Darkstalkers Chronicle is actually port of the Japan-only Dreamcast title: Vampire Chronicle for Matching Service - an updated a version of Vampire Savior which allows players to choose each character's fighting style from all five Darkstalkers arcade games (DarkStalkers, Night Warriors, Vampire Savior and the Japan-only Vampire Savior 2 and Vampire Hunter 2). Most importantly, Darkstalkers Chronicle contains all of the characters from prior installments of the series (unlike the arcade version of Darkstalkers 3, which omits several characters)! 


Another great new feature is being able to choose how the game is played. Players can choose Darkstalkers style (Matches split into rounds), Night Warriors style (Matches split into rounds, with different gauges), or Darkstalkers 3 style (Matches split into downs). These options, along with the great character selection and fighting style selection, already make Darkstalkers: Chronicle a must have for fans of the series.

 

 

Chronicle even presents an entirely new mode, not found in any previous versions of Darkstalkers. The new "Tower Mode" allows players select 3 characters which they can alternate between fights to ascend up the Chaos Tower (unlocking cool content along the way). Surviving on one life bar alone, your 3 characters must climb the tower of matches and survive some tough challenges, for example: No punches, no kicks, no throws, no specials... say what?!? Indeed it can be quite a challenge at times, especially since the difficulty becomes progressively harder. Tower Mode also lets you build up your super meter much more than in regular battles, which comes in handy!


Finally, Chronicle Mode allows you to view your unlocked content. If you were ever a fan of the artwork of Darkstalkers, this is yet another reason to own the game. The high-res artwork also looks particularly good on the PSP's sharp screen. Along with character art, you can unlock character endings from all previous installments to the series, and all of the intros from previous games as well. Awesome!!!

 

Page Updated: February 9th, 2024 Developer(s): Capcom Production Studio 5 Publisher(s): Capcom Artwork by: Bengus,  Edayan,  Daigo Ikeno Platform(s): PlayStation Portable Release Date(s): Dec. 4th, 2004        Mar. 24th, 2005      Sept. 1st, 2005        Characters:  Demitri, Talbain, Victor, Zabel, Morrigan, Anakaris, Felicia, Bishamon, Rikuo, Sasquatch, Donovan, Hsien-Ko, Huitzil, B. B. Hood, Q-Bee, Lilith, Pyron, Jedah, Dee Featured Video: Related Games: Vampire Chronicle For Matching Service, Darkstalkers, Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge, Vampire Savior, Darkstalkers: Resurrection, Street Fighter Alpha 3: Max, Guilty Gear Judgment, Warzard, TEKKEN: Dark Resurrection, Samurai Shodown Anthology    Gameplay Engine  8.5 / 10 Story / Theme  8.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  8.5 / 10 Animation  7.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.5 / 10 Innovation  8.0 / 10 Art Direction  9.5 / 10 Customization  7.5 / 10 Options / Extras  9.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  9.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  7.5 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  6.5 / 10 Characters  9.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  9.1 / 10      Final Words: This portable package rekindled my love for the Darkstalkers series. No doubt, Darkstalkers is still one of the most artistic and influential 2D fighting games of all time. The PSP port is a beautiful game all around and was one of the best handheld fighting games to date upon its arrival! I had some good times with this game at my local coffee shops. I thoroughly enjoyed the new Tower Mode... very innovative and interesting for a bonus fighting game mode, and quite a challenge. (I actually still haven't been able to beat it 100%!) All in all, some would say this title is one of the all time "best" versions of Darkstalkers to date (if you don't happen to own Vampire Chronicle for Matching Service, like most of us humans). Long live Darkstalkers! ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen            Click Here for all Background Artwork! Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES