In recent weeks, the gaming landscape has been invigorated by a series of developer showcases, unveiling a treasure trove of classic titles set to grace release calendars for 2024 and 2025. This wave of nostalgia includes games that have long eluded PC players, some of which have not been available for purchase in nearly two decades or have never been localized in English.
Capcom Leads the Charge
Among the key players in this revival is Capcom, which has emerged as a significant contributor to the trend. The company has announced a plethora of ports, including over a dozen beloved fighting games and other classic titles since the summer commenced. The latest addition to this lineup is the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, featuring both Capcom vs. SNK titles, the Power Stone series, and other beat ’em ups that have been hard to find for the past twenty years. This collection is set to launch next year on Steam and modern consoles.
In a more immediate release, Capcom has confirmed that the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics will be available on September 12, bringing a host of Marvel crossover games to Steam. Additionally, a bundle featuring two entries from the Ace Attorney series is on the horizon, with the second game making its English-language debut. A demo is currently accessible, with the full launch scheduled for September 6.
Other Notable Releases
Microsoft is also joining the fray with the anticipated release of Age of Mythology: Retold, set for September 4. Enthusiasts who opt for the premium edition can dive into the game immediately. Meanwhile, the original Resident Evil 2 has made its way to GOG, allowing players to experience the survival horror classic on modern Windows systems, complete with several enhancements. Following this, GOG plans to re-release the original Resident Evil and subsequently Resident Evil 3.
In a surprise move, Konami has unveiled a bundle of three Castlevania games that were previously exclusive to the Nintendo DS, making nearly every major title from the iconic series available on Steam. Furthermore, the company has announced plans to remaster the first two entries in the Suikoden RPG series, with a release date set for March 6.
Celebrating Gaming History
Digital Eclipse is also making waves with the announcement of Tetris Forever, a collection celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic puzzle game. This bundle will feature over 15 Tetris entries and will follow the format of Digital Eclipse’s previous documentary-style games, such as Atari 50 and The Making of Karateka, complete with extensive archival footage and developer commentary. Players can expect to see this collection on Steam and GOG later this year.
Lastly, pre-orders are now available for the highly anticipated remake of Dragon Quest III, set to launch on November 14. Square Enix has also revealed plans to remake the first two entries in this genre-defining RPG series next year, promising to keep the excitement alive for fans of classic gaming.
