Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower

Gaming Age

Besides being a beautiful translation of one of Capcom’s best fighting game series, it is quite possibly the best handheld fighting game ever created.

Gamezilla!

It's reproducing essentially the same game we've played for years in the arcades on a handheld using that can literally fit in your pocket. And it performs well too, without any graphical slowdown that I could notice.

VGPub

I haven’t been this satisfied from a fighting game since "Super Smash Bros. Melee."

1UP

Flashy, fun, and playable -- albeit in slightly handicapped form -- this fantastic compilation is superior in many ways to Capcom's own superlative "Street Fighter Anniversary Collection," and sets an early standard for handheld 2D fighters.

GameZone

I am really enjoying playing this title. The little movies you can watch about the characters, the Illustrations you unlock as you fight your way up the tower, the werewolf that latches on to you and starts spilling blood like it was cheap beer.

PSX Extreme

Graphically, this game is a treat. The backgrounds are colorful and depict a wide range of "horrific" settings--ancient castles, gothic villages, bubbling swamps, those kinds of Tim Burton-esque things.

GameSpot

Probably the best portable fighting game ever made.

eToychest

With a ton of extras, a full cast of Darkstalkers characters, and an excellent multiplayer network mode, Capcom really pulled out all the stops for this game. Minor complaints could be made—such as the PSP's stiff directional pad and some noticeable load times—but fighting fans on the go will be more than pleased with this product.

Game Informer

It's smoother, prettier, and features a new Tower mode that rewards players with unlockable art based on the franchise's history. [May 2005, p.130]

Play Magazine

A pixel-precise 2D fighting gmae that builds upon its "Street Fighter" roots. [May 2005, p.68]

Total Video Games

It does an excellent job of tying together the fragmented series that includes the Hunter and Saviour variations, resulting in a must-have for anybody who’s enjoyed the titles from the past.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

We’ve also learned that its d-pad isn’t kind to the thumb when playing beat ‘em ups.

PSX Nation

Extensive loading times aside (understandable given the insane amount of animation frames on display) Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower does the classic 2D fighting genre justice.

PSM Magazine

While definitely dated, Darkstalkers' graphics have never looked better. [June 2005, p.83]

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Handsome in motion but PSP's D-pad stops it being more than a pretty face. [GamesMaster]

PALGN

The game itself won't last as long as we hoped it would. Yes, there's wireless multiplayer and yes, it's a nice addition to the game, but without this, this game would only really be worth a rental.

Gamestyle

Wonderful character design, superb visuals and old-school gameplay all unite to form an excellent PSP title.

AceGamez

The characters are going to be recognised and enjoyed by fans of the Darkstalkers series, while newcomers are going to find an interesting and unique bunch of opponents, wrapped up in twisted visuals and some nice sound.

GameSpy

The only major problem, and I'm afraid it's a big one, is the control. The PSP D-pad is not so hot, and it's particularly poor for inputting the fast, precise commands required by a 2D fighting game.

games(TM)

Only the hardcore fans will have to have it, and they’re the ones most likely to end up disappointed. [Feb 2005, p.116]

IGN

If developers were able to port some of the console features to PSP, they should have taken the time to make sure that the controls translated as well.

Game Revolution

Good, classic gameplay makes up for what it lacks in originality and its few flaws are relatively minor, resulting in one of Capcom’s better ideas.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Although Darkstalkers doesn't really possess a level of depth that hardcore fighting fans can appreciate, there's still an inherent layer of novelty in playing an arcade-quality fighting game on the go. [June 2005, p.100]

Edge Magazine

Even if the overall package is less than the sum of its parts, an arcade-perfect port of Vampire Saviour is impressive enough alone, and the PSP’s screen definition infuses the visuals with their original, unmistakable vibrancy. [Feb 2005, p.82]

Modojo

This is an extremely fast-paced fighting game that features no slowdown, highly-detailed characters and environments, and enough gameplay features to hold me over for quite some time.

NTSC-uk

It is a shame that what is a very solid launch title was marred by a few technical niggles. The control method and loading times must have deterred a number of gamers at the time, and thankfully Capcom and other developers such as Namco and Sammy are now able to work wonders with the hardware, even providing their own sticky D-pad thingies with releases.

G4 TV

While a new game with new characters and gameplay would of course have been preferable to a port, Darkstalkers Chronicles is still a solid and satisfying old-school portable fighting experience, with just the right amount of depth and all of the necessary features.