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."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Capcom Arcade Stadium features a solid collection of classic arcade games, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of retro gaming.
- The emulation quality is excellent, with modern features like rewind, save states, and customizable display options enhancing gameplay.
- The ability to purchase games individually allows players to choose titles that interest them without committing to a full bundle.
- The addition of Enigma DRM has raised concerns among players about security and performance issues, leading to frustration and uninstalls.
- The user interface is often criticized for being confusing and unintuitive, making navigation and exiting games a hassle.
- The pricing model is seen as steep, with many players feeling that the collection lacks sufficient content for the cost, especially given the absence of some beloved titles.
- music17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 24 % 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 reviewers express disappointment over the lack of a dedicated soundtrack listening option and the limited music offerings, feeling that recent compilations have strayed from better practices of the past. Some users do find a certain charm in the cheesy title screen song, but overall, the music aspect is seen as a significant drawback.
“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 (at selection) could be nice.”
“The presentation and the music, particularly the Billie Eilish tracks, are disappointing; I'd rather have anything else than what this is.”
“The title song is absolutely terrible.”
“Selling invincibility as a $0.99 DLC is pretty scummy, and having a small selection of music sold as 'mini-albums' is the worst thing I've ever seen.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics have received mixed reviews, with some praising their amazing quality and aesthetic appeal, while others criticize the lack of authentic artwork and custom models, describing them as generic and bland. Users also noted issues with slow performance on lower-end machines and a menu design that may not appeal to those accustomed to simpler interfaces. Overall, while the graphics can be visually impressive, they fall short in authenticity and customization options.
“The graphics are amazing and the games are easy to play.”
“+ fantastic aesthetic”
“(2) cabinets should have authentic artwork”
“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.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The optimization of Capcom games has come under heavy criticism due to the retroactive addition of performance-hindering DRM, which leads to stuttering, crashing, and overall poor system performance. Users report that this DRM behaves like malware, failing virus checks and negatively affecting gameplay, particularly on devices like laptops and Steam Decks. As a result, many reviewers strongly advise against purchasing these games.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay experience is enhanced by a variety of modes, including a competitive '1 credit' score challenge with online leaderboards, special challenges, and regular gameplay options. While there were initial frame drop issues, these have been resolved, and features like rewind, save states, and speed-up options significantly improve accessibility and enjoyment. Overall, the game offers a well-structured interface and a rich selection of visual and gameplay options, making it engaging for players.
“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.”
“There are some weird frame drops that I have noticed on games that I am familiar with that will hopefully get fixed, but more of a nuisance to me is the modern UI being overlaid on top of the gameplay area when not using the 3D view of the arcade cabinets.”
“There are features like challenges and gameplay rewind that almost feel like they should be standard by now.”
“The implementation of rewind and save states makes virtually any entry accessible, and the ability to speed up gameplay helps the more sluggish inclusions get much needed play time.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the value of the DLCs for the price, while others criticize it as a cash grab reminiscent of poor-quality ports. There is a debate over the presence of microtransactions, with some arguing that the model is more akin to traditional arcade practices rather than exploitative modern tactics. Overall, opinions vary on whether the pricing structure is fair or a money-making scheme.
“Arcades invented microtransactions, and they still did it better and more fairly than modern games. Getting good meant not paying as much.”
“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.”
“Arcades invented microtransactions, and they still did it better and more fairly than modern games.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the enjoyment derived from the absurdity of "complaining complainers," which resonates with players' nostalgic experiences. Many reviewers express a lighthearted anticipation of sharing these co-op games with future generations, emphasizing the joy and laughter they bring.
“Laughing 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!”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report that the launcher is extremely slow, particularly on machines with integrated graphics, leading to a frustrating experience.
“The launcher is grindingly slow to even get that far on a machine with integrated graphics.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story has captivated players so much that many are eager to replay it, particularly on the Steam version, indicating a strong narrative that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its perfect emulation of a bustling arcade, showcasing the developers' dedication to recreating an authentic experience with a variety of display options.
“It's clear a lot of love went into making sure these games were emulated perfectly and to recreate the atmosphere of a bustling arcade.”
“Perfect emulation, tons of display options, excellent atmosphere.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's strong replayability, noting its rich content and engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“That said, it's an excellent trip to the past, with a good amount of content and tons of replayability.”
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%
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