• 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. 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. 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. 87
    I haven’t been this satisfied from a fighting game since "Super Smash Bros. Melee."
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Probably the best portable fighting game ever made.
  8. 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.
  9. 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]
  10. Play Magazine
    80
    A pixel-precise 2D fighting gmae that builds upon its "Street Fighter" roots. [May 2005, p.68]
  11. 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.
  12. We’ve also learned that its d-pad isn’t kind to the thumb when playing beat ‘em ups.
  13. 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.
  14. PSM Magazine
    75
    While definitely dated, Darkstalkers' graphics have never looked better. [June 2005, p.83]

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 »