Capcom reveals downloadable lineup

In August, Capcom boasted that its Xbox Live Arcade title, Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting, saw "a phenomenal record of downloads" upon its release, and quickly established itself as the fastest-selling game on the service up to that point. Given that its first foray into digital distribution of console games went so well, it's no surprise that the company has been working on a handful of downloadable follow-ups.

Capcom today announced its new "Digital Initiative," a program aimed to expand its catalog of downloadable games for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Of the initial batch of four titles, two will be revamped versions of the publisher's arcade games, and the other two are new titles based on non-Capcom licenses. None have been priced yet.

Receiving a high-resolution face-lift will be the knuckle-bruising Super Street Fighter II and its gem-breaking counterpart, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. Set for release this fall, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will retain the arcade game's original code, but features graphics redrawn for 1080p resolution. The redrawn art will be created by Udon Comics, publishers of the current Street Fighter comic book. The game will be released on Xbox Live Arcade and the PS3's PlayStation Network, and will feature online multiplayer matches, in-game voice chatting, worldwide rankings, and more.

Before that remake arrives, gamers on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC will be able to download its brain-teasing spin-off, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Like its brawling cousin, the remade Puzzle Fighter will include redrawn graphics from Udon Entertainment and worldwide rankings. Unlike its brawling cousin, the puzzle game will feature new game modes that alter the way the game is played, the option to play a rebalanced version of the game. Players will also be able to choose from the game's original graphics and the new 1080p-friendly visuals. Both remakes are being handled by Backbone Entertainment.


Not to be confused with Harland Williams' RocketMan.With the needs of fighting and puzzle fans addressed, Capcom's other downloadable efforts offer the publisher's takes on the arcade shooter and board game genres. Developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games, Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is based on the WizKids constructible strategy game. The game allows up to four players to join up online or offline with their own customized characters and blast their way through a number of levels depicted at resolutions up to 1080i. Rocketmen is set for release this fall.

The last of Capcom's just-announced batch of downloadable games in development is Talisman, based on the board game of the same name from Games Workshop. Set for release on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC this winter, Talisman is playable online or offline by up to four players, takes place in a swords-and-sorcery setting, and is "based very closely" on the board game. Talisman will also feature downloadable expansion packs in the future with character updates, adventure card updates, and alternate endings.

Whatever the case, these games are not the end of Capcom's digital distribution efforts. The publisher has said it wants to be a "major player" in downloadable games, and will even move into creating new original intellectual properties from "some of the biggest names in game development."

via gamespot