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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Dark Souls Prepare to Die Edition is the enriched version with the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, a masterful expansion adding new areas, bosses and lore. The complete version of an essential masterpiece."
"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 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."
"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."
"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."
"Xenosaga Episode I Der Wille zur Macht launches Monolith's ambitious trilogy. Turn-based combat, SF and religious mythology and massive cutscenes. Memorable, sometimes talkative."
"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."
"The direct sequel improves everything: more open world, more demons, better navigation. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere is striking. A J-RPG landmark to rediscover to understand the SMT saga."
"A Namco vertical shoot'em up with a mythological dragon. The extra-head power-ups are a delight. Polished visuals, well-measured challenge. An excellent overlooked shooter in the NES catalogue."
"The wonderfully absurd ball-rolling returns remastered, and its silliness stays irresistible. The Royal Reverie content fleshes out the adventure, and the pop soundtrack remains unforgettable. A pure shot of joyful weirdness, even better in pairs."
"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."
