As someone who's been playing fighting games since the arcade era, I have to say Capcom's latest compilation, Super Gems3, genuinely surprised me. When I first heard about another collection, I'll admit I was skeptical—how many times can they repackage these classics? But after spending about 40 hours with this bundle, I've come to appreciate the careful curation that makes this more than just another retro compilation. The selection isn't just random; it feels like someone at Capcom actually understood what makes these games special even today. What struck me immediately was how they've managed to balance nostalgia with genuine gaming value—this isn't just a trip down memory lane, but a properly valuable package for both newcomers and veterans.
Let me start with the absolute standouts—the games that justify the price tag alone. Capcom Vs. SNK 2 remains what I consider the pinnacle of crossover fighting games, and having it readily available on modern systems is worth the admission price. I've probably sunk 15 hours into it already, and the depth of the groove system continues to amaze me. Then there's Project Justice—a game that never got the attention it deserved originally. The three-on-three team battles with their ridiculous special moves are just as fun today as they were twenty years ago. Power Stone 2 deserves special mention too—it's pure chaos in the best possible way, transforming the fighting game formula into something that feels like a party game but with surprising strategic depth. These three games alone would make a solid collection, but we get so much more.
Now, the middle tier—games that are good but show their age more noticeably. Capcom Fighting Evolution was always a strange beast, and playing it now reminds me why it divided the community back in 2004. The character roster pulls from different Capcom universes, which sounds great on paper, but the mechanics feel uneven between characters. I found myself enjoying it in short bursts rather than extended sessions. The original Power Stone, while historically important, feels almost primitive compared to its sequel—it's like playing the beta version. And Capcom Vs. SNK Pro... well, it's fine, but why play this when Capcom Vs. SNK 2 is right there in the same collection? These aren't bad games by any means, but they definitely benefit from being part of a larger package rather than standing on their own.
What makes Super Gems3 particularly valuable is how these games complement each other. Jumping from the technical precision of Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper to the weapon-based combat of Plasma Sword creates this wonderful variety that modern fighting game collections often lack. I found myself developing appreciation for games I'd previously overlooked—Plasma Sword being the prime example. I'd never given it much attention in arcades, but here, removed from the pressure of spending quarters, I discovered a deeply satisfying combat system with unique mechanics. That's the magic of this collection—it gives second chances to games that deserved them.
From a pure value perspective, let's talk numbers. At $39.99, you're getting eight games—that's exactly $5 per game, which is frankly a steal considering some of these would cost you triple that to track down original copies and hardware. More importantly, the quality-of-life improvements can't be overstated. Save states alone have saved me countless frustrations—being able to practice specific matchups in Capcom Vs. SNK 2 without restarting the entire game has dramatically improved my skills. The rewind feature is equally valuable, especially when learning the nuances of older titles like Power Stone.
If I have one criticism, it's the online functionality—or lack thereof in some cases. While Capcom Vs. SNK 2 has decent netcode, some of the lesser-known titles suffer from noticeable lag that can make competitive play frustrating. That said, the single-player content more than makes up for it in my opinion. Each game comes with its own set of challenges and unlockables that provide dozens of hours of entertainment even if you're playing alone.
After spending significant time with Super Gems3, I'm convinced this represents the best approach to retro collections we've seen from Capcom. Rather than throwing every fighting game they've ever made into one package, they've carefully selected titles that complement each other while ensuring each has something unique to offer. The inclusion of both well-known classics and obscure gems creates this wonderful discovery experience that's become increasingly rare in today's gaming landscape. For fighting game enthusiasts, this is essential—but even casual players will find plenty to love here. The variety ensures there's something for every mood, from serious competitive sessions to ridiculous fun with friends. In an era where game preservation often takes a backseat to new releases, collections like this remind us why these classics deserve to be remembered and played.
