceovers for all the games. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience and allows you to appreciate the original voice acting performances. The game also includes a variety of sound options, allowing you to customize the audio mix to your liking. Whether you prefer to focus on the music, sound effects, or voiceovers, you can adjust the levels to create your ideal audio experience.

Final Verdict: Is the Capcom Fighting Collection Worth It?

So, is the Capcom Fighting Collection worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! If you're a fan of classic fighting games, this collection is a no-brainer. The sheer variety of titles, the faithful emulation, and the addition of online multiplayer make it a must-have for any fighting game enthusiast. The bonus content is a nice touch, and the ability to play these games on the go is a huge selling point for the Switch. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the potential for input issues with the Joy-Cons and occasional online hiccups, the overall package is fantastic.

The Capcom Fighting Collection is more than just a collection of old games; it's a celebration of Capcom's legacy in the fighting game genre. It's a chance to revisit some of the most iconic and influential games of all time, and it's a great way to introduce new players to the world of classic fighting games. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, this collection has something to offer. So, grab your Switch, gather your friends, and get ready to fight!

In conclusion, the Capcom Fighting Collection on the Nintendo Switch is a triumph. It's a loving tribute to a golden age of fighting games, and it's a testament to Capcom's enduring influence on the genre. With its diverse roster of titles, faithful emulation, and robust online features, this collection is a must-have for any fighting game fan. So, what are you waiting for? Go get it!