apcom Classics Collection is full of 22 Capcom oldies, and most of them are top-notch. While we’re only allowed to talk about 12 of the titles, we still think you find plenty to get excited about. Nice touches abound like game instructions on load screens, a rapid fire toggle, screen stretching, the ability to save game settings and high scores, an art gallery, and remixed game soundtracks. And don’t forget to click on the game titles below to see videos of all the games.

1942 (1984)

So classic! This seminal World War II shooter is back in action and it rocks the Kasbah. Battle an endless array of enemy craft like huge bombers and crazy kamikaze biplanes. Watch out for the string of orange fighters because if you can blast them all you’ll get some great powerups like bigger shots or a couple of wingmen to help you out. The only thing that doesn’t really hold up over time is sparse music. It basically consists of one annoying note that sounds like a buzzsaw.

1943 (1987)

Only one year later and the Allies have completely revamped their war strategy. All of the little things are here like actual music, more detailed backgrounds, and 2-player simultaneous action (instead of 1942’s back and forth 2-player mode). Beware of the cloud cover this time around because you never know when an enemy fighter will pop out. Power-up attacks are greatly expanded, but now you have to deal with limited ammo. Also, your plane now has a life gauge so there’s more room for mistakes than with 1942’s one-hit kills.

Bionic Commando (1987)

The Bionic Commando will parachute into any danger no matter the odds. His upgradeable gun can mow down waves of purple soldiers and green insectoids, but like his Capcom cousin, Megaman, he can’t aim up or diagonally. Fortunately his bionic arm can fire off in any direction. Use it to stun enemies, cross chasms, climb buildings, and grab floating power-ups. It’s a little weird to get used to not having a jump button, but it doesn’t take long before you’re swinging through enemy bases like a champ.

Final Fight (1989)

Ever since the neutered SNES version of Final Fight came out in 1991 I’ve longed for a direct arcade port. Sure, there have been other versions on Sega CD, GBA, and the like. All I ever needed Capcom to do this whole time, however, was cut and paste the arcade code. It only took 16 years, but we finally got it. The original risqué boss names, level transition animations, all three main characters, and those short skirted back flipping girls are all welcomed back with open arms. Now if only Game Informer’s home state of Minnesota could elect a brawler politician like Mike Haggar… oh wait, nevermind.

Forgotten Worlds (1988)

Forgotten Worlds makes me think “flying Contra.” The main character floats from left to right and even has the no-shirt-blue-pants look going on. The really cool part about this game is you can actually aim separately from your movement controls with the right analog stick. You can also fly into a shop to buy health, permanent weapon upgrades, and better defense. I was actually quite surprise at the overall quality of this co-op title since I don’t ever remember seeing it in the arcades. Maybe Capcom should rename it “Forgotten Gem.”

Ghosts & Goblins (1985)

If you grew up playing games in the eighties, the name Ghosts & Goblins only brings one thought to mind – incredible challenge. Equipped with quite possibly the worst suit of armor ever constructed, our hero braves demons, zombies, and ogres to rescue his fair lady. Use a variety of lances, torches, and knives to slay the army of foul creatures. However, the game’s classic limitations are still here: no directional aiming, no shooting from ladders, limited jumping control, etc. But you just can’t stay mad at G&G when it’s still so much fun.

Ghouls & Ghosts (1988)

Without a cheat sheet does anyone really remember which of these games is which? All right, so what does three years of innovation bring? Our noble knight can thankfully shoot up, he can power-up to a golden suit of armor, and with his suit he can charge up a super attack i.e. a lightening storm. You’ll also notice that the animations and background received a big overhaul. Your character no longer runs like a crazy man, and intense wind effects will blow trees in the background. Be careful when opening chests, though. You never know when there’ll be a power-up inside or an evil magician waiting to change you into an old man or a duck.

Gunsmoke (1985)

Based on the ridiculously long-running television series, Gunsmoke, this wild west top-down shooter doesn’t let up from the get go. Aim towards the front, right, left, or even simultaneous left and right shots with the four face buttons. Blast open barrels to receive speed boosts and weapon power-ups. You can even summon a horse that will help you move faster and take a bullet for you, which is handy because much like the old west it only takes one bullet to kill a desperado. The huge downside of this game is the lack of two-player co-op. Gunsmoke could have been great with some more friendly fire onscreen.

Legendary Wings (1986)

Not even co-op play can save this piece of poop. Legendary Wings starts out with a weak top-down shooting element where you get rewarded with power-ups for slaying strings of enemies. A small targeting reticule in front of your winged hero allows you to line up ground bombing attacks, but you have to be laser precise because the explosion’s about as big as a Black Cat fire cracker. Wings tries to innovate with an alternate underground side scrolling element, however, horrible and sparse control options make this more of an excursive in frustration than anything else. Oh, and every time you lose three lives it automatically forces you to a high score screen to enter your name and then you finally get to the continue countdown. This gets old fast and really breaks up gameplay to the point that Wings will go straight to the “never played” file with many gamers.

Mercs (1990)

If you’ve ever played SNK’s Ikari Warriors you’ll feel right at home with Mercs. This title even features 3-player co-op! Blow up enemy soldiers, encampments, and vehicles in your quest to rescue the president. You can even hijack vehicles, rundown enemy soldiers, and launch missiles at sniper towers. My big complaint is that you can’t lock your aim. Your Merc can only shoot in the direction he’s running. But, overall, Mercs will have you and your buddies taking out terrorists for a while.

Street Fighter II Championship Edition (1992)

This first update of Street Fighter II in an endless string of updates throughout the nineties adds the four boss characters (Balrog, Vega, Sagat, and M. Bison) as playables. Championship Edition is a great bonus for anyone who hasn’t already bought Street Fighter Anniversary Collection. Just remember that the PS2 controller works ten times better with 2-D fighters.
  
Trojan (1986)

I can’t really figure out what some dude with a sword and shield is doing walking around a bleak futuristic cityscape chopping up cyperpunks, but that’s the basic story here. Use the shield to block axe chops and flying daggers. However, stronger attacks will knock away your weapons and only the power of bare knuckles will save you. This is another example of bad control and uninspired gameplay. Thankfully, these types of games are in the minority in Capcom Classics Collection.

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CCC is definitely full of a ridiculous amount of awesome games. Most of the best ones we were able to talk about, but there are still some sweet gems left that must remain unrevealed for now. This CCC has twice the games of most collections, and for the most part they’re some of the best arcade games ever. For $20 this is a must-have.