Capcom Arcade Stadium
- May 24, 2021
- CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Capcom Arcade Stadium is a staggeringly good port of many solid games, breathing new life into them with unique challenges and through a robust suite of difficulty options.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Capcom Arcade Stadium offers 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and 31 other classic Capcom games, from shooters to fighting games. Customizable display settings and new features like gameplay rewind, speed adjustment, and online leaderboards enhance the retro arcade experience. Every game is saveable/loadable, providing a fresh take on these timeless favorites."
Reviews
- The collection features a great selection of classic Capcom arcade games, providing a nostalgic experience for fans.
- The emulation quality is excellent, with responsive controls and features like rewind and save states enhancing gameplay.
- The ability to purchase games individually allows players to choose titles they are interested in without committing to the entire collection.
- The addition of Enigma DRM has raised concerns about security and performance issues, leading some players to uninstall the game.
- The user interface is confusing and not intuitive, making it difficult for players to navigate and exit games.
- Many players feel the pricing model is unfair, with complaints about the cost of individual games and the lack of online multiplayer options.
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in this product has received largely negative feedback, with users criticizing the quality and selection, particularly calling out the title song and the inclusion of contemporary pop tracks. Many feel that the music detracts from the overall experience, and there is a desire for more customizable options, such as the ability to change the background music. Some users noted that while certain tracks have grown on them, the overall direction of the music choices is disappointing compared to past compilations.
“And oh, that super cheesy talk-box song from the trailer/title screen is starting to grow on me.”
“Many compilation games of the past would've included a side mode with a soundtrack listening option and concept art, and I must say I don't like the direction many recent classic retro game packs are taking.”
“The only thing I miss is the ability to change the intro and background music. Maybe hearing a 'real' sound effect with the sounds of the machines instead of music during selection could be nice.”
“There are some things that are fun about this product, but the presentation and the music, particularly the Billie Eilish tracks, are disappointing. I'd rather have anything else than what this is.”
“However, the title song is a complete disaster.”
“Many compilation games of the past would have included a side mode with a soundtrack listening option and concept art, and I must say I don't like the direction many recent classic retro game packs are taking.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising their quality and ease of play, while others criticized the lack of authentic artwork and the presence of generic designs. Users noted that the menu design may be overwhelming for those accustomed to simpler interfaces, and performance issues were highlighted on lower-end machines. Overall, while the graphics are considered acceptable, they fall short of expectations for authenticity and customization.
“The graphics are amazing and the games are easy to play.”
“Don't care for the pseudo-arcade machine visuals, but also it doesn't really bother me all that much either.”
“Ok ports, acceptable controls, passable graphics, less than stellar pricing model.”
“The launcher is grindingly slow to even get that far on a machine with integrated graphics.”
“My main gripe is you cannot make the machines look as they actually did, no original artwork, no custom models, just generic bland trash.”
“(2) cabinets should have authentic artwork.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users express significant frustration with the optimization of games, particularly due to the introduction of performance-hindering DRM by Capcom. Many report issues such as stuttering, crashing, and overall poor system performance, especially on devices like laptops and Steam Decks. The consensus is a strong recommendation against purchasing Capcom games that include this problematic DRM.
“There are some cool games here, but since Capcom went and retroactively added performance-killing DRM to a game that has already been out for a couple of years, I can't recommend this.”
“Don't support this - I do not recommend buying Capcom games with DRM that impact performance.”
“Now I can't even play my games without stuttering or crashing.”
“DRM fails multiple virus checks, impacts system performance (would explain the sudden issues I've been having of late), and acts as malware.”
“Capcom are retrospectively adding DRM to their games which significantly impacts performance and is likely to prevent previously Steam Deck certified games from being playable.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the value of the DLCs for their price, while others criticize it as a cash grab, likening it to poor practices seen in other games. There is a sentiment that the game’s approach to microtransactions is more fair compared to modern standards, but the overall perception leans towards dissatisfaction with the pricing model.
“The monetization model in this game is fair and doesn't feel exploitative.”
“I appreciate that the DLCs provide long-term value and enhance the gameplay experience.”
“The game offers a balanced approach to monetization, allowing players to enjoy it without feeling pressured to spend.”
“For each DLC, you are literally paying for free play of a game forever.”
“I bought all the DLCs for around $40, and there are so few games for that price; it really is a cash grab.”
“All of you saying this game has microtransactions don't know what microtransactions even are.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers a variety of engaging modes, including a competitive '1 credit' score challenge with online leaderboards and unique special challenges. While emulation and core gameplay are generally solid, some users noted previous frame drops and a distracting modern UI overlay, though these issues appear to have been resolved. Additionally, features like gameplay rewind enhance the experience, making it feel more contemporary.
“Each game has a very entertaining '1 credit' score challenge mode (with online scoreboard), plus variable special challenge modes, as well as regular gameplay modes.”
“Emulation and gameplay seems fine so far.”
“There are some weird frame drops that I have noticed on games that I am familiar with, which were a nuisance to me. Additionally, the modern UI being overlaid on top of the gameplay area when not using the 3D view of the arcade cabinets is quite distracting.”
“There are features like challenges and gameplay rewind that almost feel like they should be standard by now.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the amusing portrayal of "complaining complainers," which resonates with players' nostalgic experiences. Additionally, the anticipation of sharing these co-op games with future generations adds a lighthearted and sentimental touch to the overall enjoyment.
“I laughed so much at the complaining complainers.”
“The games play the way I remember them, which is enough for me, and I look forward to the day when my kids might humor me and play some of the co-op games in the collection with me!”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game to be notably slow, particularly criticizing the launcher for its sluggish performance on machines with integrated graphics.
“The launcher is grindingly slow to even get that far on a machine with integrated graphics.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a strong desire to replay the game, indicating that the story is engaging and compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
Critic Reviews
Capcom Arcade Stadium review
Capcom Arcade Stadium features 32 games that remind you just how good some of the old classics are. There's something for everyone, and although they're all relatively old, some still hold up today.
80%Capcom Arcade Stadium Review
What keeps Capcom Arcade Stadium of having a perfect score, is the lack of Online Multiplayer and certain beloved games, that would otherwise elevate this title to new heights. That said, it's an excellent trip to the past, with a good amount of content and tons of replayability. Certainly, a way of reminding us old-schoolers why we loved Capcom in first place and how empty our wallets were due to their arcade dominance. The Nintendo Switch received another great entry to its already big roster.
80%Capcom Arcade Stadium Review
Viewed as a traditional 32 game retro collection, there's value in journeying through PS4 Capcom Arcade Stadium's history from 1984 to 2001. It's a pleasure to revel in the origins of CP System, as it evolved from CPS-1 to CPS-2. There's a celebratory feel in the balance between Pack 1 and 2's popular hits, alongside Pack 3's cult favourites, plus targeting leaderboards to achieve Timed and Score Challenges is addictive when earning CASPO to reach a higher Class. As Zac Zinger's infectious song, A Brand New Day, plays over Capcom Arcade Stadium's title screen, there's a party vibe to dancing between game selections, especially when discovering Pack 3's superb, less widely available shmups like CAVE's Progear.
80%
