Capcom Games That Surpassed Expectations

Summary

Resident Evil 7 revived the series after fans felt it strayed too far from horror.
Dino Crisis pleasantly surprised players by offering a unique experience.
Street Fighter 6 exceeded expectations after the underwhelming launch of Street Fighter 5.

It’s no hidden fact that Capcom ranks among the highly respected and prosperous video game developers globally, with iconic franchises like “Resident Evil” and “Street Fighter” under their belt. Yet, while we eagerly await each new Capcom title, there have been instances when fans weren’t as thrilled about an upcoming release as they normally would be. However, time and again, these games have gone on to exceed all expectations upon their launch.

Expectations for some games may not live up to fans’ anticipation due to various factors like the previous game in the series failing to impress or the promotion for the new release being underwhelming. Yet, even when a game initially seems disappointing, there’s nothing more rewarding than discovering upon its release that it surpasses expectations and turns out to be much better than imagined. This list aims to highlight those games that fit this description today.

8. Resident Evil 7

After The Series Seemed Doomed To Be Stuck In The Action Genre, Resident Evil 7 Changed Everything

Previously, the esteemed Resident Evil series had been facing some difficulties prior to the launch of its seventh main installment. After Resident Evil 5, it became evident that Capcom was focusing more on action than horror. The release of the sixth game seemed to be the last straw for those hoping for a return to the survival-horror roots of the series. However, all that changed with the arrival of Resident Evil 7.

As a gamer, I was overjoyed when Capcom unveiled that the eerie Kitchen demo was actually a sneak peek for Resident Evil 7. The notion that this classic series might once again draw inspiration from the horror genre after so many years had been lost on many of us. By the time Resident Evil 6 arrived, there were plenty of skeptics, but even with hopes at an all-time low, Capcom pulled off a home run by delivering an incredible new installment to the series.

7. Dino Crisis

What Was Seen By Many As A Resident Evil Clone Cash-Grab Turned Out To Become A Beloved Breath Of Fresh Air

Before the debut of Dino Crisis, there was widespread speculation that it would merely be a carbon copy of Resident Evil, lacking the chilling atmosphere found in that series due to the absence of zombies. However, despite its obvious similarities, such as its fixed camera angles and tank controls, Dino Crisis managed to introduce enough novel elements to leave many players pleasantly surprised, resulting in a loyal fanbase that remains active even after years have passed since its launch.

To everyone’s astonishment, Capcom skillfully made dinosaurs not only as terrifying, but even more so than zombies, by giving them swift movements, powerful attacks, and the ability to track blood trails left by Regina. Additionally, the game offered an engaging story that drew from science fiction elements to produce a captivating narrative unlike any other, silencing the skeptics who believed it was just a money-making scheme.

6. Kunitsu-Gami Path Of The Goddess

Kunitsu-Gami Is A Truly Unique Game That, Unfortunately, Wasn’t Marketed All That Well

In 2023, Capcom introduced a fresh IP titled “Kunitsu-Gami Path of the Goddess.” A year later, it was officially released. However, compared to other Capcom titles, there wasn’t much hype or marketing surrounding this game. Beyond some mechanic trailers, there wasn’t a lot of material to generate excitement among fans. This lack of promotion led to the perception that the game might be a low-budget production with less intrigue than other Capcom games.

Contrary to initial assumptions, Kunitsu-Gami Path of the Goddess was not typical of Capcom’s productions, instead, it emerged as one of their most distinctive and experimental games in recent years. It uniquely blends high-speed action with tower defense gameplay. During the day, players construct defenses and upgrade units, only to face off against a relentless horde of spirits and demons at night whose ferocity increases as the game progresses. With an engaging narrative and stunning visuals, Kunitsu-Gami surprised everyone when it was launched, offering a gaming experience unlike any other.

5. Street Fighter 6

After The Shaky Launch Of Street Fighter 5, Expectations Weren’t All That High For The Sixth Game, Which Ended Up Blowing Away People’s Expectations

When Street Fighter 5 debuted, it was found to be quite sparse in terms of content, as neither the narrative nor the traditional arcade mode were included initially. Despite the game gradually enhancing over time, players anticipated that Capcom would primarily focus on making the next game more functional and offering a bit more content. However, the developers surprised everyone by incorporating modes and features that no fan could have foreseen.

Beyond just offering a World Tour mode that serves as an open-world narrative for novices in the Street Fighter series, Street Fighter 6 also boasts intricate combo trials, two different controller styles, and a complete Battle Hub where online players can socialize before jumping into a match. It’s evident that Capcom has taken lessons from the rocky release of Street Fighter 5 and is determined to impress with Street Fighter 6, a significant leap forward compared to its predecessor.

4. Resident Evil 2 Remake

A Remake Which Managed To, Somehow, Replicate What Made The Original So Special, Despite The Doubters

Refreshing one of the all-time favorite games is bound to stir up enthusiasm, but Capcom’s reinterpretation of Resident Evil 2 surpassed even the wildest expectations. The game left players awestruck in various ways, one of which was through its zombies, which could very well be the most lifelike ever depicted in a video game. Their unpredictable movements, stumbling aimlessly and lunging at the player as they draw near, are remarkably realistic.

Some skeptics worried that Capcom might not recreate the same sense of tension and fear from the original game due to its third-person perspective. However, the developers cleverly utilized narrow hallways within the R.P.D and other confined spaces to perfectly replicate this atmosphere. Despite high expectations surrounding the Resident Evil 2 Remake, Capcom successfully surprised fans with how well they executed it, with some even arguing that it surpasses the original in quality.

3. Haunting Ground

Haunting Ground Blew Away Expectations At A Time When Horror Games Were Heading In A Different Direction

Reflecting on today’s perspective, the initial trailers of the game “Haunting Ground” appear quite puzzling. Back then, it played electronic music in the background and made abrupt cuts to various characters, creating an enigmatic atmosphere when it was first unveiled. Despite its horror genre being evident, it was also set for release mere months after “Resident Evil 4“, which, for many, represented the epitome of modern horror gaming that redefined the genre with its third-person perspective and precise controls.

Given the dominance of Resident Evil in the horror genre, it wasn’t exactly expected that Haunting Ground would be remarkable. Yet, against all expectations, this game offered an exceptional horror experience with novel mechanics. The protagonist, Fiona, can’t fight alone but has Huey, her loyal dog companion, who aids her throughout her journey and with whom she can build a relationship to unlock various endings. The apprehension players feel when starting Haunting Ground, combined with its unsettling environments and terrifying foes, resulted in a game that surpassed many people’s expectations.

2. Marvel VS Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes

Little Did Marvel VS Capcom Fans Know That The Sequel Would Be One Of The Best Fighting Games Of All Time

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Capcom was known for releasing an array of quirky fighting games. Among them, Marvel vs Capcom garnered attention due to its unique concept. On paper, blending these two universes seemed exciting, but the initial game featured just 15 characters and the core mechanics weren’t polished, leading some to believe it was a one-time experiment.

Instead of discarding the series, Capcom chose instead to pour all their efforts into Marvel vs Capcom 2. This decision led to the creation of a fighting game that is frequently hailed as one of the greatest ever made, at a time when fighting games were beginning to lose some of their popularity due to home consoles taking over. Boasting a roster of more than 50 characters and featuring faster, tighter gameplay, the game immediately captured players’ attention from the moment they started playing it. Even years later, in June 2024, it was re-released on modern consoles for new fans to enjoy as well.

1. Devil May Cry 3

Many Fans Believed Devil May Cry 2 Was The Nail In The Coffin For The Series, That Is Until The Third Game Came Along

Prior to Devil May Cry 3 earning critical acclaim as one of the best character-action games, fans were left with the less favorably received Devil May Cry 2. This game was not warmly welcomed due to its awkward controls, simplistic difficulty, and a seemingly over-the-top Dante who appeared too edgy. These elements, along with the feeling that Capcom had strayed from what made the original game great, led many to believe that the series was on the decline.

In light of these expectations, it was quite surprising when we found that Devil May Cry 3 wasn’t just good but exceptional, particularly with its combat mechanics. Players were able to swiftly switch between Dante’s fighting styles, introducing a wealth of variety into the main gameplay. As for Dante himself, he was infused with more style and charisma compared to previous iterations, while the other characters also showed significant growth, especially Vergil. To put it simply, this installment marked a substantial improvement that surpassed all predictions following Devil May Cry 2.

2025-01-13 02:40