• 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. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Handsome in motion but PSP's D-pad stops it being more than a pretty face. [GamesMaster]
  2. 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]
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Wonderful character design, superb visuals and old-school gameplay all unite to form an excellent PSP title.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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]
  10. 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.
  11. 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]
  12. 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.
  13. 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
48
#48 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. 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. 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. 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 »