Darkstalkers Resurrection

Darkstalkers Resurrection is a 2013 video game developed by Iron Galaxy Studios and published by Capcom. It is a compilation of Capcom's two classic 2D fighting games in the of the series by the same game. The game features HD visuals, online multiplayer, replay sharing, and various options to customize the gameplay experience. But how does this old-school fighter hold up in the modern era? Let's find out.

The Dark Side of Fighting Games

The Darkstalkers series is known for its unique and colorful cast of characters inspired by horror and fantasy tropes. You can choose from vampires, werewolves, zombies, succubi, mummies, mermaids, and more. Each character has their own distinctive fighting style and special moves that reflect their personality and theme. For example, Morrigan can fly and shoot fireballs from her wings, Anakaris can stretch his limbs and summon sarcophagi, and Felicia can scratch and pounce like a cat.

The gameplay is fast-paced and fluid, with smooth animations and responsive controls. The game offers four different modes: Arcade Mode, where you fight against CPU opponents; Versus Mode, where you can play against another player locally; Online Mode, where you can challenge players from around the world; and Training Mode, where you can practice your skills and combos. The game also has a Tutorial Mode that teaches you the basics of each character and their mechanics.

One of the most notable features of Darkstalkers Resurrection is its HD graphics option. You can choose to play with either the original pixelated sprites or with a filter that smooths out the edges and adds some shading effects. You can also adjust the screen size and aspect ratio to suit your preference. The game also has an option to display various artworks and information on the sides of the screen to fill up the empty space.

How Does It Compare to Other Fighters?

Darkstalkers Resurrection is a faithful port of two arcade classics that still hold up well today. However, it may not appeal to everyone who is used to more modern fighting games. The game has a relatively simple system compared to other Capcom fighters like Street Fighter or Marvel vs Capcom. There are no super meters or tag teams here; instead, you have to rely on your timing and execution to pull off powerful moves.

The game also has a steep learning curve for newcomers who are not familiar with the characters or their movesets. Some characters have complex inputs that require precise motions or button presses. Some moves are also very situational or hard to use effectively. For example, Lord Raptor's Death Hurricane requires you to rotate the joystick 360 degrees twice while pressing punch; Bishamon's Enma Ishi requires you to press down twice while holding kick; and Hsien-Ko's Henkyo Ki requires you to input different directions depending on which weapon you want to throw.

The online mode of Darkstalkers Resurrection is decent but not perfect. The game uses GGPO netcode which reduces lag and allows for smooth matches most of the time. However, there are still some issues with matchmaking and connection quality that may affect your enjoyment. The game also lacks some features that are common in other online fighters such as spectator mode or lobby chat.

Review: 8/10

Darkstalkers Resurrection is a great way to experience two classic fighting games that have been largely overlooked by many gamers. It offers a lot of fun and challenge for fans of old-school fighters who appreciate its quirky characters and gameplay mechanics. It also has some nice options to enhance its presentation and accessibility for modern audiences.

Pros:

• Unique and colorful cast of characters
• Fast-paced and fluid gameplay
• HD graphics option
• Online multiplayer with GGPO netcode
• Replay sharing

Cons:

• Relatively simple system compared to other fighters
• Steep learning curve for newcomers
• Some issues with online mode
• Lack of spectator mode or lobby chat