Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadiumhas finally come out, offering a variety ofarcade gamesfrom theJapanese developers’ vaults. This time around, the offerings are a little more modern, like all three arcade versions of theStreet Fighter Alphaseries, and all the main entries in theDarkstalkersseries. Just in case people missed theStreet Fighter 30th Anniversary CollectionandCapcom Fighting Collectionrespectively.
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However, the2nd Stadiumhas a few hidden gems in its roster that are worth picking up and playing. These blasts from the past may be less heralded than the likes ofGhouls N’ GhostsorFinal Fightyet offer just as much fun. So, for anyone willing to give2nd Stadiuma go, here are the obscure offerings to look out for.
8Gun.Smoke
The period is there to let people know it has nothing to do with the vintage Western seriesGunsmoke. The game was fairly popular back in the day, gaining home ports on the NES, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Famicom Disk System, and more. It’s a vertical shooter where the player controls a bounty hunter called Billy Bob, who has to dodge obstacles and shoot bad guys as he tracks down the bosses.
One shot is all it takes to kill Billy Bob, but he can get a horse to give him an extra 2 hits, boots as a speed-up, rifles to extend his range, and bullets for faster shots. The yashichi, Capcom’s recurring power-up item, gives him an extra life but be careful not to get the cattle skull. It makes Billy’s shots weaker.
7Avengers
Between makingKung Fu Masterand the originalStreet Fighter, Takashi Nishiyama helped produce this brawler. Players pick from either Ryu or Ko as they fight through Paradise City to save 6 girls from the dastardly Geshita. So far it sounds rather standard, like an olderFinal FightorDouble Dragon.Unlike those games, it’s played from a top-down perspective likeGun.Smoke. Players can get power-ups to boost their speed or regain health, as well as weapons like shurikens, nunchaku, and a Super Punch to knock bigger foes down.
There’s even a little exploration involved, as each level has a hidden area players can break into at the sides of the screen. Nishiyama is perhaps better known nowadays for creating theFatal FuryandArt of Fightingseries for SNK. Capcom didn’t forget him though. They usedAvengers’ Japanese title, Hisshou Buraiken, for one ofDan Hibiki’s super movesin theStreet Fighter Alphaseries.
61943 Kai
The more well-known entries in the194Xshooter series were all on the firstCapcom Arcade Stadium, but2nd Stadium’s1943 Kaiis arguably the best. It’s a remade version of the original1943: The Battle of Midwaythat was only released in Japanese arcades back in 1987. It got a PC Engine port in 1991, then appeared in various Capcom compilations across the years.
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Many of its differences are cosmetic, like different colored enemies and levels, and the player’s classic P-38 plane is now an E75. Shocking, isn’t it? The game only has 10 levels compared to the original version’s 16. However, the game offers more challenge as a result, with harder AI and sturdier enemies. Mercifully, the game offers a new power-up with the Laser weapon that can pierce their shells better than the old Autogun option. It’s a treat for shmup fans and veterans.
5Black Tiger
For some reason, this game went from being calledBlack Dragonin Japan toBlack Tigerin the West. It’s an odd change, as the game’s barbarian hero has to save the land from three evil dragons. Still, whatever it’s called, it’s a good hack n’slash platformer with some lovely visuals and effects. The player moves in multiple directions à laBionic Commandoacross 8 levels, each filled with enemies with one boss each.
They can slice up their foes, or blast them from afar, as they go on their way. Though it’s worth exploring the level for some old men. Once saved they can reward the player with extra ‘zenny’ to buy power-ups that boost attack, add extra armor, protect against poison, or give the player more time or lives to get through the game. That, or they give ‘advice’, but the possible perks are worth the search.
4Knights Of The Round
Back in the day,Knights of the Roundactually managed to outperformStreet Fighter 2: The World Warrior. Albeit briefly. It’s asidescrolling beat ‘em upthat supports up to 3 players, who can choose between King Arthur and his knights Lancelot and Perceval as they fight to save Britain from the evil King Garibaldi.
Players slice their way through 7 levels, mixing strikes with blocks (back+Attack) to hurt foes, or lull them into dropping their guard. If that wasn’t technical enough for a brawler, the characters can level up as they fight, gaining extra armor, better ranged attacks, and new looks. In more familiar territory, there areFinal Fight-esque special attacks that drain a little health in favor of striking multiple foes, and a few sections where the characters can ride on horses like inDynasty Wars.
3Saturday Night Slam Masters
Speaking ofFinal Fight, this fighting game/wrestling game mix features Mike Haggar before he became Mayor of Metro City. Players can pick him or 7 other characters as they brawl their way to the top of the ladder. Then, if they can beat the notorious Scorpion (not that one), they can become champion of the CPWA (Capcom Pro-Wrestling Association).
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It’s a 3-button fighter; grab, attack, and jump, which is a little simpler compared to the 6-button affairs inStreet FighterandDarkstalkers. The player can use all three or use their player’s special attacks and finishing moves to cut their foe’s health down. Once their health bar is empty, the player can pin them or make them submit to win the match. The game offers a Single Match, which is basically Arcade Mode, or Team Battle Royale, where up to 4 players can take each other on in a tag match. Or 1-2 people against the CPU if some friends are a no-show.
2Megaman: The Power Battle
Marvel Vs Capcom3caused a stir when it became the first, and only, entry in theMvCseries to not feature a Megaman. They tried to rectify this with using X inMarvel Vs Capcom: Infinite, though that game had problems well beyond which Blue Bomber to use. Though well before Capcom had Marvel fight their roster, they putMegamanand his friends in their own fighting game. Sort of.
Players pick betweenMegaman, Protoman, or Bass, then pick a ‘story’ where they take on a series of Robot Masters from all the classic games up toMegaman 7. They can still get special weapons after beating them, and other Robot Masters are still weak to one weapon or another. Only now a friend can join in as a second player, and players can double-team their foes from beginning to end.
1Megaman 2: The Power Fighters
Megaman: The Power Battleis seen more as a curio today, but it was pretty popular at the time. Enough to get a sequel at any rate.Megaman 2: The Power Fightershas the same gameplay, only there’s now 4 playable characters: Megaman, Protoman, Bass, andDuo fromMegaman 8. There are 3 stories to choose from, but they’re now original tales like ‘Collect all the missing parts’, ‘Save Roll’, and ‘Find Dr Wily’.
Players still take on various Robot Masters, who are trickier now with their ‘Overdrive’ mode when they take more damage. Luckily, Megaman and co now have some special moves they can pull off to inflict more hurt, as well as special summons to give them a boost. Megaman gets help from Rush, Bass gets Treble to shoot extra plasma shots alongside him, and both Protoman and Duo get Beat to give them an invincible shield for a bit.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadiumis available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One
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