If you’ve played another modern Capcom arcade collection, then you already know basically what to expect with Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium – the game is, luckily, more intuitive than the title. This is a collection of 32 classic Capcom titles, and the average quality of the games on offer is higher than you might expect.
The games are all emulated and provide the benefits you expect from modern emulators, including the ability to rewind your gameplay. Arcade games aren’t known for being “fair and balanced,” more for being coin munchers. After dropping your money on these older titles in 2022, the ability to cheat your way through the game really is the least you can expect. Unlocking Invincibility across the games is a separate DLC purchase, though.
You can play with various screen-warping effects or scanline filters, though none of these provide the “authentic” experience nostalgics might be looking for. But with the option for a clear screen and pixel-perfect presentation, it’s hard to complain. The games are emulated well enough and the bonus features do the trick – though these really are the base requirements for a retro collection in 2022.
With that out of the way, we’re left with the games, and it’s a solid selection. SonSon (probably the weakest of the bunch) is included for free to anyone who wishes to give the game a download, and there’s a solid selection of fighters, puzzlers, and action games for you to invest your time in. We have an almost complete Darkstalkers series here, just missing out on Vampire Hunter 2 and Vampire Savior 2. Street Fighter gets strong representation too, with the original, Hyper Street Fighter 2, and the full Street Fighter Alpha trilogy present.
The big names are necessary to draw people in, but everyone knows what to expect from those games. Games like Pnickies are very different – odd little gems that have been completely forgotten over the years. Pnickies is a simple and slightly off-putting puzzler in the same vein as Puyo-Puyo. Saturday Night Slam Masters, meanwhile, might be one of the best wrestling games you’ve never played, and even features Final Fight’s Haggar.
It’s the weird and wonderful bits that you’re unfamiliar with that make a large collection like this appealing, and if you have two arcade sticks and a friend to share a few hours with, Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium can be well worth your money. Sure, around half of the games are unlikely to see any play after the first try, but the rest are surprisingly strong ones that you wouldn’t regret spending some money on in an arcade. Plus, here you can actually finish them.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium isn’t going to be blowing any minds, but it makes for a solid experience. The only thing it lacks is online multiplayer, so make sure your friends are ready to come sit with you on the sofa before you set a time and date.
Written by Dave Aubrey on behalf of GLHF.
