Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Arcade Hits delivers a nostalgic blast from the past by packaging three of Capcom’s most iconic arcade experiences—Cabal, Side Arms, and the original Street Fighter—into one accessible compilation. Each title maintains its distinct control scheme and pacing, giving players the freedom to jump between tank-blasting action, side-scrolling shoot-’em-up sequences, and one-on-one fighting bouts. The compilation’s menu system is intuitive, allowing quick access to each game without unnecessary loading delays or convoluted navigation.

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Cabal’s gameplay stands out for its combination of behind-the-character shooting and destructible environments. You’ll find yourself moving a crosshair independently of your character’s position, blasting soldiers and bunkers as you dodge incoming fire. The added layer of environmental destruction—shooting crates, walls, and obstacles—keeps every level feeling dynamic and rewarding, especially when you nail a perfect shot that sends debris flying.

Side Arms offers a classic horizontal shooter experience with cooperative two-player support that shines when played with a friend. The upgrade system lets you switch between different weapon pods, adding a strategic element to the otherwise fast-paced action. The challenge ramps up quickly, demanding precise movements and power-up management, which gives the game surprising depth beyond its straightforward premise.

Street Fighter in this compilation is the original arcade edition, featuring Ryu, Ken, and a small but memorable roster of foes. The controls are responsive, with tight inputs that reward players who learn each character’s timing and special moves. While it lacks the expanded roster and refined balancing of later entries, you can still execute classic Hadoukens and Hurricane Kicks with satisfying feedback, making for tense local battles that capture the magic of arcades past.

Together, these three titles form a well-rounded gameplay package that caters to fans of different arcade genres. Whether you prefer strategic shooting, cooperative space combat, or competitive fighting, Arcade Hits ensures each title retains its original feel. The compilation also includes optional settings—such as difficulty adjustments and screen filters—that let you tailor the experience to modern displays without sacrificing authenticity.

Graphics

Visually, Arcade Hits preserves the pixel-perfect look of the original arcade cabinets while offering scaling options to fit contemporary monitors and TVs. Each game benefits from a crisp upscaling filter that smooths out jagged edges without over-blurring the characteristic sprite details. The presentation strikes a fine balance between retro charm and modern clarity.

Cabal’s stages are rendered with a muted, military color palette that emphasizes destructible objects and enemy units. The animation of rubble and explosion effects remains impressively fluid, showcasing Capcom’s early prowess in blending dynamic backgrounds with interactive elements. The visual feedback when destroying enemy emplacements still feels impactful, and the occasional palette swap keeps you visually engaged throughout the campaign.

Side Arms features vibrant, neon-infused backdrops that pop on any screen. The multi-layered scrolling parallax backgrounds create a strong sense of depth as you weave through waves of alien attackers. Your ship and its detachable weapon pods are rendered in bright metallic hues, making it easy to distinguish power-up effects and incoming projectiles, even in the heat of bullet-hell sequences.

Street Fighter’s pixel art sprites, though limited by the technology of 1987, are beautifully preserved here. Ryu and Ken’s idle animations, special move flourishes, and character portraits retain their original charm. The compilation’s screen filter options let players choose between a scanline overlay for an authentic arcade feel or a cleaner, borderless display that feels right at home on modern systems.

Overall, the graphics presentation in Arcade Hits is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s a respectful restoration of three arcade classics, enhanced with optional visual modes that cater to purists and newcomers alike. The result is a package that looks as good today as it did in the bustling arcades of the 1980s.

Story

As with many arcade games of the era, narrative depth takes a back seat to gameplay thrills. Cabal drops you into a covert operation where you, as a lone soldier, must infiltrate enemy lines and destroy supply depots. While the story is communicated through brief stage intros and minimal text, the sense of urgency and mission objectives are clear from your first life bar blink.

Side Arms presents a basic sci-fi premise: reclaim Earth from an extraterrestrial threat using a prototype combat craft. The in-game manuals and attract-mode screens provide just enough context to explain why you’re blasting alien forces across seven dynamic stages. The cooperative element enhances the narrative by casting you and a friend as Earth’s defenders, strengthening the playful camaraderie inherent in arcade co-op.

Street Fighter offers perhaps the most renowned storyline of the three, despite its simplicity. You are a martial artist entering a global fighting tournament to prove your skill and honor. Between bouts, character portraits and victory poses hint at each fighter’s personality, laying the groundwork for the rich lore that would blossom in future installments. Even here, the bare-bones narrative sets the stage for memorable rivalries and tournament drama.

While none of the games aim for deep storytelling, the compilation’s lack of lengthy cutscenes or complex dialogue is a feature rather than a flaw. It preserves the arcade ethos: pick up the game, face the challenge, and let your skills tell the story. For players who crave more narrative context, the included digital manual offers concise background details and developer notes that enrich the experience without interrupting the action.

In sum, Arcade Hits embraces the arcade formula—minimal plot, maximum action. It invites players to project themselves into each hero’s role, driven by clear objectives and tight gameplay loops. The stories are simple signposts guiding you from one high-score chase to the next, ensuring that fun remains the primary focus.

Overall Experience

Arcade Hits stands out as a high-value compilation that appeals to both retro enthusiasts and newcomers curious about Capcom’s early arcade legacy. The seamless integration of the three titles, along with customizable display options and a user-friendly interface, makes jumping between genres feel effortless. Whether you’re chasing high scores solo or dueling a friend in local Street Fighter battles, the package delivers consistent, polished performance.

The compilation’s preservation efforts shine through in both presentation and emulation accuracy. There are no discernible input lags or audio glitches, meaning each bullet fired, explosion triggered, and punch landed feels just as responsive as the original arcade hardware. The optional scanline and shader filters add authenticity without imposing them on players who prefer a cleaner look, reflecting a thoughtful approach to user experience.

Replayability is another highlight. Cabal’s branching stages and high-score challenges encourage repeated playthroughs, while Side Arms’ cooperative mode beckons you to team up and tackle tougher difficulty settings. Street Fighter’s head-to-head matches remain endlessly engaging, offering a local competitive outlet that still sparks excitement today. The ability to save and revisit each game’s high-score tables further motivates skilled players to refine their techniques.

Arcade Hits also serves as a historical showcase, tracing Capcom’s design evolution across three distinct genres. You witness the leap from straightforward run-and-gun setups to weapon-upgrade systems and the foundational mechanics that would define the fighting-game genre. For anyone interested in gaming history, this compilation provides a tangible, playable timeline of innovation.

Overall, Arcade Hits is more than just a nostalgia box—it’s a cohesive, well-curated collection that honors its arcade roots while embracing modern conveniences. Whether you’re seeking a quick arcade fix or diving deep into score-chasing marathons, this compilation delivers hours of engaging gameplay, polished presentation, and timeless fun. It’s a must-have for collectors and a perfect starting point for those looking to experience Capcom’s early arcade triumphs.

Retro Replay Score

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