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Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower Mini Review
Chris Leyton
26/08/2005
Capcom provides a rare excursion for the PSP with a title for all 2D fighting fans…
While Streetfighter hogged all the limelight Capcom launched a darker world full of supernatural characters with sensational moves and combos upon the gaming world back in 1994. Despite attracting attention mainly amongst the Capcom hardcore and loyal SEGA fanatics (who always appreciated ports on the Saturn and Dreamcast), the Darkstalker/Vampire Hunter series never really garnished wide appeal, particularly outside of Japan, even though it introduced such concepts as Air-Blocking, Dashing, Throw Escapes and Tech-Hits.
However Capcom hopes to change that with Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower on the PSP. Not only is Darkstalkers Chronicle the only PSP fighting title upon the systemâs launch, but it also follows the same policy as many other titles on Sonyâs handheld, being a compilation of all previous titles in the series. As such you can expect all 18 characters from the series and the varying strategies that the âSaviourâ and âHunterâ versions bring.
The biggest issue facing Darkstalkers Chronicle is not the game but the PSP; itâs d-pad and button configuration simply isnât that well suited to 2D fighting games, although to be fair Capcom have done the best job possible although even the purists will find matching their level of precision from the arcades (and Saturn ports) a tough task. Capcom has implemented an âEasyâ control option to get around the issue, however the hardcore enthusiast (lets admit it, the likely ones to pick this up) will consider this an insult along similar lines to the introduction of the EO system in Capcom vs SNK 2.
Fans of the series will know what to expect; Darkstalkers isnât necessarily the most balanced fighter around, however thatâs not really an issue given that the series has always been the ânoisyâ little-brother to the Streetfighter franchise. The series first introduced the Chain Combo concept, allowing punches and kicks to string into one another and itâs still as rewarding to the present day as it highlights the lack of skill and precision offered by many 3D fighters.
Amongst the vast selection of PS2 clones itâs nice to see a 2D game; we miss the graceful beauty of 2D titles, so itâs good to see at least Capcom holding onto the tradition for the PSP. Sadly the game does feature a widescreen mode to take advantage of the PSPâs 16:9 screen, however this is just a simple stretch that distorts the crispness of the original visuals and comes off looking rather cheap â“ so stick to the normal mode.
The game features a wealth of modes to keep Capcom fans happy, which given the lack of alternatives in the foreseeable future is definitely a good thing. The bulk of the game takes place in the titular âChaos Towerâ mode, which challenges players to select three characters and advance up a ladder fighting increasingly more difficult opponents under a variety of criteria such as not using punch moves. One piece of advice for the Capcom aficionado is to make sure the difficulty level is raised, as the default level borders on the preposterously easy despite the difficulties faced by the control setup. Progress through this mode opens up a wealth of artwork, movies and other goodies that is bound to be appreciated only by the Capcom fanatics.
Naturally the game features Wi-Fi support which allows up to four players to compete in a tournament structure; the only problem however will be finding enough people to actually check this surprisingly fully-featured mode out.
Amongst the admittedly impressive Ridge Racers and Lumines, Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower provides a welcoming change of pace and is an essential for anybody that grew up in the arcades with Capcomâs fighters.
More to the point it does an excellent job of tying together the fragmented series that includes the Hunter and Saviour variations, resulting in a must-have for anybody whoâs enjoyed the titles from the past.
Itâs definitely not for everyone however; those whoâve bought a sexy new PSP just to show off its fancy visuals and technology will wander what all the fuss is about.
