Nostalgic Releases Spotlight: Week of May 15, 2025
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Capcom’s fighting game franchise brings its classic titles into the modern gaming landscape.
Heads up: if you’re playing the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 this weekend and get dominated by a K-groove Geese, well, that’s just what happens when you face anyone who’s touched CVS2 in the last decade. I promise, you can’t prove it wasn’t me!
ARCADE ARCHIVES
Nebulasray
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (globally)
- Price: $14.99 / €6.99 / £6.29
- Publisher: Hamster / Konami
What is it? This vertically-scrolling sci-fi shooter, created and launched in arcades by Namco, never received a home port until now. Its straightforward mechanics feature classic shot-and-bomb gameplay, utilizing pre-rendered graphics and scaling effects to create pseudo-3D visuals on 2D hardware.
Why should you care? While the gameplay feels dated with common issues from late-stage pre-danmaku shooters—like tough enemies, fast bullets, and harsh power-downs on death—it still has nostalgic charm that fans of the era will appreciate. Just be cautious if you’re prone to motion sickness!
Pro tip: Take note of the price increase for this title, which is typically reserved for games with significant licensing costs. The reasoning given is that “this was a tough game to emulate” and they’ve delivered consistent releases for over a decade. Expect more ACA games at this price point in the future.
EGG CONSOLE
Schwarzschild: Kyouran no Ginga (PC-9801)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (globally)
- Price: $7.16 / ¥880
- Publisher: D4 Enterprise / Kogado Studio
What is it? This is Kogado Studio’s epic sci-fi war simulator which debuted on PC-98 in 1988 and has since been ported to PC-88 and MSX2. Players must enhance their planet’s prosperity and achieve galactic unity through exploration, building reinforcements, and engaging in large turn-based battles against rival factions.
Why should you care? This series sought to redefine the war sim genre, combining KOEI’s style with a more narrative-driven approach. While it isn’t easier, it provides a unique experience that distinguishes it from typical strategy games. However, a strong command of Japanese is necessary to progress.
OTHER
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC via Steam (globally)
- Price: $39.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Capcom
What is it? This collection features eight classic Capcom fighting games from the early 2000s, many of which haven’t seen a port in over ten years. Enhanced with new training modes, hitbox viewers, varied visual options, and robust online play, it offers a fresh take on nostalgic titles.
Which games are included? Titles include Power Stone, Power Stone 2, and Project Justice, among others from the NAOMI arcade library. You can check Capcom’s site for detailed ROM version specifics.
Why should I care? Although some titles in this collection may seem less approachable than previous compilations, it’s arguably Capcom’s most user-friendly fighting collection yet—perfect for both newbies and hardcore fans, especially with online play possibilities.
Helpful tip: Be aware that Capcom vs. SNK 2 includes both an arcade version and an “EO” revision, the latter of which is currently the only playable option in ranked matches. Additionally, Plasma Sword features an odd conversion and isn’t the authentic arcade experience.
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC via Steam (globally)
- Price: $5.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Shinyuden / Ratalaika
What is it? This release is an emulated version of Wolf Team’s isometric mecha shooter, originally launched on Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990, including enhancements like save states and screen filters.
Why should I care? If you enjoy commanding a massive robot, you’ll find this game entertaining, despite its rough playability.
Fun fact: This title is sometimes credited with establishing the term “quarter-view” for games presented from this angled perspective among Japanese gaming enthusiasts.
Feel free to let me know if you’d like any more adjustments!
Original article by retronauts.com