Seems kind of weird that we’re already back with another Capcom collection given it’s only been a few weeks since we did a review for the Capcom Fighting Collection, but here we are. This time we’re getting a little more than just some of the greatest fighting games of all time, we’re also getting a nice selection of hidden gems and previously unreleased titles outside of Japan proper. Strap in, let’s take a look at the Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Release Date: July 21, 2022
Players: 1-2
Price: $39.99 USD
I grew up spending a lot of time in my local Aladdin’s Castle and other arcades as the home consoles didn’t quite measure up to the experiences you’d find in a full scale cabinet release, and sadly, as I got older I watched more and more of my favorite arcades eventually get driven out of business.
This means there are now a ton of games out there that the only way to experience is by delving into emulation. Thankfully, Capcom likes money and has decided that re-releasing collections of these old arcade ROMs means that fans from a bygone era can legally pick up these old games and introduce them to a whole new generation of gamers.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a weird name, but it’s the second collection in their Arcade Stadium series, and while the original game had a lot of the heavy hitters such as Street Fighter II, Ghouls ‘N’ Ghosts, and Final Fight, I noticed there were still quite a few of my favorites that weren’t included. Needless to say, most of my complaints have been squelched by the release of Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium. For the full game list, you can click right here.
I’m still patiently waiting for Cadillacs and Dinosaurs to show up (3rd Stadium fingers crossed?) but I was pleasantly surprised to see the Darkstalkers titles included with 2nd Stadium, since they were the one reason I contemplated picking up the Capcom Fighting Collection.
All three mainline Darkstalkers titles are included here, as well as the Japanese ROMs, so you can play Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors, Night Warriors: Darkstalkers Revenge, and Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire (aka Darkstalkers 3).
In addition, you’ll find some other fan favorites such as Megaman: The Power Battle (along with its sequel Megaman 2: The Power Fighters which curiously used the Power Stone font), pro wrestling meets Final Fight brawler Saturday Night Slam Masters, and perhaps my second favorite arcade side-scroller of all time, the legendary Magic Sword.
Included in the Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is the ability to turn on invincibility as well as some extra borders and some other small cosmetic options that you may want for side panels and stuff, but it’s mainly all about the games.
There’s some incredible games in this pack, including a game I’d completely forgotten about called Eco Fighters which is a complex little shmup that’s pretty damn difficult. I also discovered a title I’ve never played before called Black Tiger which is like Rastan meets Castlevania, and that’s also a lot of fun.
Overall, while it feels a little steep at $40, there’s a terrific collection of games included in this pack. The only way this would be any better would be if these games could somehow all interface together so you could launch any of them from within the same game. I’m hopeful that this trend of keeping older games alive keeps going and Capcom finally gives me Cadillacs and Dinosaurs in the next iteration.
