Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium Slams Down with 32 More Arcade Classics
Get ready to bust ‘bots, slay dragons, and go for the 3-count in Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium, a collection of 32 arcade classics available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (via backward compatibility)! Today, we’re talking about a handful of stand-out titles that will have you ready to put your token up on the machine and say, “I got next!”
Long, long ago, three dragons descended from the skies above with a rolling thunder, and plunged a kingdom into darkness…
Despite the name, this arcade game from Capcom’s early days tells the tale of a lone barbarian on a quest to defeat three terrifying dragons – not tigers – to rescue the kingdom from certain disaster. Featuring an upgrade system that allows you to improve your weapons, armor, and even total health as countless Capcom games since. Collect Zenny as you go, save the Wise Men trapped along the way to gain bonuses and buy new items, and save the kingdom!
Saturday Night Slam Masters (1993)
There’s nothing quite like the lights, sounds, and signs in the crowd arguing over which video game in a series is the best one when it comes to wrestling. This over-the-top wrestling game, known as Muscle Bomber – The Body Explosion – in Japan (how can you not love that name?), features character designs by Tetsuo Hara, best known for the manga “Fist of the North Star.” You are already pinned.
While Slam Masters plays like a fighting game at its core, the match isn’t over when you deplete your opponent’s stamina bar with strikes and grapples. Just like a pro wrestling match, you’ll need to take your foe to the mat with a pin and go for the three count. Alongside the many colorful characters on the cast ranging from American pro wrestlers to luchadores, you might also recognize a certain fighting mayor from Metro City. This Mike “Macho” Haggar guy looks awfully familiar…
The interstellar Bozon Empire has launched a full-scale attack on Earth! It’s up to a pair of pilots to fly a massive mech, known as a Mobile suit, to defeat the Empire and save the Earth from being conquered.
While Hyper Dyne Side Arms looks like a classic side-scrolling shooter at first glance, complete with various upgradeable weapons and speed-ups (and speed-downs), where it really shines is in the ability to switch your weapons as you go. Swapping to the right weapon for the right job is key as you fly through stages, taking out enemies and dodging bullets. One of the game’s most unique features is its approach to co-op. Picking up a certain power-up in single player will call in an ally to power up your suit and give it an 8-way shot. In co-op, both players’ suits will merge, allowing one player to move and shoot their regular weapon while the second player controls the 8-way shot! Now that’s teamwork.
This classic beat ‘em up is, as the name might suggest, based on the legend of King Arthur. Play as Arthur, Lancelot, or Perceval, and take up your sword (or axe) on a grand adventure across the kingdom!
Supporting up to three players at once, bring the hurt to your foes and pick up silver, gold, and treasure along the way to increase your score. The game also has a unique guard mechanic that, when timed properly, can unleash a devastating counter-attack, so don’t be afraid to play aggressively and go for a high score! As your score goes up, so does your level – and as your level goes up, you’ll gain improved armor and weapons, and ultimately become a hero worthy of being one of the Knights of the Round!
Mega Man – The Power Battle (1995) / Mega Man 2 – The Power Fighters (1996)
Super fighting robot… Mega Man! Super fighting robot… Mega Man!
Sorry, where was I? Oh, right. This pair of arcade games features the Blue Bomber himself, trading classic platforming for a more intense fighting-game style presentation. Depending on which game you play, you’ll be able to choose from Mega Man, Proto Man, Bass, and Duo, each with a different style of gameplay and a unique storyline for that character. Two players can even play co-op to take out Robot Masters together!
Each game also gives you three paths to follow as you bust baddies on your way to victory, with plenty of familiar foes to square off against from past Mega Man games. In classic Mega Man fashion, gain new powers from each defeated foe, and use them to find your opponent’s weakness on your mission to stop Dr. Wily’s latest evil ambitions!
That’s all and much more Capcom gems from the vault to discover. The game is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (via backward compatibility), so don’t forget to pick up a copy!
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium Bundle
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
CAPCOM CO., LTD.