Capcom Generation 4

"Old-school commandos never go out of style....?"

Introduction

Before we get started, let me remind you that Capcom Generation 4 is straight-up NES and SNES. You'll find no innovation here, none whatsoever. At first, I was drooling at the idea of 3 classic army/cowboy shooters rolled onto one disk. But now that I have imported a copy, played through all 3 games a couple of times, checked out the included gallery and everything, I have come to a startling realization; these titles that we all loved oh so many years ago just aren't very much fun anymore.

Graphics

Okay, this game is essentially three 8 and 16-bit titles. Now if you were introduced to videogames during the 32-bit or above era, you will be disgusted. But if you have been a hardcore gamer since the 8-bit days, you'll sense a warm feeling of nostalgia by playing this game. Don't expect CG4 to push the PSX's graphics processor at all. At least there is no slowdown and pop-up like in some of today's shooters.

Gameplay

This game is standard commando game controls: Move around on foot with the D-pad, shoot, and throw grenades. Very simple, but easy to use. This game is honestly no challenge at all. Just run around holding on to the fire button. It's okay, though, you'll have fun with the 3-player SNES title the most. The other two you'll probably play through once and never bother playing again.

Sound

The sound and music is straight-up NES. Enough said.

Replay Value

You won't play the 1-player cowboy and commando games much, but the 3-player (buy a multi-tap now!) game is good, solid fun, worth 2 or 3 play-throughs with your friends at most (sort of like Fighting Force). Is the art gallery supposed to add replay value (ooh, let's look at Capcom artwork over and over again!)? The gallery will probably be viewed once, then never again.

Overall

This game is fun. not long-term Goldeneye fun, but short-term Fighting Force fun. The nostalgia is nice, just not worth over $30. Go buy it from that slick Asian guy at school/work with the burner and a copy of just about every game out there.

The Breakdown

Graphics: 4
Gameplay: 6
Sound: 5
Replay Value: 4
Overall: 5

*Tip: You might notice that The 3-player game has a pretty small screen. Go to options and change the TV screen setting to the other option that flips the screen on its side, full-screen mode. Now turn your TV on its side, plug in a multi-tap, and you good to go.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 12/10/00, Updated 12/10/00