While it has since become a company known for massive franchises across a diverse array of genres, Capcom once dominated the arcades that held a sizable share of the video game industry prior to the growth of the console market. Early involvement with arcade machines and titles was eclipsed by theprolific success ofStreet Fighter 2in the early 90s, and that IP has gone on to maintain its status up into its most recent entry. Known by far fewer fans, however, isDarkstalkers, a series brimming with similar potential which was once considered a major pillar of Capcom but has since faded into obscurity.
TheStreet Fighterseries has always been relevant, but it’s also true that it suffered from a low point which the 3D style ofStreet Fighter 4had to dig it out of. The transition from the sprite-based arcade systems to the developing technology of consoles which encouraged new approaches was a process that many franchises never survived. Despite a dedicated fanbase that is still supportive after years of nothing but re-releases,Darkstalkershas effectively remained dead for over 20 years.
Darkstalkers Used to Be an IP on Par with Street Fighter
A Groundbreaking but Forgotten Fighting Game Franchise
Before the subgenre of anime fighters, or airdashers, made intense and over-the-top gameplay a ubiquitous aspect of fighting games as a whole,Darkstalkerscame onto the scene with a far more frantic feeling than the comparably methodical nature ofStreet Fighter. Between a higher speed to begin with, and the later addition of options to go even faster, this franchise became known for a fast pace and dark yet quirky aesthetic that was unmatched. With a roster of creative takes on classic monster tropes, some of which have become icons in their own right, thememorable characters ofDarkstalkershave designs and personalities that can compete with Capcom’s biggest faces.
Darkstalkers Was Left Behind in the Arcade Era
After the three main entries of the series, which essentially consisted of updates to the same base game underneath,Darkstalkershas never seen another full title. There have been a multitude of ports and re-releases which have all had their own approach to mostly repackaging or modifying the same existing content, and Capcom even allegedly relied upon the financialsuccess of theDarkstalkers Resurrectioncollectionto decide on the viability of future projects. Considering thatStreet Fighterhas had pushes far stronger than just remasters, however,Darkstalkersdeserves a full opportunity to shine in a new generation.
Street Fighter 6’s Success Has Made the Return of Darkstalkers More Viable Than Ever
The Fighting Game Genre Has Room for Capcom’s Lighthearted Take on Supernatural Horror
Now that even the convoluted anime appeal of a series likeGuilty Gearhas managed to reach parts of the mainstream in recent years, the climate seems perfect for the weirdness ofDarkstalkersto prosper. Theoverhauled franchise update ofStreet Fighter 6has netted Capcom over 3 million sales, and this same treatment has the potential to elevateDarkstalkersto heights it has never seen. It’s always been a risky endeavor to balance the edgy darkness and absurd humor of its world, but the existence of arguably stranger titles that have come along could make it a safer bet than ever before.
With an obscure story that only existed through slideshow cutscenes,Darkstalkersmight even be a great candidate for a remake which recaptures the spirit of the originals. Regardless of whether the series goes in the direction of a reboot instead, the time since its last release would justify some needed updates. Even if the nextDarkstalkerswere to introduce a new cast of characters in the vein ofSF6’s own approach to a fresh start, it would be honoring one ofCapcom’s most influential properties.
Street Fighter 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Play legendary masters and new fan favorites like Ryu, Chun-Li, Luke, Jamie, Kimberly and more in this latest edition with each character featuring striking new redesigns and exhilarating cinematic specials.Dominate the Fighting Ground: Street Fighter 6 offers a highly evolved combat system with three control types - Classic, Modern and Dynamic - allowing you to quickly play to your skill level.The new Real Time Commentary Feature adds all the hype of a competitive match as well as easy-to-understand explanations about your gameplay. The Drive Gauge is a new system to manage your resources. Use it wisely in order to claim victory.Explore the Streets in World Tour: Discover the meaning of strength in World Tour, an immersive, single-player story mode. Take your avatar and explore Metro City and beyond. Meet Masters who will take you under their wing and teach you their style and techniques.Seek Rivals in the Battle Hub: The Battle Hub represents a core mode of Street Fighter 6 where players can gather and communicate, and become stronger together. Use the avatar you create in World Tour to check out cabinets on the Battle Hub floor and play against other players, or head over to the Game Center to enjoy some of Capcom’s classic arcade games.
