Capcom Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

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Summary

  • Capcom revolutionized the gaming industry with iconic games such as Resident Evil 4, Street Fighter 2, and Monster Hunter.
  • Resident Evil 4’s over-the-shoulder action horror camera perspective set the standard for many third-person action games.
  • Street Fighter 2 shaped the fighting game community with iconic controls, memorable characters, and top-tier music.

As a gaming enthusiast who has spent countless hours in arcades, living rooms, and online forums, I can confidently say that Capcom has left an indelible mark on the video game industry with their iconic creations. From the nail-biting tension of Street Fighter 2 to the captivating storylines of Devil May Cry, the games they’ve produced have shaped my gaming experiences and those of countless others.

Among the numerous game developers out there, only a select few can boast the level of ingenuity and creativity that Capcom, a Japanese developer, consistently demonstrates.

Over the years, Capcom has produced a diverse lineup of well-regarded and beloved franchises that span several gaming categories, including horror, fighting, and adventure. This company is unique among developers for its ability to innovate and transform various genres during the ’90s and ’00s.

Yet, Capcom has indeed taken this approach by launching these groundbreaking titles, a fact that all gaming enthusiasts would concur was visionary for its era.

5. Resident Evil 4

Where Did Everybody Go? Bingo?

In simple terms, Resident Evil 4 changed the traditional survival-horror style of the series by moving from a fixed camera angle to an over-the-shoulder perspective, transforming it into an action horror game. This shift in perspective created a significant impact on the gaming industry that is still evident today, as many third-person action games continue to adopt this viewpoint.

Video games like “Gears of War,” “Dead Space,” and “The Last of Us” share a similar camera angle style that was initially popularized by “Resident Evil 4.” This game, often hailed as the best video game ever created, significantly elevated the series in terms of visuals, narrative, and gameplay. Many elements introduced in “Resident Evil 4” have yet to be matched effectively since its release.

In 2023, the launch of the Resident Evil 4 Remake introduced a fresh wave of players to the timeless story, albeit with some modifications tailored for contemporary audiences. It’s safe to say that without Resident Evil 4, modern gaming as we know it might be quite different.

4. Dead Rising

I’ve Covered Wars Ya’know?

Nearly a year following the debut of Xbox 360, Dead Rising left gamers amazed as it skillfully tested and maximized the hardware’s potential, showcasing an overwhelming horde of the undead. Consistently, Capcom has been pushing the envelope of every console era that emerges.

In addition to the numerous zombies that filled the screen, one captivating feature of Dead Rising was the freedom to grab almost any object and transform it into a weapon.

In a groundbreaking move, this game’s degree of interactive environment surpassed all previous ones. The fact that the main character, Frank West, could cause such extensive damage using something as common as a park bench left everyone amazed.

Despite certain elements of the game ‘Dead Rising‘ showing signs of age compared to modern standards, specifically its AI and controversial photo spots, the game remains remarkably relevant and engaging in today’s gaming landscape.

3. Monster Hunter

Who Are The Real Monsters?

Monster Hunter initially started as a modest title for PlayStation 2 from Capcom’s Production Studio 1, alongside two other network-centric games. Out of the trio, it was anticipated that only one would surpass the sales mark of a million copies. However, thanks to its dedicated fanbase, Monster Hunter managed to exceed this expectation and sell over a million units.

In the beginning, Western critics and gamers found the more leisurely pace and strategic approach of the “Monster Hunter” game less appealing. However, Japanese players appreciated the grandeur of the battles and the aesthetically pleasing designs of the original monsters. The innovative concept of using monster materials to create stronger weapons and armor sparked a new genre within the action realm, which eventually evolved from this series.

Skip ahead two decades, and the upcoming installment in the Monster Hunter franchise, titled Monster Hunter Wilds, smashed records during its online beta test, showcasing the enduring popularity of this game series.

2. Devil May Cry

The Birth of SSStylish Action Games

Originally conceived as a precursor to Resident Evil 4, Devil May Cry is renowned as one of the greatest action games in history. Due to its widespread acclaim, numerous spin-offs, prequels, and even animated series based on the game have been produced.

Despite not originating a new genre, Devil May Cry significantly advanced the hack-and-slash sub-genre by introducing innovative ways to engage in action gameplay and adding its unique touch to the experience.

In this approach, the combat system would come to be referred as ‘fashionable’, where players were graded from D to S based on the intricacy and diversity of their combination moves. To excel in this, it was essential not to repeat an attack twice and minimize taking damage. Additionally, using all the available moves that a weapon offers was highly encouraged for the players.

The game titled Devil May Cry is famously challenging, as its bosses can defeat the series’ lead character, Dante, with just a handful of hits. This mix of fashionable combat and close-call moments made it stand out, propelling the franchise to prominence within the impressive library of games for the PS2.

1. Street Fighter 2

Here Comes A New Challenger

“Few phrases are as well-known as Hadoken, and there aren’t many video game franchises that have shaped a genre as significantly as Capcom’s Street Fighter 2. Launched at the twilight of arcade gaming, Street Fighter 2 would transform arcade fighting games and serve as the birthplace for what later grew into the fighting game community, commonly referred to as the FGC.

During that period, neither Mortal Kombat nor Tekken, long-standing competitors, were available, leaving the fighting game market dominated by Capcom and their flagship series, Street Fighter.

Presenting popular features including a quarter circle motion, vividly etched characters, and an outstanding soundtrack featuring hit tracks, Street Fighter 2 solidified Capcom’s position and shaped the fighting game genre significantly.

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2024-12-20 06:14