Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2

"Digital Eclipse rectifies all the issues of Volume 1. Capcom arcade fanatics would be proud."

The original Capcom Classic Collection (CCC) on the PS2 (which actually applies to the XBOX also) left me less than impressed.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who was disappointed with CCC. Although a lot of reviewers were overjoyed with having so many Capcom classic games at a budget price, some fans were vocal enough that Digital Eclipse decided to rectify the omissions.

The new line up is truly excellent and versatile. Not only that is shows the originality of Digital Eclipse's choice of titles. I am more than satisfied by this compilation.

Just like the original CCC, by completing certain objectives you can unlock individual game history and background , tips and advice on how to excel in a particular game, exclusive wonderful official conceptual artwork and arcade flyers from Capcom of Japan, and original remixed musical arrangements of classic BGMS.

As far as gameplay, it is down right perfect, exactly like the arcade as I remember it. Digital Eclipse kept everything intact, so don't expect to easily pull off Hadoukens and Shoryukens in Street Fighter with minimum effort and just expect to breeze through the game. Certain games may move slightly faster or have sharper A.I. in this compilation but I haven't noticed it. The graphics looks excellent to me on a regular 27" television without high definition and using composite cables with low resolution graphics, and the games still look amazing.

Four player games like Captain Commando and King of Dragons run extremely smoothly as do the 3 player simultaneous games like Knights of the Round. There isn't a hint of slowdown anywhere, and if it is there it was present in the original arcade game as far as I remember.

As far as bonuses, this supersedes the original CCC and Capcom Generations series in every way.

In CCC Volume 2 there is an actual tutorial on how to play Super Street Fighter II Turbo according to your skill level, ranging from Beginner, Intermediate, to Advanced. The documentary is well explained as is each technique. Usually expert combo videos are included in Japanese Limited Edition packages, so it's it's extremely nice that Digital Eclipse went out of their way to do this.

The best bonus I can see for purchasing this game by any Capcom fanboy is the Capcom Quiz & Dragons "remix" of the original arcade game. This special version focuses on all type of trivia in the Capcom universe and is extremely fun if you are a Capcom nerd. You can adjust the difficulty of the questions also, ranging from casual knowledge to extreme hardcore obscure trivia.

The presentation has also improved immensely. There is no more sloppy presentation like it's predecessor. CCC Volume 2 definitely is more pleasing to the eye and easier to navigate.

Overall this game compilation is perfect. Not only for the games themselves, but for the extras, especially the special Capcom Quiz and Dragons game.

*Positives:*

- MUCH more diverse and eclectic range of arcade games from Capcom's catalog, representing true classics like Strider and Captain Commando. This represents more of the "true" arcade classics.

- Street Fighter. The original 1987 game has finally made it home to a console, arcade perfect in all of it's glory.

-Three and Four player simultaneous gameplay is pure bliss. No slowdown or loading times whatsoever.

- Like it's predecessor, it is value priced. Capcom fans should snatch this up without question. At $19.99 it is almost like stealing, you should pay Digital Eclipse extra for all the extra value you are getting.

*Negatives (extremely trivial):*

- For Quiz & Dragons (regular): at least offer us the option of Japanese graphics. For those who weren't aware there were two COMPLETELY different editions, one for Japan with completely redrawn anime graphics for the heroes and enemies . It would have been excellent if they let us choose which art style we wanted to use.

-Cheats. They are EXTREMELY limited. And by limited I mean only ONE cheat per game. But I guess that is better than nothing. Usually other arcade emulators offer tons of more cheats than what is presented in CCC Volume 2.

*Overall: DEFINITELY PURCHASE. NOW!*

I have nothing else to say. It's as if Digital Eclipse answered my prayers and delivered an extremely worthy compilation that steals the spot light from even those who own the actual arcade machines. I can't stop raving about the Capcom Special Edition of Quiz & Dragons.

To my fellow Capcom fanboys and fangirls: buy this right now without hesitation. It's only $19.99, and it's improved a thousand times over it's predecessor, and no matter which arcade emulator you own, nothing beats the Special Capcom edition of Quiz & Dragons.

Digital Eclipse, hopefully there is a Capcom Classics Collection Volume 3 in your future. If not, this compilation more than exceeded my expectations. Congratulations.

To sum up this compilation in one word: Perfection.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/09/07