Capcom's lesser known gem of a fighting series is back. The Darkstalkers have risen from the dead on the PSP, and they are more fun than ever. For those who are unfamiliar with the series, \Darkstalkers"" is one of Capcom's 2D fighting franchises. It always lived in ""Street Fighter's"" shadow, but has enjoyed a cult following for its monstrous characters, gorgeous animation and over-the-top fighting action.
This new ""Darkstalkers"" is really just a glorious amalgamation of the older games. Just about everything from the previous titles is included. Every character ever seen in the series is playable, and new ones have been included as well. Players can choose to use the rules from any of the three previous games and can even customize a mix of their own fighting rules.
The single-player mode will keep players entertained for at least a few hours. Capcom provided the standard arcade and practice modes as well as the unexpectedly entertaining new tower mode. In tower mode, the player chooses three fighters and pits them against an increasingly difficult group of challenges-even seasoned 2-D fighting veterans will be tested by the mode's later battles.
Multiplayer is where the game really shines. Whether it is a one-on-one duel, or a four-player round robin tournament, ""Darkstalkers"" delivers highly entertaining multiplayer mayhem. ""Darkstalkers"" uses the PSP's wireless capabilities for an excellent fighting experience.
The game only has one major problem, and it's a massive one. The PSP's D-pad simply isn't suited to the kind of intense action Darkstalkers dishes out. Trying to execute a complex special move is like trying to build a house of cards in the dark. Players will find themselves beat down by the computer over and over again until they realize that not using special moves is actually a more effective method for winning. The diehard arcade fans will definitely be disappointed with ""Chaos Tower"" and should look elsewhere if they are looking for an ideal 2D fighting experience.
Graphically, ""Darkstalkers"" is a flat-out champ. The character sprites are spectacularly animated and their special moves look downright punishing-that is, if you can manage to execute them.
The background artists should be commended for their creations, as each arena is just as beautiful as it is outlandish-the final battle has players duking it out in front of ""the ultimate lifeform;"" a gigantic fetus with its brain on the outside.
Even during the most hectic of battles, the PSP's processor handles the action like a champ, so slowdown is non-existant. The sound is better than average as well, delivering the standard grunts and smacks of the fighting genre over some surprisingly good background music.
Overall, ""Darkstalkers"" is another fine specimen of 2D fighting goodness from Capcom. It is the best and, at the moment, only, fighting game on the PSP. Despite issues with the control, ""Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower"" is the best portable fighting experience to date.
