Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Capcom Generations offers a diverse array of classic arcade titles spanning shooters, platformers, and run-and-gun action. Disc 1’s “Wings of Destiny” compiles the seminal 1942 series, challenging players with vertically scrolling shooter action, tight hitboxes, and the signature loop-the-loop bomb mechanic. The difficulty ramps up quickly, demanding memorization of enemy patterns and precise movement. For lovers of old-school shmups, it’s a pure, unfiltered dose of bullet-hell nostalgia.

On Disc 2, “Chronicles of Arthur” brings the punishing platformers Ghosts ’n Goblins, Ghouls ’n Ghosts, and Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts. Their trademark difficulty remains intact, with treacherous jumps, relentless enemies, and the iconic armour-losing mechanic. Progress feels rewarding, but newcomer frustration is inevitable—each death forces a near-complete restart. Yet for those who relish overcoming brutally challenging levels, these titles still deliver unmatched satisfaction.

Disc 3, “The First Generation,” dips into Capcom’s earliest arcade ventures—Vulgus, Son Son, Pirate Ship Higemaru, and Exed Exes. These primitive entries shine as historical artifacts: simplistic control schemes, basic objectives, and short play sessions. They won’t engross modern gamers for hours, but the variety breaks up the intensity of later discs, offering bite-sized challenges that display Capcom’s roots in arcade experimentation.

Finally, Disc 4’s “Blazing Guns” features Commando, Mercs, and Gun.Smoke, all foundational run-and-gun classics. Each title emphasizes fast reflexes and strategic screen-clearing shots, whether battling foot soldiers in Commando or mounting a western showdown in Gun.Smoke. The responsive controls hold up remarkably well, translating the original arcade feel to home systems with negligible input lag.

Graphics

Visually, Capcom Generations preserves the pixel art charm of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Each game displays crisp sprites and backgrounds, faithfully emulating the arcade cabinet experience. The 4-disc set makes no attempt at high-definition overhauls; instead it opts for an authentic CRT-style output, including scanline filters that evoke the glow of a vintage arcade monitor.

Disc 2’s Ghosts ’n Goblins series showcases some of Capcom’s best 16-bit era artwork—detailed demon designs, atmospheric backdrops, and colourful effects that pop even in scaled-down resolutions. Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts, the most advanced of the trilogy, stands out with richer animations, layered parallax backgrounds, and smooth transition effects that still impress today.

The earliest games on Disc 3 look rudimentary by modern standards, with blocky sprites and limited colour palettes. Nevertheless, they possess a quaint charm: simple explosions, repetitive backgrounds, and minimal animation loops transport players back to the genesis of Capcom’s arcade ventures. Fans of retro gaming will appreciate the unvarnished authenticity.

Across all discs, the Collection menus enhance the presentation with promotional artwork, character sketches, and period illustrations. These galleries offer high-resolution scans of original arcade flyers and instruction cards, adding a museum-like quality that complements the preserved gameplay visuals.

Story

Because Capcom Generations is a compilation of arcade titles, narrative depth varies widely. The 1942 series barely pauses between waves to explain why you’re shooting down planes over the Pacific—story takes a back seat to high-score grinding. Yet the titular Wings of Destiny moniker implies a heroic mission that’s enough to keep the adrenaline pumping.

The Ghosts ’n Goblins saga provides the most cohesive lore: Sir Arthur’s quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the clutches of Astaroth recurs throughout three games. Though each installment adds a twist or two—a hidden second loop, a surprise final boss—the core damsel-in-distress premise remains straightforward. It’s memorably campy but serviceable for an arcade platformer.

Titles on Disc 3 largely dispense with story altogether, focusing instead on pick-up-and-play action. Vulgus offers a bare-bones space shoot-’em-up framework, while Pirate Ship Higemaru tasks players with navigating deck hazards for loot. Exed Exes introduces a loose sci-fi angle, but plot details are nearly non-existent, leaving room for pure arcade challenge.

Disc 4’s gunplay heroes—most notably Commando and Mercs—frame their action around rescue missions and standard military tropes. There’s little character development, but the scenarios—storming enemy bases, fending off hordes—provide enough context to justify the rapid-fire gameplay. Gun.Smoke sprinkles in a Wild West motif, in which you’re the lone gunslinger seeking justice, a setting that requires no deeper narrative to be engaging.

Overall Experience

Capcom Generations shines as a time capsule, delivering four discs of arcade classics without frills or modern reinterpretation. The compilation’s authenticity is its greatest asset: purists will revel in the unaltered gameplay loops and difficulty spikes. At the same time, newcomers might feel alienated by the steep learning curves and minimal quality-of-life enhancements.

The extras—game collections with artwork, developer notes, and the remix music option—add significant value. Remixed soundtracks breathe fresh life into these titles, layering contemporary beats and instrumentation over original melodies. It’s a welcome treat for those who want a slightly updated audio ambience while still enjoying classic gameplay.

Port performance is rock solid, with stable frame rates, faithful emulation, and intuitive menu navigation. Load times are brief, and resume features make quick play sessions more accessible. The packaging itself evokes nostalgic appeal, adorned with box art reminiscent of original European releases.

Ultimately, Capcom Generations is a must-own for retro enthusiasts and collectors who want a comprehensive archive of arcade milestones. Its unwavering dedication to preservation, coupled with insightful galleries and music remixes, makes it more than a simple reissue—it’s a curated homage to Capcom’s formative years. If you yearn for pixel-perfect action and unrelenting challenge, this compilation delivers an immersive blast from the past.