Capcom Classics Collection Remixed Review (PSP)

Capcom may like to milk its franchises, but its latest PSP release is a solid compilation.

by Robert Workman on Monday, March 27, 2006

Capcom's arcade history could easily read like some kind of classic novel. Sure, you've got your moments of lulling spread over a few bad games here and there, but mostly you're delving into a history loaded with fascination, with so many good titles scattered across arcade distribution that you probably might discover that you haven't played them all yet. Well, they seem to have you covered with their Capcom Classics Collection, which they debuted on the PS2 and Xbox last year to thunderous approval between fans and critics. But those who still weren't satisfied (or found one of their classic favorites to be missing) can now hush up and check out the PSP version, a diverse release in itself.

Capcom Classics Collection Remixed follows the same formula as the original game, giving you a menu with hand-drawn action surrounding the screen and a series of titles to be chosen from, each complete with a number of options to make it feel like you have access to the coin-ops themselves. You've got the ability to manipulate the screen to different sizes (even sideways for some games, like 1941), as well as a number of options that can either make the game easier or harder, boost your lives, etc. It's like having access to your own customized arcade, but without having to bother with large cabinets flooding your kitchen and preventing you access from the fridge. No one wants that.

However, Capcom could've easily taken the simple path and just ported over their console release to the PSP. They didn't do that here. Only a handful of titles managed to make the cut from that release, including Final Fight, Bionic Commando, Section Z, Legendary Wings, and Forgotten Worlds. The rest, much to my delight, are all new additions that either got overlooked in the previous collection or have almost been forgotten about entirely. This makes the handheld collection every bit as worthy to check out as the previous release.

Here's a rundown of what's new here, and my thoughts on each.

Side Arms- A shooter similar to that of the nature of Section Z, where you control a well-armed soldier who picks up power-ups and can shoot either to the left or the right depending on the enemies on-screen. Still fun as always, as it was on the TG-16 long ago.

1941- One of the better entries in the 19XX series, as it has more complex enemies to shoot at and a better challenge level. This is one of the games you can play diagonally, although it takes a little practice holding the PSP upward.

Black Tiger- A great old-school game where a warrior with a cleaver on a chain and throwing knives makes mincemeat out of dungeon dwellers, while collecting gold and threatening to destroy a dragon. Good platforming fun.

Strider- A bonafide classic from Capcom, where you take control of a lone swordsman out to bring down a spiritual demon and his army of soldiers and robots. Still fun after all these years, as the design of the game holds up significantly.

Three Wonders- A game made up of three mini-games- the platforming Midnight Wanderers, the shooter game Chariot, and the puzzle game Don't Pull. I don't understand the tempo of the collection, but I am sure liking it.

Avengers- A top down brawling game where you and a friend can simply beat the hell out of everyone who gets in your path. Doesn't really hold up well over time, but it's fun for a few plays.

Block Block- An Arkanoid-style knock off where you and a buddy can hit the ball against blocks, all while collecting power-ups. Nothing innovative here, but at least it can be fun, especially against a buddy.

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Capcom Classics Collection Remixed

Capcom Classics Collection Remixed
  • GenreClassic Compilation
  • Release Date03/21/2006
  • PublisherCapcom Entertainment
  • DeveloperCapcom
  • ESRBT - Teen