Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded Review (PSP)

Although not as good as the first collection, Capcom Classics Reloaded provides retro bliss aplenty.

by Robert Workman on Friday, October 27, 2006

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded has finally arrived on the PSP, but unfortunately, it's not a perfect compilation. It's definitely a must-have, as Capcom brings plenty of arcade-flavored goodness to the system, but some things are a little hard to swallow.

So why then does Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded have such terrible loading time? Some games take up to a minute to load, and the wait is just as long going back to the main menu. It's not a complete hassle to endure, but with such simplistic content, one would think the loading time could be reduced to seconds.

There's also the question of having to go through a game of chance to earn unlockables. The previous Capcom Classics game has a PERFECT system in place, as players can earn unlockable goodies such as art, music, and hints by reaching certain scores. This time around, a slot machine has been installed, requiring players to earn their unlockables by picking up tokens and then using them to win the cheats by chance. It's not a bad slot machine by any means, but the first system works better than this.

These flaws aside, the game selection here is still very, very good. Not all of the games are winners but the majority rules over the minor titles that will probably get only a play or two. Here now is a list of the games offered in this compilation, along with mini-scores for each one...

The 1942 trilogy(1984-1988)- 1942, 1943, and 1943 KAI (a remix of 1943's set-up) are available, although they all require turning the PSP vertically to get the most out of play, which is a bit awkward. Regardless, they're still fun, simplistic shooting games with lots of enemies and bosses to face, as well as power-ups to acquire. Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Commando (1985)- Not to be confused with the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie (there's no drug lords or whiny daughter to be found here), players control a lone soldier battling an armada of evil soldiers as he attempts to rescue prisoners of war. Capcom's made better action games since, but Commando is challenging and fun to play. Mini-Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Eco Fighters (1994)- A modern-day shooter that was the result of a "create your own game" contest that Capcom held in Japan, players control a lightning-fast gunship as they blast away at environmental dangers. Think Captain Planet, but removing the geeky kids and replacing them with much-needed firepower. The UN Squadron and Carrier Airwing games are better (and oddly enough, still missing from this collection), but this is suitable for shooter fans, especially with the energy ball control. Mini-Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Exed Exes (1985)- This is an interesting shooter where players must collect power-ups and fruit while defeating all kinds of bug-like enemies. Decent, but nothing memorable in the long-term, unlike Mars Matrix. Mini-Rating: 3 (out of 5)

The Ghosts n' Goblins trilogy (1985-1991)- All three of the original Ghosts n' Goblins games are here, and they're just as challenging and thrilling as many gamers remember. The first game, Ghosts n' Goblins, introduces players to Arthur and his plight as he faces a demonic army to save his girlfriend, whether in a full suit of armor or hearted underpants. Ghouls n' Ghosts and Super Ghouls n' Ghosts follow suit, but with more difficult play tactics and terrific weapon and armor power-ups. All three of these games helped define Capcom's arcade legacy, and they should not be missed. Mini-Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Gunsmoke (1985)- A different kind of Capcom shooter, Gunsmoke puts players in control of a lone cowboy who must clean up a series of corrupted towns in search of wanted criminals. The play style of Gunsmoke is what truly delivers, as players can shoot left, right, or ahead of them while continually moving upward. This twist on the shooter genre is plenty rewarding. Besides, where else will gamers find a horse power-up? Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

The King of Dragons (1991)- One of Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded's biggest highlights, a game that hasn't seen the light of day on the console market since the SNES. The King of Dragons lets up to three players choose from five different warriors to rid the land of bothersome demons and knights who rule with an iron fist. Instead of using fistcuffs, players fire off projectiles while also gathering spells and other helpful items. This one's quite fun, like most of Capcom's multi-player brawlers. Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Knights of the Round (1992)- Another memorable fighting game that hasn't been seen for some time, players choose from legendary Knights of the Round Table to save a land from tyrannical rule. This one does involve close combat, and gets a little repetitive over time, but it's surprisingly fun, especially if a friend joins in to even the odds. Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Mercs (1990)- This is essentially a spiritual sequel to Commando, where up to three soldiers invade a tropical island, filled with enemy soldiers and monstrous vehicles. Although the game is quick to beat (like a half hour or so), it's a good stress-reliever. Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Pirate Ship Higemaru (1984)- One of the more quirky games in the collection, this classic requires players to launch barrels at enemies in order to keep the good Pirate alive. It's passable after a few plays. Mini-Rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

Son Son (1984)- Players can either control the quirky Son Son or his brother, Ton Ton as they move up and down platforms, collecting items and shooting enemies. Again, simplistic fun, but players will probably play it a few times before moving on to something else. Mini-Rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

The Street Fighter II trilogy (1991-1992)- The first three Street Fighter II iterations are here, including the arcade original, the Champion Edition (complete with playable bosses), and the sped-up Turbo game. The control scheme isn't half bad, although players that have access to a D-pad accessory will definitely want to use it here for special moves. The emulation is actually very good on all three games, especially Turbo. Some of the faster fights within the game are the best ones, keeping players on their toes as they move at frenetic speed. It's great stuff, but where's Super Street Fighter II Turbo? Mini-Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Vulgus (1984)- Finally, there's this, a moderately enjoyable but pretty generic shooter where players fly through space, shooting at whatever moves. It's worth a couple of plays. Mini-Rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

The game selection provided in Reloaded is anything but a disaster, but it would have been great for Capcom to provide more ideal choices, such as UN Squadron, Carrier Airwing, the later Street Fighter II games, or Alien Vs. Predator- even if the rights to that last one would have taken a while to nab.

Reloaded also provides a Game Sharing feature with some of its titles, allowing those who don't yet own the game to get an idea of what Capcom's gaming history is like. They're limited demos at best, and players can't fully interact in multiplayer, but it's still a great feature, and probably one that will attract those that haven't yet experienced Capcom's glorious past. For those who do find someone else that owns a copy of the game, multiplayer is easily accessible on a lot of the games and highly recommended.

Past the problematic loading time, each of these games is well emulated, just like the arcade originals. There's even the option to play remixed music during some of the games, although the available tunes don't differ that much from the original soundtracks. The menu system is exceptional, and the game's ability to track progress through its token system is pretty cool. It even tracks how many times the attack button was pressed- a feature that will no doubt give players a better idea just how much they're wearing out their PSPs. "I pressed the circle button HOW many times?!"

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded is a slight step backwards from the original Remixed compilation, if only for its slightly annoying unlockable-earning system and its lengthy loading time. But those who know and love Capcom's arcade history like many GameDaily staffers do will still reward themselves with this purchase, if only to relive the old-school antics of Street Fighter II and conquer the Ghouls n' Ghosts games all over again. It's tough retro gaming love, but retro love all the same.

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Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded
  • GenreClassic Compilation
  • Release Date10/10/2006
  • PublisherCapcom Entertainment
  • DeveloperCapcom
  • ESRBRP - Rating Pending