Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower

 PSP
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2005
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Gaming Age
    91
    Besides being a beautiful translation of one of Capcom’s best fighting game series, it is quite possibly the best handheld fighting game ever created.
  2. Gamezilla!
    90
    It's reproducing essentially the same game we've played for years in the arcades on a handheld using that can literally fit in your pocket. And it performs well too, without any graphical slowdown that I could notice.
  3. VGPub
    87
    I haven’t been this satisfied from a fighting game since "Super Smash Bros. Melee."
  5. 1UP
    85
    Flashy, fun, and playable -- albeit in slightly handicapped form -- this fantastic compilation is superior in many ways to Capcom's own superlative "Street Fighter Anniversary Collection," and sets an early standard for handheld 2D fighters.
  6. GameZone
    82
    I am really enjoying playing this title. The little movies you can watch about the characters, the Illustrations you unlock as you fight your way up the tower, the werewolf that latches on to you and starts spilling blood like it was cheap beer.
  7. PSX Extreme
    82
    Graphically, this game is a treat. The backgrounds are colorful and depict a wide range of "horrific" settings--ancient castles, gothic villages, bubbling swamps, those kinds of Tim Burton-esque things.
  8. GameSpot
    81
    Probably the best portable fighting game ever made.
  9. eToychest
    80
    With a ton of extras, a full cast of Darkstalkers characters, and an excellent multiplayer network mode, Capcom really pulled out all the stops for this game. Minor complaints could be made—such as the PSP's stiff directional pad and some noticeable load times—but fighting fans on the go will be more than pleased with this product.
  10. Game Informer
    80
    It's smoother, prettier, and features a new Tower mode that rewards players with unlockable art based on the franchise's history. [May 2005, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Play Magazine
    80
    A pixel-precise 2D fighting gmae that builds upon its "Street Fighter" roots. [May 2005, p.68]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Total Video Games
    80
    It does an excellent job of tying together the fragmented series that includes the Hunter and Saviour variations, resulting in a must-have for anybody who’s enjoyed the titles from the past.
  13. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    77
    We’ve also learned that its d-pad isn’t kind to the thumb when playing beat ‘em ups.
  14. PSX Nation
    76
    Extensive loading times aside (understandable given the insane amount of animation frames on display) Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower does the classic 2D fighting genre justice.
  15. PSM Magazine
    75
    While definitely dated, Darkstalkers' graphics have never looked better. [June 2005, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Games Radar
    71
    Handsome in motion but PSP's D-pad stops it being more than a pretty face. [GamesMaster]
  17. games(TM)
    70
    Only the hardcore fans will have to have it, and they’re the ones most likely to end up disappointed. [Feb 2005, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. IGN
    70
    If developers were able to port some of the console features to PSP, they should have taken the time to make sure that the controls translated as well.
  19. GameSpy
    70
    The only major problem, and I'm afraid it's a big one, is the control. The PSP D-pad is not so hot, and it's particularly poor for inputting the fast, precise commands required by a 2D fighting game.
  20. PALGN
    70
    The game itself won't last as long as we hoped it would. Yes, there's wireless multiplayer and yes, it's a nice addition to the game, but without this, this game would only really be worth a rental.
  21. Gamestyle
    70
    Wonderful character design, superb visuals and old-school gameplay all unite to form an excellent PSP title.
  22. AceGamez
    70
    The characters are going to be recognised and enjoyed by fans of the Darkstalkers series, while newcomers are going to find an interesting and unique bunch of opponents, wrapped up in twisted visuals and some nice sound.
    All this publication's reviews
  23. Game Revolution
    67
    Good, classic gameplay makes up for what it lacks in originality and its few flaws are relatively minor, resulting in one of Capcom’s better ideas.
  24. Edge Magazine
    60
    Even if the overall package is less than the sum of its parts, an arcade-perfect port of Vampire Saviour is impressive enough alone, and the PSP’s screen definition infuses the visuals with their original, unmistakable vibrancy. [Feb 2005, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  25. Modojo
    60
    This is an extremely fast-paced fighting game that features no slowdown, highly-detailed characters and environments, and enough gameplay features to hold me over for quite some time.
  26. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    Although Darkstalkers doesn't really possess a level of depth that hardcore fighting fans can appreciate, there's still an inherent layer of novelty in playing an arcade-quality fighting game on the go. [June 2005, p.100]
  27. G4 TV
    60
    While a new game with new characters and gameplay would of course have been preferable to a port, Darkstalkers Chronicles is still a solid and satisfying old-school portable fighting experience, with just the right amount of depth and all of the necessary features.
  28. NTSC-uk
    60
    It is a shame that what is a very solid launch title was marred by a few technical niggles. The control method and loading times must have deterred a number of gamers at the time, and thankfully Capcom and other developers such as Namco and Sammy are now able to work wonders with the hardware, even providing their own sticky D-pad thingies with releases.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PSP Game of 2005
48
#48 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. MarianP.
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    Man, have you seen a better "beat'em-up" game before? Cuz I haven't! I can't describe it, it should be played first, see for Man, have you seen a better "beat'em-up" game before? Cuz I haven't! I can't describe it, it should be played first, see for yourselves!… Full Review »
  2. BasilZero
    Nov 17, 2011
    8
    Darkstalkers Chronicle Chaos Tower brings in characters, stages, Music and specials from all of the previous versions of the DarkstalkersDarkstalkers Chronicle Chaos Tower brings in characters, stages, Music and specials from all of the previous versions of the Darkstalkers series and bundles them all into one package which also includes a all new Tower Mode in which players can fight off against the characters via special rules and restrictions and at the end will be rewarded with endings or artwork.… Full Review »
  3. SmoshCelt
    Nov 4, 2010
    9
    Essentially a port of Darkstalkers 1-3 combined into a single game, this is a great find for fans of the old games. This game gets bashed forEssentially a port of Darkstalkers 1-3 combined into a single game, this is a great find for fans of the old games. This game gets bashed for its controls, but I don't have problems with it. Even the D-pad generally works fine for me. All of the lineup is here, plus a few of the old unlockable characters. Tower mode is new, alternating between 3 chosen fighters to complete a long series of matches. Aside from that, there isn't anything new, but all of the old content is here, including the character-specific endings from all of the games. Until Capcom breaks down and gives us DS4, this is the next best thing for Darkstalkers fans.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »