The original version of Street Fighter 2 was conceived in October 1988 at Capcom but ultimately canceled due to a significant ROM shortage. This iteration was set on an uninhabited island designated for a mixed martial arts tournament and featured unique character designs, such as Chun-Li, known then as Zhi Li.

Players would have battled through seven distinct stages: City, Boat, Waterfall, Forest, Cave, Bridge, and Temple on the Cliff. With gameplay similar to the final release, the concept included various battle modes, including "Beauty versus Beast" and "Clashes of Fate."

Though this prototype never came to fruition, it marks a fascinating what-if scenario for fans. Had it been released, it might not have reached the iconic status of Street Fighter 2, a game that reshaped the fighting genre. Check out the gallery of planning documents and artwork from this original concept, showcasing the rich history of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.