Starting in 2025, game publisher and developer Capcom seems to be very busy because they have a very ambitious target, which is to revive their classic games. According to GamerantCapcom is said to be preparing to announce a number of classic game titles that will be brought back with a touch of modern technology.
Ookami and Onimusha are the start of Capcom's classic game revival
In December 2024, Capcom announced "Okami" and "Onimusha" at The Game Awards 2024, marking the return of two games that had been absent for more than a decade. This strategy reflects Capcom's efforts to capitalize on the richness of their intellectual portfolio, with the aim of increasing company value and meeting the expectations of loyal fans.
"Okami," which was first released in 2006, was known for its art style inspired by traditional Japanese paintings and gameplay that resembled "The Legend of Zelda" series. Despite critical acclaim, its sales did not meet expectations, which contributed to the closure of Clover Studio, the game's original developer. However, the announcement of the sequel to "Okami" brings a breath of fresh air to fans, especially with the return of the original director, Hideki Kamiya, who will lead development at his new studio, Clovers. Production on the sequel has just begun, and Capcom states that this new adventure will be in line with the spirit of its predecessor.
In addition to "Okami," Capcom also announced a new entry in the "Onimusha" series, scheduled for release in 2026. This action series, which is set in feudal Japan with supernatural elements, last released in 2006. The return of "Onimusha" demonstrates Capcom's commitment to reviving long-abandoned titles, giving a new generation of players the chance to experience the classics with a modern twist.
Many of Capcom's Classic Games Are Coming Back
Capcom's move to revive classic games doesn't stop there. The company is also releasing several collections of iconic fighting games. In September 2024, "Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics" was launched, featuring seven Marvel arcade games developed by Capcom, including "Marvel Super Heroes" and "Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes." This collection not only offers nostalgia for old fans but also introduces these legendary games to a new audience.
Continuing the momentum, Capcom announced "Capcom Fighting Collection 2," scheduled for release in May 2025. The collection includes eight classic fighting games, such as "Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000," "Power Stone," and "Project Justice." This move not only satisfies longtime fans but also has the potential to attract new interest in the fighting game community, by providing easy access to previously hard-to-find titles.
This revitalization strategy seems to be driven by a fan survey Capcom conducted earlier in 2024, where titles like "Dino Crisis," "Mega Man," and "Devil May Cry" topped the list as the most desired games to revive. Although "Okami" and "Onimusha" ranked seventh and ninth, the decision to prioritize these two titles shows Capcom's strategic approach in capitalizing on the momentum and resources available.
In addition, the collaboration between Capcom and SNK further enriches the landscape of fighting games. The announcement of guest characters such as Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui from SNK joining "Street Fighter 6" as downloadable content marks the first time third-party characters have appeared in the main series of "Street Fighter." This collaboration not only delights fans of both companies but also opens up opportunities for future collaborative projects.
