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[WhippinSean]

I just got a PSP with Ridge Racer, Wipeout Pure and Thug 2 Remix. Out of all of them, Thug 2 Remix seems to be the most enjoyable, just because you can do so much in the game, and I was wondering... would I enjoy Darkstalkers on PSP? I've played all the other games in the series, even still own one or two of them. But I just wanted to get a quick heads up on whether or not Darkstalkers would be good for me. I prefer the d-pad to arcade stick anyways, so I don't mind the controls. What I am most concerned about are the load times and the animations. Is the game basically arcade perfect?

Post your impressions please!

Thanks guys!

 

[Lyte Edge]

The game is a 99% accurate port of the DREAMCAST version of Vampire Chronicle, with added Chaos Tower mode. Darkstalkers Chronicle is, without a doubt, the best portable fighting game ever made in terms of how close it is to the original game. On the PSP's screen, the sprites have also never looked better, although there are some minor color bleeding issues.

Load times aren't bad once the game gets going, but the question of WHY there are even load times in the first place is what has me scratching my head. After you choose your character and the first match loads (about 15-20 seconds), the load times following this are in the 10 second range; just think of the load times in the Playstation Street Fighter Alpha 3, and it's about the same.

There are people that seem to have a problem with the game's control scheme, but I and many others have had no problems with it; it feels like playing with the Dual Shock 2, but opinions will greatly vary.

 

[WhippinSean]

Thanks a lot dude. I'll definatly pick it up today mainly because I know you and you've been here for the longest time and I think we both think alike.

D-pad for fighters fucking rocks!

Admit it everybody!

 

[Meantime]

There are people that seem to have a problem with the game's control scheme, but I and many others have had no problems with it; it feels like playing with the Dual Shock 2, but opinions will greatly vary.

Just to offer a second opinion, since some people seemingly had issues with the control - I had no problem whatsoever pulling off moves in Darkstalkers. It plays just like it would on a DS2 for me. I suck at the game, however.

 

[Unison]

I have no problems w/ the Capcom fighters on the DS2, but the PSP pad isn't really good for me. I think it's too flush with the surface of the system... I can only pull off even simple moves about 1/2 of the time. I wish this game had simplified command inputs like games like SFA3 on PSX.

In Chaos Tower mode that becomes really problematic, because sometimes you have to finish someone off w/ a special move to advance the right way.

Other than the spotty controls, and load times, it's a wonderful port though...

 

[Drinky Crow]

For the record, I can use the D-pad for Darkstalkers just fine now. Took a little adjustment -- I hafta use the pad of my thumb instead of the tip when rolling for FB/DP moves, but it works.

 

[Lyte Edge]

For any of you guys having trouble with the game, have you tried placing your thumb directly in the center of the PSP d-pad, then doing moves? My friend said it did wonders for him.

 

[evil ways]

For any of you guys having trouble with the game, have you tried placing your thumb directly in the center of the PSP d-pad, then doing moves? My friend said it did wonders for him.

Yeah, that's the best way to pull off half circle moves.

 

[Meantime]

I have no problems w/ the Capcom fighters on the DS2, but the PSP pad isn't really good for me. I think it's too flush with the surface of the system... I can only pull off even simple moves about 1/2 of the time. I wish this game had simplified command inputs like games like SFA3 on PSX.

It's got an easy input mode.

 

[ourumov]

My copy just shipped today. I'll post impressions as soon as it arrives !

 

[Lyte Edge]

It's got an easy input mode.

...Which also simplifies the controls, making the game only use four buttons instead of six. Just get used to the PSP controls/d-pad if it gives you some trouble at first.

 

[Unison]

No, what it has is more akin to an SVC2 Easy Operation mode (aka cheating)... Not like in SFA3 on PSX where you could allow for "long", more forgiving, command input windows...

 

[Meantime]

...Which also simplifies the controls, making the game only use four buttons instead of six. Just get used to the PSP controls/d-pad if it gives you some trouble at first.

Hey, I wasn't advocating using it, just pointing out that it's there

 

[Brandon F]

No, what it has is more akin to an SVC2 Easy Operation mode (aka cheating)... Not like in SFA3 on PSX where you could allow for "long", more forgiving, command input windows...

Actually if you push the L trigger while entering options, you access the EX options menu which does allow you to adjust input window timing...at least I think that is what one of the options is for.

Ironically I find Easy mode in some situations more difficult to use than the standard controls. Nailing perfect diagonals just to do dragon uppercuts can be more frustrating than the actual roll motion...at least for me.

Normal all the way for me though, I've put more time into this game than any of the launch titles so far(barring maybe Ridge Racer) and outside of the 360 degree specials for a few fighters(which I could almost never do anyway) the game plays phenomenally smooth. I find using the fleshy tip of my thumb compared to my usual first knuckle to be the secret to my success.

 

[WhippinSean]

Sweet, I got the game.

Wow. It impressed me quite a bit. It's amazing you know. Because I was so used to playing the series on the PSX that when I put this in, all the animations and colors... I was like... "wtf, she never moved like that on the PSX... "

Really fucking great shit. And the controls are no problem for me at all!

The graphics are the best part!

 

[ourumov]

Well, just played it for half an hour. Here come my impressions.


I basically bought my PSP because of 2 games: RR and this. While I got the first on launch (JP) I have waited a while for this one...Mainly because Lumines.

After playing it a bit the first thing that surprises you is how good does this title good on the PSP. It's simply mindblowing to see the sprites moving with that fluidity on the PSP screen with a ghosting that is by no means comparable to the one seen in Rally-X.
As I said the game is pretty nice to see and I would say it's a perfect conversion.


However gameplay wise I am facing the same problems I faced with the GC version of Capcom vs SNK 2 and the GBA version of SFZ3...When fighting left to right I have problems to perform shoto atacks (hadouken and shoryuken)...Dunno why, probably it's a problem I have due to my fingers being deformed and needing surgery...or it could be that the PSP D-PAD is not as good as I thought...
All in all if my rate is 10/10 when doing a hadoken on DC, PS2/PSX, SNES, Saturn, GB (old model) or N64 (yes, N64 has 2D fighters !) in that case it lowers between the GC and the GBA...6 or 7 / 10.

That said, and returning to tech matters the sound is crisp and nice and I doubt anybody will complaint about it. However load times are pretty bad. It's not that they are untolerable but well...

To sum up, those with big thumbs (my thumbs are 8cm long) beware.

 

[LakeEarth]

However gameplay wise I am facing the same problems I faced with the GC version of Capcom vs SNK 2 and the GBA version of SFZ3...When fighting left to right I have problems to perform shoto atacks (hadouken and shoryuken)...Dunno why, probably it's a problem I have due to my fingers being deformed and needing surgery...or it could be that the PSP D-PAD is not as good as I thought...

No, that's true for me for all the 2D fighters I've played. I don't know why. It's just easier to throw a fireball when you're on the right side. All my more impressive combo/specials in SF3rd Strike have been on the right side, while on the left I try not to be fancy.

 

[djtiesto]

For the record, I can use the D-pad for Darkstalkers just fine now. Took a little adjustment -- I hafta use the pad of my thumb instead of the tip when rolling for FB/DP moves, but it works.

Yeah, that's what I do... probably why I have so many callouses there

 

[SiegfriedFM]

It's the opposite for me, I have more difficulty doing DP or QCF,QCF movements on the right side. Maybe because I'm always starting out on the 1P side.

 

[ourumov]

No, that's true for me for all the 2D fighters I've played. I don't know why. It's just easier to throw a fireball when you're on the right side. All my more impressive combo/specials in SF3rd Strike have been on the right side, while on the left I try not to be fancy.

Well, without wanting to offend you in any sense I have to say that I surpassed that phase long time ago...Around 1996 with SFZ2

It's just that some D-PADs don't fit my thumb enough well and even though I have the feeling I performed the move well...it doesn't. Pretty weird but it the same that happened to me with SFZ3 GBA and CvsS2 GC.

 

[Lyte Edge]

I surpassed that "phase" in 1992.

Again, in case anyone missed it earlier in the thread, if you are having some problems doing moves, hold L at the main menu and hit X to go into the options menu. This brings you to the EX menu where you can adjust input timing (arcade, normal, long), just like in SFA3.

 

[Unison]

I surpassed that "phase" in 1992.

Again, in case anyone missed it earlier in the thread, if you are having some problems doing moves, hold L at the main menu and hit X to go into the options menu. This brings you to the EX menu where you can adjust input timing (arcade, normal, long), just like in SFA3.

Wow, thanks a million for re-posting this... I had no clue this feature existed.

 

[Unison]

Okay, after a few rounds' testing, it seems that switching command input to long shifted my success rate with fireballs from like 40-50% to 80-90%.

Genius.

 

[ourumov]

I surpassed that "phase" in 1992.

Again, in case anyone missed it earlier in the thread, if you are having some problems doing moves, hold L at the main menu and hit X to go into the options menu. This brings you to the EX menu where you can adjust input timing (arcade, normal, long), just like in SFA3.

Shit...I was looking for this !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks lyte. In 1992 I didn't have an SNES, I only had a GB ! I actually bought my SNES very late.
I was like Jarrod then.

 

[Unison]

This game just went from being a "6" in my book to being an "8". It's really a night & day difference for me. How awesome.

 

[jarrod]

Thanks lyte. In 1992 I didn't have an SNES, I only had a GB ! I actually bought my SNES very late.
I was like Jarrod then.

In 1992 I had a NES, Genesis and SNES. I didn't get my first Game Boy until 1996.

 

[ourumov]

Jejeje...I should have clarified my post: In 1992 I was like Jarrod in 2k5
Anyways those were pretty cool days. GB lineup was pretty cool...I still remember my friend beating UN Squadron while I was busy playing Super Mario Land

Fuckers...

 

[isamu]

I wholeheartedly encourage you to get a Nintendo DS and SF Zero 3 for the GBA. BEST PORTABLE FIGHTING GAME EVER!

By the way the load times in Darkstalkers PSP sound pretty annoying. Is there a Gameshark code that eliminates the loading?

 

[ourumov]

I already own SFZ3 and a standard GBA...And I was pretty dissapointed at how the port ended (I already commented I prefered SFZ2 SNES to SFZ3 GBA). Anyways the purchase of a DS seems very unlikely at the moment...


BTw, this is kinda an unforgiveable sin: the game doesn't feature the THANK YOU FOR PLAYING ! ending that most Capcom fighting games have.




Kinda OT: Isamu, have you already played F-Zero GX or do you continue refusing to do so ???

 

[isamu]

Kinda OT: Isamu, have you already played F-Zero GX or do you continue refusing to do so ???

Not yet man. Hopefully sometime during the fall

 

[WrathOfOtaibah]

Darkstalkers didn't impress me. That is all.

 

[ourumov]

Well, I played a bit more of it this week (been busy)...When I finally overcame the D-Pad problems (apparently acting like if the D-PAD was 1 cm shorter makes things go much better) I began to enjoy the game a bit more.
This game is without any kind of doubt the prettiest PSP title out there. It looks awesome.

About the CHAOS Tower feature I have to say that it's pretty entertaining...Just like the world tour of Zero 3 was. Besides the unlocking factor makes you want to play more and more.
Because...did I say that you can unlock EVERY FUCKING ENDING FROM ALL THE SERIES ??? There is also some omake in form of images and sound too.

Don't know but I am pretty satisfied with the game. Considering the price this game means for Euro importers like me I think it's a pretty sweet deal.


But shit, I want my THANK YOU FOR PLAYING !