Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium

60%
Game Brain Score Based on 344 reviews
  • optimization
  • gameplay
  • music
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium Game Cover
A densely-packed compilation that helps fill the void left behind by the death of retro arcades.
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"Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium" is a collection of 32 classic arcade games from Capcom, including popular titles such as "Final Fight," "Strider," and "Ghouls 'n Ghosts." This anthology allows players to experience these iconic games with added features such as save states, display options, and online leaderboards. Both seasoned gamers and newcomers can enjoy the nostalgia and challenge of Capcom's arcade legacy.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

60%
Audience ScoreBased on 344 reviews
replayability2 positive mentions
optimization4 negative mentions
  • The collection offers a nostalgic trip with classic Capcom arcade games, providing a great way to relive childhood memories.
  • Features like rewind, save states, and customizable controls enhance the gameplay experience, making it more accessible to modern audiences.
  • The graphics and emulation quality are well done, capturing the essence of the original arcade experience.
  • Many users report significant startup issues and crashes, making the game unplayable on various systems.
  • The pricing model is criticized for being a cash grab, with only one free game available and others sold as expensive DLC.
  • The user interface is described as confusing and bloated, detracting from the overall experience of navigating the arcade collection.
  • optimization17 mentions

    The optimization of the games has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues attributed to newly implemented DRM, including stuttering and reduced frame rates. While some players claim to have experienced no noticeable performance degradation, a substantial number express frustration over the retroactive addition of DRM that seems to negatively impact gameplay, particularly on PC. Overall, the consensus leans towards recommending console versions to avoid these performance-related problems.

    • “For what it's worth, I have played numerous Capcom games over the last few months and have noticed absolutely zero difference in performance in the games that I have played.”
    • “Again, this was added months ago, and nobody started claiming that their performance plummeted until after the news about the DRM spread and it had already been installed for months.”
    • “I recommend buying these games on consoles where your performance is not hampered by DRM.”
    • “A great selection of games marred by terrible performance.”
    • “This DRM decreases game performance by 15 fps, causes frequent stuttering, and blocks modding.”
    • “Capcom is retrospectively adding DRM to their games which significantly impacts performance and is likely to prevent previously Steam Deck certified games from being playable.”
  • gameplay13 mentions

    The gameplay in Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a blend of classic arcade experiences enhanced with modern features like rewind mechanics, save states, and speed adjustments, making it both nostalgic and accessible. While the collection offers a diverse range of titles with unique challenges, some players express frustration over potential gameplay loss and competitive imbalances. Overall, the package is designed to engage players with customizable visuals and online leaderboards, though it may not appeal to everyone.

    • “This collection features fan favorites and lesser-known gems alike, wrapped in a modern package with gameplay enhancements that make revisiting these timeless titles feel as exciting as ever.”
    • “The heart of Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium lies in its diverse collection of classic arcade games, each offering its own unique challenges and gameplay style.”
    • “The gameplay stays true to its original design, but modern quality-of-life features elevate the experience: rewind mechanics let you fix mistakes instantly, save states allow you to pause and resume anytime, and speed adjustments give you the power to control the pace of play.”
    • “In a game that encourages grinding and playing for several days straight (one of the achievements asks you to boot the game for five days in a row), it can be very demoralizing to lose 7 hours of gameplay for no specific reason, but it becomes really annoying if it happens a second time.”
    • “It's pretty frustrating in my opinion when someone works hard and is tenacious enough at the game to rank highly only to have some clown with 10 hours of gameplay magically rack up 4 billion points.”
    • “Thoughts: after 38 hours of gameplay, I can say that this package might not be for everyone.”
  • music12 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it loud and obnoxious, reminiscent of an arcade atmosphere, while others feel it fails to capture the essence of classic arcade tunes. The menu music and theme song have been particularly criticized, with many users expressing disappointment in their quality. Overall, while the sound effects may accurately reflect an arcade experience, the music does not stand out and leaves players wanting more.

    • “Probably the best retro arcade cabinet gaming compilation existent, the music video makes this compilation totally worth the purchase.”
    • “You have a virtual arcade to which you're locked on a selection screen while hyped-up techno music and flashy lights fill the room as well as your eyes.”
    • “Imagine a party with music blaring out into the streets along with lights illuminating even the darkest of shadows.”
    • “Lastly, I have not found a way to pause the game and the music is not great (it's loud and obnoxious like being in an arcade, which I guess is the point?) Not a fan.”
    • “The theme song is garbage.”
    • “I can at least say the music and sound effects do accurately represent those you'd hear in an arcade, but once again, they don't really stand out.”
  • graphics11 mentions

    The graphics in this collection offer a blend of customizable features, including scanline filters and aspect ratio adjustments, evoking a nostalgic feel while maintaining modern gameplay elements. However, some titles, like Sf6, have been criticized for poor visuals, leading players to seek fixes through external means. Overall, while there are notable enhancements in some areas, many feel that the graphical improvements are minimal and do not significantly elevate the gaming experience.

    • “Players can tailor their visuals to their liking with scanline filters, aspect ratio adjustments, and screen effects that simulate the glow of old-school monitors.”
    • “With gameplay-enhancing features, customizable visuals, and online leaderboards to keep you engaged, this collection feels both classic and fresh.”
    • “Fast game with modern-day graphics with easy controls that moves from location A to B to C and so on.”
    • “Sf6 has the ugliest visuals of all time.”
    • “Now I have to use something in my graphics card or a hack to fix it.”
    • “These games could have been released as extras for Capcom Stadium 1 since there is little to no improvements in graphics, customization, or playability.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization strategy in the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with some users expressing disappointment over the lack of a more engaging UI system. While there are complaints about microtransactions, they are not viewed as excessively exploitative compared to other games.

    • “This isn't 'microtransactions' in the way that deserves to be reviled and buried in an unmarked grave.”
    • “I believe Capcom made a mistake here; it's a simple cash grab. It would have been so much better to have a menu UI system where you could have multiple arcade rooms and place various cabinets inside them. This would have countered the excuses of lag and performance, if those excuses are to be believed.”
    • “I'm still working on my review for the first one, but I noticed there were lots of people complaining about microtransactions and similar issues.”
    • “This isn't microtransactions in a way that deserves to be reviled and buried in an unmarked grave.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Players find that challenges and leaderboards enhance replayability, while the availability of mods significantly boosts the longevity and enjoyment of the games.

    • “The challenges and leaderboard also add plenty of replay value.”
    • “Mods greatly improve games, increasing their replayability.”
  • stability2 mentions

    The game's stability is severely criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, a broken and sluggish selection screen, and issues with game loading, leading to an overall frustrating experience. Many recommend avoiding the game altogether, even at a low price.

    • “Can't even play the game; it freezes constantly.”
    • “Save your money, even if it's only a few dollars. The selection screen is broken, buggy, and slow, and the games don't load.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing glitches, such as a player landing awkwardly after being knocked out, and the irony of prioritizing subpar 3D backgrounds over essential features like online multiplayer and crossplay. Overall, the humor seems to stem from both technical mishaps and the developers' questionable design choices.

    • “The emulation appears to be solid so far, save for an embarrassing SF glitch where the knocked-out player lands two screen inches above the ground - funny stuff!”
    • “It's also funny that you've prioritized some ugly 3D arcade backgrounds to eat resources instead of giving those games proper online multiplayer with crossplay.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game both essential and frustrating, as it requires extensive time investment, with some achievements demanding consecutive days of play. The potential for losing significant progress, such as seven hours of gameplay, adds to the demoralizing experience, especially if it occurs multiple times.

    • “In a game that encourages grinding and playing for several days straight (one of the achievements asks you to boot the game for five days in a row), it can be very demoralizing to lose 7 hours of gameplay for no specific reason. It becomes really annoying if it happens a second time.”
    • “The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged. I often find myself questioning if it's worth the time investment.”
    • “While I understand that grinding is part of the game, the sheer amount required to progress feels excessive and detracts from the overall enjoyment.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a wholesome and consumer-friendly approach, highlighting the diverse collection of games that resonate positively with players.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

Buy Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium

Play time

10hMedian play time
18hAverage play time
7-38hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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