Tekken, Pac-Man, Ridge Racer, SoulCalibur: Namco, an arcade pillar, shines in fighting and racing. RomWize re-ranks the publisher's best games by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Tekken 3 is an absolute masterpiece that defined 3D versus fighting. Exceptional 23-character roster, fluid and technical gameplay, generous game modes including Tekken Force and Tekken Ball. Technically revolutionary for PS1. Often cited as the greatest PS1 game of all time."
"The absolute peak of 3D versus from Namco and Project Soul. Precise controls, a legendary cast, sublime animation and unmatched tactical depth. A timeless masterpiece."
"Soulcalibur II remains a peak of weapons-based fighting. Huge roster, gorgeous animations and generous solo modes. An absolute 3D fighting benchmark, still worth playing today."
"Drift driving with Reiko Nagase on the launch screen; the PSP identity etched in from the first second. Five circuits with multiple layouts, an emblematic techno-house score, Namco hits hard on its very first try."
"Tekken 2 considerably improves on its predecessor with more characters, enriched moves and deeper game system. Namco's series definitively establishes itself as the 3D versus fighting reference on PS1. A major progression consolidating the franchise toward its peak with Tekken 3."
"Dark Souls II is an ambitious sequel expanding the world with Drangleic and multiple interconnected areas. Less cohesive than the first but still demanding and rich. Excellent continuity for fans."
"Arc System Works translates the Dragon Ball universe into a spectacular 2D fighter with animation stunningly faithful to the anime. The three-on-three team battles are fast and readable, welcoming to newcomers yet rewarding mastery."
"Prepare to Die folds Artorias of the Abyss into the base game, the finest FromSoftware DLC of the 360 era. Dueling Artorias and Manus remains a peak of knightly combat, absolutely worth meeting inside the main campaign."
"Dark Souls is one of the most important games ever made. It reinvented challenge and environmental storytelling. Lordran is a dense and interconnected world, every victory is an immense joy. An absolute masterpiece."
"The sequel sharpens the oppressive mood of the first game. Adding a companion enriches puzzles and exploration, while the atmosphere stays chilling. A few stretches feel frustrating, but the art direction and sound design land their punches every time."
"Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin is the definitive version with all DLC and intelligently repositioned enemies. The ideal way to discover Dark Souls II in its most complete and balanced form."
"The original Tekken is a revolutionary 3D fighting game that launched Namco's franchise on PS1. Technical versus fighting gameplay with 3D sidesteps and deep combos. Ten iconic characters with distinct styles. The founder of one of the most important versus fighting franchises in history."
"A generous JRPG with chatty charm, carried by colourful characters and snappy arena combat. The pacing drags in places and the Switch port shows a few technical wrinkles, but the adventure radiates an infectious warmth."
"A celebration of the entire Tekken roster in two-on-two tag combat. Mechanics among the deepest in the series, excellent balance, and maximum content. The best Tekken available on PS3 by a wide margin."
"R4 Ridge Racer Type 4 is an absolute PS1 racing masterpiece. Technical and satisfying drift gameplay, magnificent nocturnal aesthetics, legendary electronic soundtrack and unique RPG progression. The perfect combination of style, technique and soul. One of the greatest racing games ever made."
"Klonoa Door to Phantomile is an absolute 2.5D platformer masterpiece. Surprisingly emotional storytelling, ingenious enemy rotation gameplay and sublime art direction. The ending is one of the most memorable in video game history. An overlooked PS1 treasure that transcends its era."
"Absolute masterpiece by Namco and Keita Takahashi. Rolling a ball of matter that grows by absorbing everything in its path is a concept of rare simplicity and joy. The exhilarating physics, absurd humour and memorable soundtrack make it an iconic and unique PS2 title."
"Klonoa Door to Phantomile is an absolute 2.5D platformer masterpiece. Surprisingly emotional storytelling, ingenious enemy rotation gameplay and sublime art direction. The ending is one of the most memorable in video game history. An overlooked PS1 treasure that transcends its era."
"The PSP's foundational title, where coloured blocks fall to the beat and every skin shifts everything, visuals and cadence alike. Q Entertainment crafts a hypnotic puzzle that no portable has truly matched since."
