Best Sci-Fi games By Capcom, Ranked

Highlights

Capcom’s diverse legacy includes polygonal fighters like Star Gladiator, offering unique gameplay experiences beyond their classic franchises.
Battle Circuit, Capcom’s final arcade title, allows four players to control bounty hunters with upgradable abilities, now available in a bundle.
Remember Me showcases Capcom’s narrative prowess through a psycho-narrative adventure with memory-themed powers and engaging storytelling.

As someone who’s been around gaming blocks since the 8-bit era, I must say that Capcom has always had a special place in my heart (and arcade tokens). From the terrifying mansions of Resident Evil to the unforgettable acrobatics of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, their games have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

For nearly four decades, Capcom has been a significant force in shaping the video game industry. During this period, they’ve not only given birth to numerous iconic gaming series that fans adore, but they’ve also expanded their horizons to encompass virtually every type and style of game available.

Across the science fiction realm, Capcom’s body of work demonstrates a wide range of diversity similar to other parts of their business endeavors. This ranges from playful, small-scale action games with a chibi aesthetic to grandiose war strategies that may require significant financial investment.

10 Star Gladiator – Episode I: The Final Crusade

A 3D Breakthrough In Capcom’s Fighting Game Legacy

Platform(s): Arcade, PlayStation
Developer(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Fighting
Released: July, 1996

Capcom is widely recognized as a leading publisher for fighting video games, having created timeless series like Street Fighter and massive crossover titles such as Marvel vs. Capcom. Even though these game franchises were taking advantage of top-notch pixel graphics, in 1996, Capcom introduced its first in-house polygonal fighter, the groundbreaking Star Gladiator.

In the style of combatants found in games like Soul Calibur, this 3D sci-fi fighting game initially had ties to Star Wars. This connection led to the creation of a robust, distinctive fighter featuring characters such as a simian alien and a robotic assassin, adding diversity to the battlefield.

9 Battle Circuit

Capcom’s Sci-Fi Beat ‘Em Up Swansong

Platform(s): Arcade
Developer(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Beat ’em up
Released: March 19, 1997

1997 rolled around and, as a diehard Capcom fan, I could feel the excitement building – this was the year they were planning to unleash their final arcade game. After all, the arcades had been their playground for years, where some of their most iconic franchises were born. But now, it seemed like a new chapter was about to begin.

In an alternate future, you’ll find yourself tagging along with a team of bounty hunters in the game titled Battle Circuit. This title offers customizable skills and distinctive gameplay for each of its four characters, allowing up to four players to control them individually. Originally developed as Capcom’s final arcade project, it’s now accessible through the Capcom Beat Em Up Bundle, which was released in 2018.

8 Section Z

An Adored NES Adaptation of Capcom’s Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up

Platform(s): Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System
Developer(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Shoot ’em up
Released: July 01, 1987

Section Z might appear as just another platform game featuring the “shoot ’em up” genre. But it stands out by being set in the third millennium and allowing players to control the pilot directly, rather than a separate spaceship.

You can move your character along both X and Y axes with full control, aiming to annihilate an alien-like space station that shelters the dangerous Bangalool hive. Despite its initial arcade release, many players consider the NES version of this game as one of the finest titles on the console.

7 Steel Battalion

A Mechanized Marvel With Pricey Peripherals

It’s likely that if you ask a gamer about Steel Battalion, they’ll talk about its unique and extensive joystick controller setup first. Instead of being a regular action-adventure game, this title provides an immersive simulation experience where players take on the role of a bipedal mech pilot. While the action may not be as common in other games, it’s definitely worth noting that it’s far from lacking in excitement.

If my mech takes a lethal amount of damage in-game, I need to remember that it might not just go offline – there’s a chance it could literally blow up, wiping out all my progress and save data associated with it.

6 Mega Man Legends 2

A Much-Loved Sequel Of A Capcom Legend

The Mega Man series created by Capcom is particularly renowned for its abundance of games. Consequently, it’s not unexpected that this popular franchise has led to multiple spin-offs, spanning various game categories.

A significant number of video game enthusiasts favor the third-person, 3D action-platformer series known as Mega Man Legends. The initial spin-off from 1997 incorporated role-playing game (RPG) elements and an open-world gaming style. However, its follow-up in 2000 is often regarded by players as the subseries’ pinnacle. Although the fundamental gameplay remained largely unchanged, the visual design and aesthetic were highly lauded by gamers.

5 Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

An Action-Packed Adventure On A Frozen Landscape

2007’s Lost Planet, developed by Capcom, challenges players to explore and survive the harsh sub-zero climate of E.D.N III, a planet ravaged by apocalypse. As you traverse this frozen terrain, you can switch between third-person and first-person viewpoints or even pilot the massive mechs known as Vital Suits.

Through every installment in the series, players found the action and gameplay for defeating aliens growing more refined, but it’s the haunting sci-fi storyline from the first game that many gamers consider the most powerful of the trilogy.

4 Strider

A Fluid Action-Platformer With A Long-Lasting Legacy

Platform(s): Arcade, Sega Genesis
Developer(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Action-platformer
Released: January, 1989

Although not as widely recognized as “Street Fighter” or “Mega Man”, the game “Strider” holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts. Debuting in 1989, this 2D action-platformer distinguished itself by veering away from traditional platformer controls.

Players embark on an exhilarating acrobatic journey, battling Russian adversaries set in the future, equipped with a variety of ranged and close-combat weapons. Stunning pixel art brings to life visually striking stages and enemies within this game, which boasts smooth movement like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, though it was developed 40 years prior to its release.

3 Bionic Commando Rearmed

A Revitalised Remake With No Strongarmed Gimmicks

Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Developer(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Action, Platformer
Released: August 14, 2008

The Bionic Commando series has had an uncertain history as one of Capcom’s prominent franchises. Prior to the underwhelming reception of its 2009 reboot, Capcom honored the series’ 20th anniversary by releasing a 2.5D semi-remake of the 1988 original game.

In this game, players take on the role of Bionic Commando, a character with a mechanical arm that can be extended and used for combat. This updated version combines action and platforming elements, putting players against adversaries resembling the Axis, making it one of the most acclaimed Xbox Live Arcade titles on the platform.

2 Remember Me

A Psychological Narrative With Mind-Bending Abilities

Capcom is known for creating some of the most intuitive gameplay systems in the gaming world and has significantly contributed to the survival horror genre with their iconic Resident Evil series. In an attempt to strengthen their storytelling abilities, they introduced Remember Me in 2013.

In simpler terms, the game “Remember Me” is a thrilling action-adventure that emphasizes an intriguing storyline. The protagonist of this game, Nilin, struggles with amnesia but possesses unique powers related to memory manipulation. She utilizes these abilities to overcome adversaries by seizing their memories for her own benefits and confusing the intentions of her enemies.

1 Mega Man 2

The Quintessential Adventure Of The Blue Bomber

Among the extensive collection of games in Capcom’s Mega Man series, choosing a standout game can be quite challenging. Yet, many enthusiasts agree that 1988’s release, Mega Man 2, truly stood out as a fan favorite.

As a follow-up to the initial game, it preserved what made the original side-scrolling adventure exceptional and built upon those elements. This evolution led to one of the most remarkable video games ever created. Even today, Takashi Tateishi’s music from the NES version is often recognized as among the best in the medium.

2024-08-06 08:34