Final Fight: Double Impact

Posted 3 years ago By kingquagmire - David Collins

Up until this console generation, we’ve had to rely on PC emulators and the occasional release of an “Arcade Classics” retail package to capture the nostalgia from our quarter-munching days. Now, the Big 3 each have their own digital distribution arm, making re-releasing classic games easier and affordable. Some have been great, like last year’s Marvel vs Capcom 2, while others, not so much, like Yie-Ar Kung Fu. The titles that earn their “great” status can usually attribute it to two things: love and attention from the developer and timeless gameplay. Happily, I can say Haggar and Co are flush with both!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I was skeptical when I first heard about this package. Side-scrolling beat-em-ups tend to age poorly, with a few exceptions, like Streets of Rage 2. All my concerns were put to rest the moment I fired it up, though. You’re instantly greeted with a beautiful looking set piece and the original arcade cabinet with various props taken straight from the game. Now, Final Fight is dubbed Double Impact for a reason. It’s a 2-fer. A quick press of the Square button and you’re shifted to a different but equally pretty diorama for Magic Sword. The model of the arcade cabinet  for MS is visible, along with its own set of paraphernalia. It really drove home how much care Capcom has put into this release.

My buddies and I loved the arcade version of Final Fight. Capcom must have understood that as they opted to recreate the experience, not the game. Beyond the flashy trimmings, the core game feels exactly like it did back in 1989. Even the glitches on the loading screen are present and accounted for. Sure, the resolution has been adjusted, but it’s mostly to adjust for modern televisions. Yet, I don’t think any other title in the last 5 years has captured the expeirence of playing a game on an arcade cabinet like this one has. Only a fight stick could have improved the experience.

Now here’s where Final Fight: Double Impact could have fallen on its face. Nostalgic experiences can only carry you so far. A judgment call had to be made. Do they refurbish the gameplay a bit, modernizing it somewhat for today’s audiences or let it rise, or fall, on its own merits? Capcom chose to let both of the original games stand on their own, a decision that worked out in their favor. From the beat-em-up action of Haggar, Guy and Cody, as they brawl their way across Metro City to save Jessica, to the sword swinging un-named hero and his journey up the 50-level tower of terror to destroy Drokmar, all of it played just as well today as it did 20 years ago.

As I said, it’s all about the arcade experience, so Final Fight: Double Impact supports drop-in online co-op, just like in the arcade, only you don’t have to put quarters on top of your TV to call your place in line. While playing with buddies is great, the co-op in Double Impact is my biggest sore spot with the game: you can’t pause. Even playing by myself, I couldn’t find any way to pause the game. Once you sit down and play, you need to stay there until your done, either by finishing it or saving your progress. Yes, in addition to unlimited continues, there is a ‘save anywhere’ feature.

Conclusion

The pausing issue aside, Final Fight: Double Impact is well worth the $10 investment. You’re getting two decent games who’s gameplay holds up well to the test of time. Most of the features I noted, from the visuals, full screen or cabinet view, to the co-op, are toggle-able, allowing you to experience the game however you want. If you’re a fan of either game, love button-mashers, or just want to relive the feel of playing games in arcades, you can’t go wrong with this one.

I just wish all publishers put this much effort into bringing back a classic arcade title. If only Konami would take a cue from Capcom and give the 1992 6–player X-Men arcade game a re-release, that would be classic gaming nirvana!