PixlBit

Capcom's latest downloadable release is a dual offering which pairs the classic Arcade title, Final Fight, with a less familiar brethren, Magic Sword. Like many re-released titles this generation, both titles are Arcade-accurate with a few augmented abilities which aim to improve the overall game experience.

At this point, most gamers out there have played the original Final Fight; if not, another similar arcade-brawler like the Streets of Rage series was likely experienced. Final Fight is a perfect example of your de facto arcade-brawler - solid combat, a balanced experience, and crisp, never busy visuals. Anyone familiar with the genre will be familiar with this game, similarly, anyone who enjoys this genre will appreciate Final Fight.

Magic Sword is a slightly different experience, but not significantly. Players fight from a purely 2D plane, and have a few more abilities at their disposal, most prominently, magic. While traversing the levels, players will pick up a variety of objects as well, including coins, potions, and keys. The keys will help unlock doors, which previously housed imprisoned comrades. These rescued individuals will fight alongside players, making the experience more manageable and enjoyable. Having not played Magic Sword before this release, I found myself enjoying it more so than Final Fight, which I've clocked many, many hours in as a child.

At $9.99, two arcade-perfect ports are already a great value, but Capcom has improved the package with some new features. The most prominent of these is the ability to play co-operatively online in a drop-in, drop-out fashion. By this, players can either join or be joined by random people playing online, recreating the same environment found at a real arcade. This feature is also available to a local second player, bringing the experience full circle.

In addition to this online ability, players have the ability to modify the game's graphical appearance via filters. Regardless of the filter chosen, the games look great. Another neat feature is the ability to view the games as if they are in a real arcade cabinet, with the original artwork surrounding the faux CRT monitor, complete with lines.

As with all games on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Trophies/Achievements are worked into the offering. Players are informed of the possible ones that can be earned mid-game, giving players a constant goal to work towards aside from just defeating enemies on the screen. This helps give the game some extra purpose, especially for those who have played through either or both of the games many times. Unlockable content bolsters these initiatives, giving the achievement-haters a valid reason to complete the extra tasks.

Final Fight: Double Impact is a great example of how arcade games should be presented on current generation systems. The game goes to great lengths to recreate the arcade experience, and succeeds in many ways. Those who are fans of old-school brawlers should undoubtedly grab Double Impact, it offers two perfect arcade ports, and more.