Capcom Producer Aims to Revive Classic Fighting Games on Modern Consoles

Capcom producer Shuhei Matsumoto is on a mission to bring back some of the beloved fighting games from Capcom’s vaults to today’s gaming platforms. With Capcom Fighting Collection 2 on the horizon, set for release on May 16, Matsumoto hints at more revivals to come. Capcom has always been a powerhouse in the world of 2D fighting games, with legendary franchises like Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Marvel Vs. Capcom. However, quite a few of these classics have been missing in action for modern gamers, much to the regret of fans who fondly remember the arcade-era battles.

In recent years, Capcom has been addressing these nostalgic longings by re-releasing some of its iconic games. It began with the 2022 Capcom Fighting Collection, a compilation that featured ten beloved titles, including the entire Darkstalkers series, for PS4 and Xbox One. Following that, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics brought back the epic Marvel vs. Capcom series, complete with fresh online multiplayer features. The upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2 not only includes the brilliant SNK vs. Capcom games but also reintroduces classic 3D fighters like Powerstone.

Matsumoto has expressed a strong interest in resurrecting even more classic Capcom games for current-generation systems. Speaking with Inside Games, as covered by VCG, he shared that many popular titles are still missing from today’s consoles. Despite some hurdles, like the initial absence of Xbox support for last year’s Arcade Classics collection, Capcom has ensured that the upcoming Fighting Collection 2 will be available on Xbox from the start, thanks to productive talks with Microsoft.

Capcom’s efforts to make classic 2D and 3D fighting games more accessible are welcomed by fans. When Capcom Fighting Collection 2 launches in May, a treasure of Capcom’s past brawlers will be at gamers’ fingertips. But there are still plenty of gems in Capcom’s vast library that await similar treatment, such as the 1999 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Heritage of the Future and the crossover battle Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. Potential licensing headaches could complicate their revival, yet Matsumoto seems determined to bring these titles back, aiming for a mixture of cult hits and industry legends to grace modern-day consoles once more.

In the greater context of Capcom’s history, these moves are part of a larger strategy to revitalize beloved franchises. As the company continues its legacy, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for more surprises and remastered classics. With a rich history dating back to 1983 and a lineup of subsidiaries pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment, Capcom remains a key player in shaping the future of gaming.