I discovered my new favorite fighting game with the help of Capcom Fighting Collection 2.

      When I sat down to try out Capcom Fighting Collection 2, I thought I knew what to expect. At a preview event, I would have the chance to play three titles from the upcoming collection. I started the game and began navigating through some familiar options, including Street Fighter and Capcom vs. SNK titles. However, it was the third option that piqued my interest.

      “Project Justice? What is that?” I wondered.

      A few minutes later, I had unearthed my new favorite fighting game — a title that showcased the importance of retro collections for preserving gaming history. While it's vital to keep the classics alive, lesser-known treasures also merit that attention. Capcom Fighting Collection 2 recognizes this, making it all the more valuable.

      If Project Justice is new to you, don’t be too hard on yourself. A sequel to 1997’s Rival Schools: United by Fate, this 3D fighting game was released in 2000 exclusively for the Sega Dreamcast and in arcades. Like many titles on Sega’s ill-fated console, it has achieved cult classic status alongside other fighters like Power Stone and its sequel, both of which are included in this collection.

      After just a few minutes of playing, it quickly became clear why. Instead of adopting a serious tone, Project Justice presents itself as a whimsical high-school anime, playing out like a straightforward comedy. The diverse cast of students features absurd traits that had me laughing right from the start of the demo. One character, a swimmer dressed in a speedo, attacks opponents with his oversized flippers. Others wield violins, soccer balls, and cameras as weapons. The game embodies various high school stereotypes in hilariously exaggerated ways.

      The combat itself isn't overly intricate. It functions as a straightforward and rigid 3D fighter, showcasing special moves and team combos rather than offering an intense display of technical prowess. If you're seeking that kind of experience, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 certainly delivers. My time with Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper was far more familiar. In those 2D fighters, I found myself managing an array of gauges and navigating strategic team-building systems, which I expect will attract the most attention in the competitive fighting community.

      Despite this, I found myself captivated by Project Justice throughout my 45-minute demo. What it may lack in depth, it compensates for with its vibrant personality. In 2025, it feels like an excellent casual party game that deserves another chance thanks to its re-release.

      Ultimately, this is what I hope to see from collections like Capcom Fighting Collection 2. While revisiting the classics I already know is enjoyable, I also want to uncover games I didn't realize existed. My excitement for 1997’s The Punisher in Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics matched my enthusiasm for playing Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes again. Collections like this should present a comprehensive view of gaming history rather than simply spotlighting a curated list of prominent classics.

      If you’re passionate about video game history, you’ll want to get your hands on Capcom Fighting Collection 2 when it releases this year. It captures a wonderfully experimental period for fighting games, with the Dreamcast playing a significant role. If you share my appetite for quirky games, there's a strong chance you’ll find your next favorite fighting game within this collection.

      Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is scheduled to launch in 2025 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.