Capcom sent out this announcement of the Capcom Mobile studio:
Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today revealed plans to establish a new Los Angeles-based Mobile and Interactive Division to expand its presence in the mobile entertainment industry. Headed by Midori Yuasa, general manager and senior vice president, the new division plans to release more than 10 titles in North America from the extensive library of Capcom products. In the coming year, consumers will be able to play classic Capcom favorites such as 1942, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Mega Man and Resident Evil anywhere they like.
Capcom began exploring the mobile world in 1999 in Japan, making them one of the first companies to start developing mobile strategies. Capcom is currently working with major operators, handset manufacturers and mobile network equipment manufacturers worldwide to secure compelling game content.
“We are excited about this new endeavor and are looking forward to bringing our expertise to the mobile landscape,” said Yuasa. “Our main objective is to establish Capcom’s new division and provide unique game play integration between wireless, online and console sectors. Our new facility in Los Angeles will house all of our mobile and interactive media offerings and we are looking to make our mark in the mobile entertainment industry.”
Joining Yuasa’s team is Stuart Platt, studio and deployment director. Platt comes to Capcom from THQ Wireless where he held the position of director of product development. He began his career in wireless entertainment in 2000 at a wireless carrier company in Toronto, Canada. Initially Platt was responsible for games and entertainment applications, and later helped launch the carrier's successful wireless Internet service.
And, thanks to the event, we here at Gaming-Age have gotten the chance to see (and in some cases) try out some Capcom Mobile titles. So, with no further ado, here's the rundown of their wares:
Phoenix Wright 
After a short play session with Phoenix Wright on a cell phone, I can only say one thing about it: it’s perfect. Capcom’s menu-driven lawyer game looks and feels just as great as it did on the Nintendo DS. Speaking of the DS version, even owners of the original should find interest in the mobile port of Phoenix Wright as it will feature downloadable cases. Capcom claims one case will be released per month, making for a total of 4 games’ worth of play with 18 cases in all—meaning that the PW sequels will finally get some sort of release in the US.
Lost Planet 
Hitting the cell phone platform at the same time as the Xbox 360 version, Lost Planet will serve as a side-story to the console game. As is, Lost Planet is an action / shooter that looks and plays well. Being that it is still early, Lost Planet should be even better when it releases in 2007.
Resident Evil: The Missions 
For all of you zombiephiles out there, you can get an extra dose of Resident Evil on cell phones. Featuring graphics and style faithful to the Playstation versions and 15 all-new missions with multiple playable characters, Resident Evil: The Missions is one of the most ambitious of the Capcom Mobile titles.
Super Puzzle Fighter II 
During the Capcom Press Event, I was able to play this puzzler online against someone else online—although not a true online (to compensate for lag), it worked quite well. What happens is that what counter gems you use in one round will hit opponents the next…It’s not perfect, but it’s a good solution. As for the game itself, it feels like a perfect port that controls extremely well with a cell phone keypad.
1942 
If you’ve ever followed shooters on the NES or in the arcades, 1942 should be a fairly familiar name. For everyone else, 1942 stands as a classic vertical shmup based in World War II (well, with crazy weapons). The mobile phone port looks solid for the most part, so this may serve to sate a lot of gamers’ hunger for a portable shooter.
Ghosts N’ Goblins 
Ghosts N’ Goblins looked to be a great port from the arcade, but the screen ratio inherent with phones was a little troubling. As this side-scrolling actioner is one of the hardest games out there, having a cropped view might make it even harder…and not in a good way. This one could go either way, but the pedigree it carries merits attention.
Mega Man 
The Blue Bomber hits cell phones in this port of the first Mega Man game. Not only does it look like an almost perfect port (although that screen cropping is again a concern), the inclusions of infinite lives and four control schemes to help players of every skill level find their Mega Man groove—improvements that have been a long time in coming.
Street Fighter II 
With Street Fighter II, it’s hard to say how the portable version will turn out. I’m still not sold on the concept of playing a fighter as complex as Street Fighter II on a cell phone, but with the quality I see in other titles from Capcom Mobile, I may just be proven wrong.
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