Capcom Classics Collection
Capcom
The Verdict: This hefty compilation of arcade classics brings back true head-to-head multiplayer action while offering a sense of gaming nostalgia.
3-4stars.
It’s hard to believe that video game developer Capcom has been around for 21 years now. Famous for such franchises as “Street Fighter” and “Resident Evil,” the company has really made its mark on the video game industry. However, many have forgotten about the arcade games that allowed Capcom to become a household name.
Luckily, the company has remedied this issue by releasing the “Capcom Classics Collection” for Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s Playstation 2 systems. The collection, which features a remarkable 22 titles that were released between 1984 and 1992, delivers some of arcade’s best gameplay experiences to date, but adds a couple of mediocre ones, too.
An obvious title in the compilation is “Street Fighter II.” Unlike the title’s anniversary collection released late last year, “Capcom Classics Collection” features three direct ports of the arcade fighter, including “Champion Edition” and “Hyper Fighting.”
All three entities of “SFII” are just as fun as they were years ago, and it’s refreshing to be able to play this innovative fighter exactly as it was in the early ’90s. Those familiar with the title will naturally pick up the feel of the game within minutes, and remembering how to do Ryu’s hidoken or Chun Li’s spin kick will bring a nostalgic bliss to fans.
Another popular arcade classic on the disc is the unhealthily addictive beat-em’-up title “Final Fight.” This game ushered in a new arcade game genre in the late ’80s while simultaneously breaking technological barriers.
The game has protagonists Guy, Max and Haggar venture throughout the streets of Metro City in order to take down the colorful and comedic crime syndicate Mad Gear.
What’s great about the game is that one character is subjected to fighting a screen full of characters at any given moment during the game. This game, like “Street Fighter II,” is practically flawless, but the same cannot be said for many of the other titles.
Other arcade titles on the disc include “Bionic Commando,” “Mercs,” “Ghosts ‘N’ Goblins,” “Ghouls ‘N’ Ghosts” and “Super Ghouls ‘N’ Ghosts.” Though they are great games worthy of making the compilation, each of these titles has its flaw.
The platformer “Bionic Commando” is fun to play, but the game in its entirety can be beaten in less than 10 minutes. What a shame, too. The swing-and-cling gameplay has not been matched by any other game to date.
“Mercs” offers a spectacular arcade gaming experience. It’s easy to see how “Grand Theft Auto” got its inspiration for on-foot missions and how LucasArt’s “Mercenaries” tried to bring back the feel of this title. The destroy everything premise of the game is primitive yet delightful. Blowing up barracks with a grenade launcher and cremating commies with a flamethrower has never felt so good.
The game also allows players to commandeer tanks, boats and jeeps in sections of the game. Unforgettable, but like “Bionic Commando,” the game is achingly short.
The “Ghosts ‘N’ Goblins” series is commonly known, and rightfully so. The spooky/silly platformers are fun to play, and unlike the two afformentioned titles, the games last a good while.
Other games on the disc, such as “1942,” “1943,” “Trojan” and “Forgotten Worlds” each have something to offer, but the gameplay isn’t as enticing as the other titles. Games such as “Exed Exes,” “Vulgus” and “Son Son” feel like they were thrown in to add quantity to the collection.
All of the games have one common perk despite their various flaws. Every game offers two player action, and most offer two player co-op, which really embraces the classic arcade feel. Another great bonus is that most of the games offer unlimited continues, so players never have to start their games over.
Aside from the games, Capcom has included bonus features on the disc for each title. Tips, artwork, music, cast and history are unlocked after meeting certain objectives within each game, which gives gamers an extra push to finish every title.
Capcom fanatics and classic gaming enthusiasts should definitely pick up “Capcom Classics Collection.” Most developers that have been around for a couple of decades have released a classics compilation of their own, but none of them meet the standards set forth by this one. And don’t fret if your favorite Capcom title didn’t make the disc. With a little observation, one can see that the collection has been subtly subtitled “Volume 1.”