Having squared-off against almost every other franchise in the video game world, Capcom fighters take on their old quarter-crunching rivals, SNK in Capcom vs. SNK 2. As expected, this sequel builds on the strengths of the original while expanding the character lineup and adding some enhanced fighting techniques. Capcom vs. SNK 2’s 45-plus fighter lineup reads like “who’s who” of the genre. Fighters from Rival Schools, Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Last Blade, and even Samurai Shodown appear, along with a formidable selection of bad guys, such as Geese Howard (who seemingly killed everyone’s father in the SNK universe at one point or another). Yet it’s hardly an equitable selection: Instead of a healthy sampling of players from each franchise (come on, only one Darkstalker?) we get more of the same characters that have repeatedly graced these crossover extravaganzas. Yet quibbles about the fighter selection are quickly swept aside in comparison to the rock solid play engine. After all the sequels and variations on the SF play scheme, it still endures. Six different fighting styles, or Grooves, can be selected before a contest and each includes familiar elements from Capcom and SNK titles—from Parrying to the Rage Gauge. There are plenty of high-hitting combos, although this game focuses more on finesse and skill than splashy triple-digit super assaults of, say, Marvel vs. Capcom 2. The controls are responsive as ever, and are only marred by some specials that are overly difficult to execute. In addition to one- and two-player battles are Training, Survival, and a couple of custom modes that allow you to personalize fighter’s colors and combat styles. Fortunately the game’s visuals do justice to the 2D-fighter lineup, complete with colorful slowdown-free sprites and a seemingly limitless palette. Seeing classic characters from an almost forgotten era of 2D fighters replenished with new designs is a nostalgic plus—as are the clever “cameo” appearances by others in the colorful backgrounds. The mixed audio is a drawback, as solid audio effects are coupled with awkward music selections. Although Capcom vs. SNK 2 doesn’t break any new ground, it’s another helping of a very fun and enduring fighting formula that 2D fighting-game fans have come to admire over the years.
