View source for Darkstalkers

{{short description|Fighting video game series}}
{{about|the video game series|the TV series|Darkstalkers (TV series){{!}}''Darkstalkers'' (TV series)|the comic book series|Darkstalkers (comics){{!}}''Darkstalkers'' (comics)|the first game in the series|Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors{{!}}''Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors''}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Darkstalkers
| image = Darkstalkers.png
| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]
| developer = [[Capcom]] <br> [[Iron Galaxy Studios]] <small>(''Resurrection'')</small>
| creator = Junichi Ohno {{small|(planner)}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Darkstalkers – 1994 Developer Interview |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=1994 |url=https://shmuplations.com/vampire/ |access-date=17 October 2021}}</ref> <br> Alex Jimenez <small>(concept)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/darkstalkers-creator-on-breaking-into-the-industry/1100-6270659/|title=Darkstalkers creator on breaking into the industry|work=GameSpot|date=23 July 2010|access-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622034348/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/darkstalkers-creator-on-breaking-into-the-industry/1100-6270659/|archive-date=22 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="gametrailers"/>
| publisher = Capcom
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Xbox One]]
| first release version = ''[[Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors]]''
| first release date = July 12, 1994
| latest release version = ''[[Capcom Fighting Collection]]''
| latest release date  = June 24, 2022
}}

'''''Darkstalkers''''', known in Japan as {{Nihongo|'''''Vampire'''''|ヴァンパイア}}, is a [[fighting game]] series and media franchise created by [[Capcom]]. The series is set in a [[pastiche]] [[gothic fiction]] universe with characters based on monsters from international folklore, and features a stylized 2D graphic style. Its first game, ''[[Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors]],'' was released in arcades in 1994 and its third and final main game is ''[[Darkstalkers 3]]'', released in 1997. ''Darkstalkers'' introduced gameplay concepts used in later Capcom fighting games, including the ''[[Street Fighter Alpha]]'' and ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' series.

Besides video games, the ''Darkstalkers'' media franchise also includes an [[Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (anime)|anime miniseries]], an American [[Darkstalkers (TV series)|animated series]], a Canadian [[Darkstalkers (comics)|comic book series]], and many books of various kinds and other media released only in Japan. Some individual characters, such as [[Morrigan Aensland]] and [[Felicia (Darkstalkers)|Felicia]], appeared in later Capcom games, as well as in a few crossover games released by other companies.

== Video games ==

=== Original arcade games ===
The ''Darkstalkers'' series is composed of five arcade games and the home ports and compilations of those games.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+
|-
! scope="col" | Release
! scope="col" style="width: 30%;" | Title
! scope="col" | Platform
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1994
| ''[[Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors]]''<br />• ''Vampire: The Night Warriors''<sup>JP</sup>
| Arcade, [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
|
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge]]''<br />• ''Vampire Hunter: Darkstalkers' Revenge''<sup>JP</sup>
| Arcade, [[Sega Saturn]]
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1997
| ''[[Darkstalkers 3|Vampire Savior: World of Darkness]]''<br />• ''Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire''<sup>JP</sup><br />• ''Darkstalkers 3'' (PS)<br />• ''Vampire Savior: EX Edition'' (PS)<sup>JP</sup>
| Arcade, Sega Saturn<sup>JP</sup>, PlayStation
| Sega Saturn port includes additional characters from ''Vampire Savior 2''. PlayStation port includes all characters from ''Vampire Savior'', ''Vampire Savior 2'', and ''Vampire Hunter 2'' (all characters in the franchise).
|-
| ''[[Darkstalkers 3#Updates|Vampire Hunter 2: Darkstalkers' Revenge]]''<sup>JP</sup>
| Arcade<sup>JP</sup>
| Modified version of ''Vampire Savior'' which uses the character roster from ''Vampire Hunter''
|-
| ''[[Darkstalkers 3#Updates|Vampire Savior 2: The Lord of Vampire]]''<sup>JP</sup>
| Arcade<sup>JP</sup>
| Modified version of ''Vampire Savior'' that removes J. Talbain, Sasquatch, and Rikuo and replaces them with Donovan, Huitzil, and Pyron.
|}

=== Ports, remasters, and compilations ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+
|-
! scope="col" | Release
! scope="col" style="width: 30%;" | Title
! scope="col" | Platform
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|2000
|''Vampire Chronicle for Matching Service''<sup>JP</sup><br />• ''[[Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower]]'' (PSP)<br />• ''Vampire Chronicle: The Chaos Tower'' (PSP)<sup>JP</sup>
|[[Dreamcast]]<sup>JP</sup>, [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]]
|Modified version of ''Vampire Savior'' that includes all franchise characters and allows the player to select game-specific variants of each character like the character version selection in ''[[Hyper Street Fighter II]]''. Dreamcast version included online play. PSP port includes additional game modes.
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Vampire: Darkstalkers Collection]]''<sup>JP</sup>
| [[PlayStation 2]]<sup>JP</sup>
| Compilation of all five arcade releases. 
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Darkstalkers Resurrection]]''<br />• ''Vampire Resurrection''<sup>JP</sup>
| [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
| High-definition update of ''Vampire Hunter'' and ''Vampire Savior'' with online play.
|-
| 2022
| ''[[Capcom Fighting Collection]]''
| [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
| Includes ten Capcom fighting games, including all five ''Darkstalkers'' arcade games. Includes online play, and is the first time that ''Vampire Hunter 2'' and ''Vampire Savior 2'' are released outside Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guerrero |first=John |date=February 20, 2022 |title=Capcom Fighting Collection announced, releasing June 24 - Includes Red Earth, Gem Fighter, Puzzle Fighter, Hyper Street Fighter 2, and a ton of Darkstalkers |url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2022/feb/20/capcom-fighting-collection-announced-june24/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=EventHubs}}</ref> Secret endings were not included.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.capcom-games.com/cfc/en-us/title/vampire-h2.html | title=VAMPIRE HUNTER 2 - Darkstalkers' Revenge - &#124; Capcom Fighting Collection }}</ref>
|}

=== Future ===
Capcom producer [[Yoshinori Ono (game producer)|Yoshinori Ono]] said in 2007: "Personally, I'd love to make a new ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom]]'', and I'd also like to see the triumphant return of ''Darkstalkers'' to a new generation of technology. It would be an interesting challenge with ''Darkstalkers'', because in the old games you'd see a lot of really interesting animations as characters would morph into different forms. That would be tricky to do with this 3D engine, but not impossible. In two or three years, if I got the chance to resurrect that series, I'd like to shock Hollywood with how good the graphics would look".<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 2008|title=More Capcom comebacks ahead?|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=224|pages=67}}</ref> In August 2010, Ono stated during an interview about ''[[Street Fighter X Tekken]]'' that a new installment to the series would be his "ultimate dream", but only fan demand would cause it to happen. He went on to say that it would take one million requests before [[Keiji Inafune]], then head of research and development at Capcom, would comply. At that point, Capcom had received 5,000 requests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-29-capcom-talks-street-fighter-x-tekken-interview|date=2010-09-29|access-date=2012-09-29|author=Yin-Poole, Wesley|publisher=Eurogamer|title=Street Fighter X Tekken}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/only-995-000-more-requests-before-capcoms-inafune-considers-a-n/|date=2010-10-02|access-date=2012-10-02|author=Yoon, Andrew|publisher=Joystiq|title=Only 995,000 more requests before Capcom's Inafune considers a new Darkstalkers game}}</ref> By March 2011, Ono reported that Capcom had received over 100,000 requests. He later expressed during an interview at a [[Nintendo 3DS]] launch in London that "one day, if it goes half a million, Capcom may raise its eyebrow a little bit and I could do what I did in London in 2007 when I announced the comeback of ''[[Street Fighter]]''. In the near future, with your help, it may become true. It's on its way, because we're pretty much where we were with ''Street Fighter'' a few years back. So keep it up".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-24-darkstalkers-game-requests-up-to-100k|date=2011-03-24|access-date=2011-03-24|author=Yin-Poole, Wesley|publisher=Eurogamer|title=Darkstalkers game requests up to 100k}}</ref>

At the 2011 [[San Diego Comic-Con]], Ono revealed during the ''Street Fighter X Tekken'' panel that while a new ''Darkstalkers'' title had not been approved, he reassured the series' fans that "''Darkstalkers'' is not dead". He then proceeded to take a photo of the attendees at the panel holding up their money to send to decision makers at Capcom to show support for the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/sdcc-darkstalkers-are-not-dead-if-you-ve-got-money-206700.phtml|date=2011-07-21|access-date=2012-07-21|author=North, Dale|publisher=Destructoid|title=SDCC: Darkstalkers are not dead... if you've got money}}</ref> Later the following year in June, a message "Darkstalkers are not dead" appeared in a trailer for the [[PlayStation Vita]] version of ''Street Fighter X Tekken''; when asked about it, Ono wrote on his [[Twitter]]: "I can't announce about ''Darkstalkers'' yet".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2012/jun/04/darkstalkers-are-not-dead-tshirt-featured-prominently-latest-street-fighter-x-tekken-episode-2-clip/|date=2011-06-04|access-date=2012-07-13|author=Catalyst|publisher=Eventhubs|title='Darkstalkers are not dead' T-shirt featured prominently in latest Street Fighter X Tekken episode #2 clip}}</ref> Ono later teased the presence of ''Darkstalkers'' at a panel for ''Street Fighter'''s 25th Anniversary Celebration at San Diego Comic-Con in July. Instead of taking a photo to send proof of demand to Capcom's upper management like he had done in the past, he stated: "This year, you don't have to do that, and it's not necessarily bad news!", but refrained himself from saying anything else.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/07/12/capcoms-yoshinori-ono-hints-at-darkstalkers/|date=2012-07-12|access-date=2012-07-13|author=Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|title=Capcom's Yoshinori Ono Hints At Darkstalkers}}</ref>

Following the announcement of ''Darkstalkers Resurrection'' at 2012 [[New York Comic Con]] in October, a concept trailer was shown during Capcom's ''Street Fighter'' 25th Anniversary panel. ''Darkstalkers Resurrection'' producer Derek Neal and Yoshinori Ono told interviewers that the re-release bundle was the first step towards revitalizing the franchise.<ref name="Verge">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/10/11/3490410/capcom-unveils-new-old-darkstalkers-game|date=2012-10-11|access-date=2012-10-12|author=Crecente, Brian|publisher=The Verge|title='Darkstalkers Resurrection' bundle brings back second and third franchise titles}}</ref><ref name="NYCC">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/capcom-ono-dreams-of-revitalizing-darkstalkers-wants-darkstal/|date=2012-10-11|access-date=2012-10-12|author=Mallory, Jordan|publisher=Joystiq|title=Capcom: Ono dreams of revitalizing Darkstalkers, 'wants Darkstalkers 4'}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/11/nycc-darkstalkers-is-back|date=2012-10-11|access-date=2012-10-12|author=Clements, Ryan|publisher=IGN|title=NYCC: Darkstalkers is Back}}</ref> Neal also claimed that Capcom is using ''Darkstalkers Resurrection'' as a test to gauge audience interest in a new ''Darkstalkers'' installment.<ref name="NYCC"/> In April 2013, Capcom senior vice president Christian Svensson wrote: "We've not given up. But I'm disappointed in the opening sales response relative to any other fighting title we've put out on the same platforms given the frequency and urgency of requests we've had here over the last several years and the quality of the execution. It is the most fully featured and probably best project of this type we've done. And before people jump to the wrong conclusions, I'm not blaming fans who did buy it and supported the brand. I'm very thankful for those guys (thank you, to all of you). I'm more disappointed by my misread of the information in this particular case".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/darkstalkers-resurrection-fails-to-meet-capcom-sales-targets-6406806 |title=Darkstalkers Resurrection fails to meet Capcom sales targets |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=2013-03-13 |access-date=2013-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716055014/http://www.gamespot.com/news/darkstalkers-resurrection-fails-to-meet-capcom-sales-targets-6406806 |archive-date=2013-07-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/ask_capcom/go/thread/view/7371/29852457/hey-darkstalkers-one-of-the-best-selling-psn-gameswhat-gives?post_num=11#531169161 |title=Ask Capcom > Thread > Hey, Darkstalkers one of the best-selling PSN games...What gives? |publisher=Capcom-unity.com |access-date=2013-07-20}}</ref> There was no "Darkstalkers are not dead" line at San Diego Comic-Con in 2013. Matt Dahlgren, Capcom's new fighting game manager, said that because "''Darkstalkers Resurrection'' did not perform as well as we would have liked. You never know what the future may hold, but ''Street Fighter'' is definitely not dead. There is nothing ''Darkstalkers'' on the immediate horizon for sure".<ref>{{cite web|last=Leo |first=Jon |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-no-new-darkstalkers-game-planned/1100-6411888/ |title=Capcom: No new Darkstalkers game planned |publisher=GameSpot |date=2013-07-23 |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Earnest |last=Cavalli |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/126245-Darkstalkers-Resurrection-Sales-Kill-Sequel-Hopes |title=Darkstalkers Resurrection Sales Kill Sequel Hopes &#124; The Escapist |publisher=Escapistmagazine.com |access-date=2014-01-26 |archive-date=2014-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203030030/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/126245-Darkstalkers-Resurrection-Sales-Kill-Sequel-Hopes |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Plot==
{{main|List of Darkstalkers characters}}
[[File:Darkstalkers characters.png|thumb|350px|The characters of the ''Darkstalkers'' series]]
The ''Darkstalkers'' games take place on the planet Earth that is in the process of merging with a realm known as Makai. The reason for this merger varies depending on the continuity, but a continuing theme is that the union of realms brings the arrival of the Darkstalkers to the human world, the term being a catch-all for the various creatures of legend. The greatest of these supernatural creatures, and the greatest among those who hunt them, meet in battle to determine who will rule the night.

In the original game and the sequel, ''Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge'', an alien overlord named Pyron returns to Earth after being away for many years. His quest to conquer the world using an army of robots brings the Darkstalkers out of hiding to oppose his rule over humanity and the supernatural. A second sequel, ''Darkstalkers 3'', saw the debut of Jedah, previously one of the nobles of Makai, who decides that the only way to save the realm is to take control of it by force. Accordingly, he lures the Darkstalkers into a trap to use their collective souls to remake the realm and control both humanity and the supernatural.

''Darkstalkers'' characters are either based on various iconic literary and cinematic monsters, or inspired by international [[mythology]] and [[fairy tale]]s. The 1997 anime miniseries ''[[Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (anime)|Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge]]'', which was based on the first two titles, was faithful to the characters' in-game personalities. The 1995 American-produced cartoon series, simply titled ''[[Darkstalkers (TV series)|Darkstalkers]]'', dropped the backstory of the games altogether in favor of a standard good-versus-evil plot, altering certain characters' storylines in the process.

=== Introduced in ''[[Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors]]'' ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!scope="col" width="6%"|Name
!scope="col" width="11%"|Voiced by
! Description
!scope="col" width="11%"|Other major appearances
|-id="Anakaris"
|Anakaris
|[[Kan Tokumaru]]
|{{nihongo|Anakaris|アナカリス|Anakarisu}} was once the [[pharaoh]] of a powerful empire. After being revived by Pyron as a [[mummy]], he seeks to regain his rule. At the end of ''Darkstalkers'', he travels back in time to restore his empire, and  later after he learns its destruction is unavoidable, he transports his kingdom to a new dimension to keep it safe.
|''[[Marvel vs Capcom 2]]''<br>''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]''
|-id="Bishamon"
| Bishamon
| Kan Tokumaru
| {{nihongo|Bishamon|ビシャモン|Bishamon}} is a ghostly samurai inhabiting a cursed suit of armor called "Hannya", which drives him into a blood frenzy. After Pyron's defeat, the curse is broken, and the freed Bishamon and his wife become priests. In ''Darkstalkers 3'', the armor revives itself by gathering souls, but is sealed again by Bishamon. An alternate version of Bishamon, "Oboro Bishamon", is a playable secret character in certain iterations of ''Darkstalkers 3'', depicted as Bishamon dominating the cursed armor and sword tandem Hannya and Kien, instead of being enslaved by it.
|
|-id="Demitri"
| Demitri
| [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]]
| {{nihongo|Demitri Maximoff|デミトリ・マキシモフ|Demitori Makishimofu}} is often considered the series' protagonist,<ref name="gamesradar+">{{cite web |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/darkstalkers-resurrection-roster-meet-all-18-characters/ |title=Darkstalkers Resurrection roster - Meet all 18 characters |first=Tom |last=Goulter |accessdate=2024-03-18 |date=2012-10-12 |archive-date=2014-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203011639/https://www.gamesradar.com/darkstalkers-resurrection-roster-meet-all-18-characters/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0"/> and organized the first fighting tournament between the character. A vampire lord formerly living in the demon world Makai, he was banished after attempting a [[Coup d'état|coup]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=R. |first=Pat |date=2008-11-26 |title=Darkstalkers (Introduction / Characters) |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/darkstalkers-introduction-characters/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319123408/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/darkstalkers-introduction-characters/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After defeating and consuming Pyron, he seeks to subjugate his rival [[Morrigan Aensland|Morrigan]].
| ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]''<br>''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]''<br>''[[Namco × Capcom]]''<br>''[[Cross Edge]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone 2]]''
|-id="Felicia"
| [[Felicia (Darkstalkers)|Felicia]]
| [[Kae Araki]] <small>(1994–2008)</small><br>[[Kana Asumi]] <small>(2009–present)</small>
| The [[catgirl]] {{nihongo|Felicia|フェリシア|Ferishia}} dreams of being a famous singer and dancer in [[Las Vegas]]. She eventually runs an orphanage, as a nun. She has since appeared in a multitude of games developed by Capcom. Felicia was originally envisioned by Alex Jimenez to be a woman from [[Africa]] with short hair that could transform into a panther.<ref name="gametrailers">{{cite AV media |via=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjySkuLk2D4 |title=Darkstalkers: Movie Monsters - Pop Facts |author=GameTrailers |date=2016-07-05}}</ref>
| {{Collapsible list|title=Expand|''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]''|''[[Cross Edge]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes|Marvel vs. Capcom 2]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds|Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]''|''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]''|''[[Namco × Capcom]]''|''[[Project X Zone 2]]''|''[[Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix|Pocket Fighter]]''|''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo|Puzzle Fighter]]''|''[[SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium]]''|''Puzzle Spirits''}}
|-id="Huitzil"
| Huitzil
| [[Juurouta Kosugi]]
| Huitzil, called {{nihongo|Phobos|フォボス|Fobosu}} in Japan, are a series of robots meant to serve Pyron. After causing the extinction of the dinosaurs, they remained dormant until unearthed by [[Maya civilization|Mayans]] who utilized them as guardians. When Pyron returns to conquer earth centuries later, he revives them to serve him again, where they act as an unplayable [[boss (video game)|boss]] in the first ''Darkstalkers'' game. In ''Darkstalker 3'', a Huitzil becomes the guardian of a young boy, Cecil, after he falls into the ruins where they lie dormant.
|''[[Namco × Capcom]]''
|-id="Talbain"
| Jon Talbain
| [[Yūji Ueda]]
| Jon Talbain, called {{nihongo|Gallon|ガロン|Garon}} in Japan, is a [[British people|British]] werewolf and [[karate]] master seeking to escape his curse. He utilizes [[Nunchaku|nunchuk]]-based martial arts. An alternate version of Talbain, "Dark Talbain", is a playable secret character in certain iterations of ''Darkstalkers 3'', depicted as his malevolent doppelganger. Talbain proved significantly more popular in the West than in Japan.<ref name=":0" />
|
|-id="Raptor"
| Lord Raptor
| [[Yūji Ueda]]
| Lord Raptor, called {{nihongo|Zabel Zarock|ザベル・ザロック|Zaberu Zarokku}} in Japan, is an [[Australians|Australian]] rock and roll musician revived as a zombie by his lord Ozumu after sacrificing himself and his audience. He travels with La Malta, a creature assigned by Ozumu to spy on the overly-ambitious Raptor.
| ''[[Namco × Capcom]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone 2]]''
|-id="Morrigan"
| [[Morrigan Aensland|Morrigan]]
| [[Yayoi Jinguji]] <small>(1994–2010)</small><br>[[Rie Tanaka]] <small>(2011–present)</small>
| {{Nihongo|Morrigan Aensland|モリガン・アーンスランド|Morigan Ānsurando}}, considered the most popular ''Darkstalkers'' character amongst fans of the series, is Demitri Maximoff's rival. A powerful succubus, she is the adopted daughter of Belial Aensland, ruler of the demon world Makai. She has little interest in assuming responsibility however, and is instead a carefree layabout. She merges with her sister self, Lilith, at the end of ''Darkstalkers 3'' and gains more power.<ref name=":0" /> Morrigan has since gone on to appear in many [[Capcom]] titles.
| {{Collapsible list|title=Expand|''[[Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000]]''|''[[Capcom vs. SNK 2]]''|''[[Cross Edge]]''|''[[Gunbird 2]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes|Marvel vs. Capcom]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 2]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds|Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]''|''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]''|''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars]]''|''[[Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix|Pocket Fighter]]''|''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo|Puzzle Fighter]]''|''[[Namco × Capcom]]''|''[[Project X Zone]]''|''[[Project X Zone 2]]''|''[[SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium]]''|''Puzzle Spirits''}}
|-id="Pyron"
| Pyron
| [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]]
| {{nihongo|Pyron|パイロン|Pairon}} is an alien that resembles living fire, seeking to conquer Earth as a prize. He acts as the main antagonist, and is an unplayable boss in the first ''Darkstalkers'' title.
| ''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone 2]]''
|-id="Rikuo"
| Rikuo
| [[Yūji Ueda]]
| Rikuo, called {{nihongo|Aulbath|オルバス|Orubasu}} in Japan, is a merman who believes himself the sole survivor of his race after an Earthquake in the Amazon caused by Pyron devastates his kingdom. After discovering survivors, he has a son, who he rescues in ''Darkstalkers 3'' only to discover another race of merfolk. The name Rikuo is derived from actor [[Ricou Browning]], who played the titular creature in ''[[The Creature from the Black Lagoon]]''.<ref name="gametrailers"/>
|
|-id="Sasquatch"
| Sasquatch
| Kan Tokumaru
| {{nihongo|Sasquatch|サスカッチ|Sasukatchi}} is a rotund [[Yeti]] who travels from [[Canada]] to investigate Pyron after the alien's arrival. Upon returning home in ''Darkstalkers 3'',  he discovers his people have been kidnapped, and tries to rescue them.
|
|-id="Victor"
| Victor
| Kan Tokumaru
| {{nihongo|Victor von Gerdenheim|ビクトル・フォン・ゲルデンハイム|Bikutoru fon Gerudenhaimu}} is a large [[Germans|German]] humanoid modeled after [[Frankenstein's Monster]]. Seeking to fight Pyron to prove to his creator that he is the strongest in the world, he returns home, where his is informed by his "sister", a [[homonculus]] named Emily, that their creator was already dead. In ''Darkstalkers 3'', after Emily starts to malfunction, he sacrifices himself to revive her.
|
|}

=== Introduced in ''[[Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge]]'' ===
''Night Warriors'' is an upgraded version of the previous game, with the same story and returning cast. In addition, several new characters were added to the game, and the boss characters Pyron and Huitzil were made playable.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!scope="col" width="6%"|Name
!scope="col" width="12%"|Voiced by
! Description
!scope="col" width="11%"|Other major appearances
|-id=Anita
|Anita
|[[Kyoko Hikami]]
|{{nihongo|Anita|アニタ|Anita}} is a small, young girl that travels with Donovan, emotionless and mute after a tragedy befell her family. After Donovan is consumed by the evil of those he's killed, she recovers, and as an adult wonders what became of him.
|''[[Marvel Super Heroes (video game)|Marvel Super Heroes]]''
|-id="Donovan"
|Donovan
|[[Nobuyuki Hiyama]]<br>[[Jurota Kosugi]] <small>(''Darkstalkers 3'')</small>
|{{nihongo|Donovan Baine|ドノヴァン・バイン|Donovan Bain}} is a [[dhampir]] monster hunter with a massive sword with a curved end. Acting as a [[buddhist monk]], he does so to atone for his own "cursed" blood. However the evil of those he kills infects him and drives him insane.
|''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo]]''
|-id="Hsien-Ko"
| Hsien-Ko
| {{Collapsible list|title=Expand|[[Michiko Neya]] (''Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors''; ''Darkstalkers 3'' – ''Namco × Capcom'')|[[Kae Araki]] (''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II|Puzzle Fighter]]'')|[[Saori Hayami]] (''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', ''Project X Zone'')|Hunter MacKenzie Austin (''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'')}}
| Hsien-Ko, called {{nihongo|Lei-Lei|レイレイ|Rei-Rei}} in Japan, is a [[jiangshi]], with her sister Mei-Ling (known in Japan as {{nihongo|Lin-Lin|リンリン|Rin-Rin}}) acting as a seal to help keep her powers in check. Seeking to free their mother's soul from a powerful curse, they succeed, and are reincarnated as a pair of young girls. They are pulled into Jedah's domain during the events of ''Darkstalkers 3'', where they can assume their previous forms, and eventually return home.
| {{Collapsible list|title=Expand|''[[Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix|Pocket Fighter]]''|''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II|Puzzle Fighter]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]''|''[[Namco × Capcom]]''|''[[Project X Zone]]''}}
|}

=== Introduced in ''[[Darkstalkers 3]]'' ===
''Darkstalkers 3'' was the first actual sequel title, introducing several new characters and a new storyline. While originally Pyron, Donovan and Huitzil did not return, variations of the game were released that did, including ''Vampire Hunter 2'' and ''Vampire Savior 2''. The PlayStation port included the cast as a whole, with new story mode endings provided for the originally cut trio. Years later ''[[Vampire: Darkstalkers Collection]]'' included a special version of ''Darkstalkers 3'' with one more additional character, Dee.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!scope="col" width="8%"|Name
!scope="col" width="13%"|Voiced by
! Description
!scope="col" width="11%"|Other major appearances
|-id="Baby Bonnie Hood"
|Baby Bonnie Hood
|[[Miyuki Matsushita]]
|Baby Bonnie Hood, known as {{nihongo|Bulleta|バレッタ|Baretta}} in Japan, is a young girl armed with an [[uzi]] and several explosives. Dressed similarly to [[Little Red Riding Hood]], she travels with her dog Harry and hunts monsters for money. She is intended to personify everything dark and depraved in the human spirit.<ref name="gamesradar+"/>
|{{Collapsible list|title=Expand|''[[Cannon Spike]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 2]]''|''[[SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium]]''|''[[Onimusha Soul]]''|''[[Project X Zone 2]]''}}
|-id="Dee"
|Dee
|[[Jurota Kosugi]]
|A corrupted version of Donovan, wearing an outfit that resembles Dimitri's while using his original sword. Originally intended to appear in ''Darkstalkers 3'',  Dee suffers from short-term memory loss, and will rapidly forget events as they transpire. In his ending, he is put to rest finally by a now-adult Anita.
|-id="Jedah"
|Jedah Dohma
|[[Isshin Chiba]]<ref name="voice">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Darkstalkers/Jedah-Dohma/|title=Voice of Jedah Dohma|work=BehindTheVoiceActors.com|date=2013|accessdate=November 26, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143626/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Darkstalkers/Jedah-Dohma/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>[[David Kaye (voice actor)|David Kaye]] <small>(''MvC Infinite'')</small><ref>{{cite video game | developer=[[Capcom]] | publisher=[[Capcom]] | scene=Credits, "Cast" | title=[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]] | year=2017}}</ref><br>[[Travis Willingham]] <small>(''Cross Edge'')</small>
|{{nihongo|Jedah Dohma|ジェダ・ドーマ|Jeda Dōma}} is the main antagonist of ''Darkstalkers 3''. A [[nobleman]] demon in Makai, he was originally destroyed, but was later resurrected. Finding that Makai has devolved into chaos, he seeks to combine all the souls into one singular being, luring the other character to his domain.<ref name="gamefan">Jody Seltzer, et al. ''Darkstalkers: Jedah's Damnation Strategy Guide'' (p. 96). GameFan Books (1997), ASIN B000CPSCBW</ref> Jedah's body is able to shapeshift and recover quickly from self-maiming, allowing him to weaponize his own blood.<ref name="capjapan">[http://www.capcom.co.jp/VR/chara_jedah.html#chara ''Vampire Resurrection'': Jedah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205215845/http://www.capcom.co.jp/VR/chara_jedah.html#chara |date=2019-12-05 }}—capcom.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved November 27, 2015.</ref> In early drafts of the game, he was originally intended to be Morrigan's brother.<ref>Capcom, ''Darkstalkers Graphic File.'' Udon Entertainment Corp, 2008, p. 112.</ref>
|''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]''<br>''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]''<br>''[[Cross Edge]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone]]''
|-id="Lilith"
|Lilith
|{{Collapsible list|title=Expand|[[Hiroko Konishi]]|[[Yuka Imai]] (''Namco x Capcom'', ''Cross Edge'')|[[Miyuki Sawashiro]] (''Onimusha Soul'')|}}
|{{nihongo|Lilith|リリス|Ririsu}} is a fragment of Morrigan's soul separated from her as an infant to keep her power in check. Jedah later discovers this fragment, and after giving it a form resembling a younger Morrigan with pink short hair, tasks her with luring worthy souls to his domain. Meanwhile, Lilith seeks to reunite and take control of Morrigan's body, which she sees as rightfully hers. Lilith was originally designed to be androgynous, with her gender officially listed as "Unknown".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=5515|title=CAPCOM：カプコン ゲームズ – カプコン伝説 第六回 妖魔のタイマン勝負格ゲー（後編）|website=capcom.co.jp|access-date=2018-12-12|archive-date=2018-12-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224136/http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=5515|url-status=live}}</ref>
|{{Collapsible list|title=Expand|''[[Namco x Capcom]]''|''[[Cross Edge]]''|''[[Onimusha Soul]]''|''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes|Marvel vs. Capcom]]''}}
|-id="Marrionette"
|Marionette
| None
| A secret character, Marionette can be played in some versions of ''Darkstalkers 3'' by inputting a special code at the character select screen. When chosen, it will take the form of its opponent, causing a mirror match.
|
|-id="q-bee"
|Q-Bee
|[[Miyuki Matsushita]]<br>Arisa Nishiguchi <small>(''[[Project X Zone]]'')</small>
|{{nihongo|Q-Bee|キュービィ|Kyū Bī}}, short for "Queen Bee", is from a race of humanoid insects called Soul Bees that at one time served Jedah. Driven near extinction after his initial death, they now seek to consume and breed rapidly.
|''[[Namco x Capcom]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone]]''<br>''[[Project X Zone 2]]'' 
|-id="shadow"
|Shadow
| None
| A secret character, Shadow can be played in some versions of ''Darkstalkers 3'' by inputting a special code at the character select screen. When chosen, the player will be assigned a random character, and will play as the character they last defeated as they progress through the game's story mode.
|
|}

==Related media==
===Japanese animated series===
{{main|Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (anime){{!}}''Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge'' (anime)}}
''Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge'' (originally titled {{nihongo|''Vampire Hunter: The Animated Series''|ヴァンパイアハンター THE ANIMATED SERIES}} in Japan) is a four-episode [[Original Video Animation]] [[anime]] series by [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]] under license from Capcom, directed by Masashi Ikeda and originally released in 1997–1998.

===American animated series===
{{main|Darkstalkers (TV series){{!}}''Darkstalkers'' (TV series)}}
''Darkstalkers'' (also known as ''Darkstalkers: The Animated Series'') is an American children's animated TV series produced by [[Graz Entertainment]] and aired in [[broadcast syndication]] from September to December 1995. It was only loosely based on the games and ran for one season of thirteen episodes.

===Comic books===
{{main|Darkstalkers (comics){{!}}''Darkstalkers'' (comics)}}
''Darkstalkers'' is a Canadian comic book series created by [[UDON]] and originally published through [[Devil's Due Publishing]].

===Manga books===
There are many ''Darkstalkers'' [[manga]] books and series (including [[yonkoma]] parodies). A few of them were also published in North America:
* A manga adaptation authored by Run Ishida and published in Japan by [[ASCII (company)|ASCII]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hh_ePQAACAAJ|title=Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge|isbn=9781569314289 |last1=Ishida |first1=Run |last2=Jones |first2=Bob |year=1999 |publisher=Viz Media }}</ref> This manga was adapted by [[Viz Media]] under the title of ''Night Warriors: The Comic Series'' and published in 1998 as a six-issue comic book which were later collected in a single [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/night-warriors-darkstalkers-revenge/49-19040/|publisher=Comic Vine|title=Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge}}</ref>
* A one-shot ''[[Red Earth (video game)|Red Earth]]'' crossover manga ''Darkstalkers / Red Earth: Maleficarum'' authored by Mami Itou in 1997. It was released in English by UDON Comics in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-22/udon-entertainment-to-publish-darkstalkers/red-earth/maleficarum-manga|date=2010-05-22|access-date=2010-05-22|publisher=Anime News Network|title=Udon Entertainment to Publish Darkstalkers / Red Earth: Maleficarum Manga}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/darkstalkersred-earth-maleficarum-/37-239331/|publisher=Comic Vine|title=Darkstalkers/Red Earth: Maleficarum}}</ref>

===Other books===
Multiple other books (guide books, art books, illustrated books, and novels) were published as well, mostly in Japan only. However, some of them were also published in North America:
* In 2008, UDON released the ''Darkstalkers Graphic File'', a collection of screenshots, storyboards and concept art from the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/night-warriors-darkstalkers-revenge/49-19040/|publisher=Capcom|title=Capcom Store - Buy Darkstalkers Graphic File book}}</ref>
* In 2009, UDON released a 15th anniversary art book ''Darkstalkers Tribute''. It consists of submitted artwork from fans of the series, along with artwork from some of UDON and Capcom's own artists and several famous manga artists such as [[Yasuhiro Nightow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.capcom.com/store/capcomus/en_US/pd/productID.158311300/Darkstalkers-Tribute-Book.html|publisher=Capcom|title=Capcom Store - Buy Darkstalkers Tribute Art Book}}</ref> The book was first available in August at several anime conventions before being widely released the following September.
* In 2014, UDON released a 20th anniversary art book ''Darkstalkers Official Complete Works'' that "collects the artwork of every ''Darkstalkers'' game, including key visuals, character illustrations, promotional artwork, rough concepts, and creator commentary", as well as "multiple new interviews with the creators behind the series, plus all-new tribute pin-ups" from Capcom artists.<ref name="DSofficialcompleteworks">{{cite web|url=http://www.udonentertainment.com/blog/tag/darkstalkers-official-complete-works/|title=UDON Entertainment » Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=4 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904121857/http://www.udonentertainment.com/blog/tag/darkstalkers-official-complete-works/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoryuken.com/2014/05/16/udons-darkstalkers-official-complete-works-artbook-now-available-in-north-america/|title=UDON's Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works Artbook Now Available in North America|work=Shoryuken|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010234351/http://shoryuken.com/2014/05/16/udons-darkstalkers-official-complete-works-artbook-now-available-in-north-america/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Soundtracks===
Soundtrack CDs for ''Darkstalkers'' games were released in Japan under different record labels including [[Sony Records]], [[Suleputer]] and [[Victor Entertainment]]. A collection of original tracks from the games, previously included as a part of ''Vampire Sound Box'' in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoryuken.com/2014/08/02/capcom-releases-original-darkstalkers-soundtrack-features-over-thirty-classic-jams/|title=Capcom Releases Original Darkstalkers Soundtrack, Features Over Thirty Classic Jams|work=Shoryuken|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011153958/http://shoryuken.com/2014/08/02/capcom-releases-original-darkstalkers-soundtrack-features-over-thirty-classic-jams/|url-status=dead}}</ref> was released digitally by [[Sumthing Distribution]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumthing.com/p/darkstalkers-volume-1/|title=Darkstalkers Volume 1 - Game Soundtracks, New Releases, Latest Releases, Vintage Soundtracks, 8-Bit, Vintage - Sumthing|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=9 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009152640/http://www.sumthing.com/p/darkstalkers-volume-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumthing.com/p/darkstalkers-volume-2/|title=Darkstalkers Volume 2 - New Releases, Game Soundtracks, Latest Releases, Vintage Soundtracks, 8-Bit, Vintage - Sumthing|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=9 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009145808/http://www.sumthing.com/p/darkstalkers-volume-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Pachislo===
''Vampire'' (ヴァンパイア) is a [[Slot machine#Japan|pachislo]] game using the series' license was announced on May 12, 2009 and released on July 6, 2009. The game was released by the Capcom subsidiary, Enterrise (エンターライズ, Entarāizu)<ref>{{ cite web|url=http://p-kn.com/slot/986/|website=K-Navi|title=Information of Vampire from K-Navi in Japanese|accessdate=2022-12-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sp.pachinkoslot.jp/open/machinespec.php?t=s&mc=1052|website=sp.pachinkoslot.jp|accessdate=2022-12-12|title=Information for Vampire from sp.pachinkoslot.jp in Japanese|date=25 June 2009 }}</ref> featuring the cast of the original ''Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors'', although the game's website utilized artwork from ''Darkstalkers 3'' along with new secondary characters exclusive to only this title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enterrise.co.jp/slot/product02/|access-date=2022-11-04|publisher=Capcom|title=Website for the pachislo game ''Vampire''|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104023942/http://www.enterrise.co.jp/slot/product02/ |archive-date=2015-11-04|quote=The website as recovered from the Wayback Machine has playable flash graphics that might not display properly depending on the current browser, its settings, and flash not long being supported.}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{VG Series Reviews
|gr = no
|game1 = [[Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower]]
|mc1 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/darkstalkers-chronicle-the-chaos-tower/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower for PSP Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref>
|game2 = [[Darkstalkers Resurrection]]
|mc2 = 82/10 (X360)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/darkstalkers-resurrection/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Darkstalkers Resurrection for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |date=2013-03-13 |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref><br>80/100 (PS3)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/darkstalkers-resurrection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Darkstalkers Resurrection for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref>
}}

[[File:Darkstalkers FanimeCon 2014.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Felicia (Darkstalkers)|Felicia]] and [[Q-Bee]] [[cosplay]]ers at [[FanimeCon]] 2014 in California]]

Despite its limited commercial success, ''Darkstalkers'' was very well received by critics and acquired a sizable cult following. [[Destructoid]]'s Kyle Mac Gregor described it as "beloved",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/darkstalkers-resurrection-258530.phtml |title=Darkstalkers laid to rest after failed resurrection |date=23 July 2013 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref> and [[IGN]]'s Richard George described it as both "obscure and beloved".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/17/returning-to-the-world-of-darkstalkers |title=Returning to the World of Darkstalkers - IGN |date=17 January 2013 |publisher=Uk.ign.com |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref> According to [[MTV]], although ''Darkstalkers'' "has developed a loyal fanbase over the years, it was never enough for the developer/publisher to give the series much attention".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2013/07/23/darkstalkers-revival-failed-to-generated-excitement-franchise-being-put-back-on-ice/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225041420/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2013/07/23/darkstalkers-revival-failed-to-generated-excitement-franchise-being-put-back-on-ice/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |title='Darkstalkers' Revival Failed To Generate Excitement |publisher=Multiplayerblog.mtv.com |date=2013-07-23 |access-date=2014-01-26}}</ref> Including ''Darkstalkers'' in their list of video game franchises "founded on boobs", [[GamesRadar]] US called it "second only to ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' as an object of Japanophilic [[cosplay]] figurine collector worship. While the character design in immensely cool, some of the [[fan art]] is downright disturbing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/videogame-franchises-founded-on-boobs/?page=3 |title=Page 3 - Videogame franchises founded on boobs |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2014-06-17 |access-date=2014-06-21}}</ref> Keith Stuart of ''[[The Guardian]]'' ranked the series fourth in his 2012 top list of vampiric video games, citing its "beautiful visuals and superb animation".<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/nov/08/bram-stoker-books-vampire-games|title=Bram Stoker's books are all very well...but what are the best vampire games?|first=Keith|last=Stuart|work=The Guardian|date=November 8, 2012|access-date=June 8, 2014}}</ref>

The cast of characters for the franchise has been credited with making the games "a standout among the fighting games of the era", as instead of "conventional cast of martial artists with the occasional odd creature, Darkstalkers was a gallery of monsters".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ciolek |first=Todd |date=2022-06-13 |title=What's The Deal With Darkstalkers? |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2022-06-13/what-the-deal-with-darkstalkers/.186429 |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]'' stated that the game's colorful cast earned the game a [[cult following]], despite its relative lack of recognition.<ref name=":0" />

GamesRadar's Lucas Sullivan ranked ''Darkstalkers'' first on his 2012 list of "obscure" fighting games deserving an HD remake, opining it "offers just as much 2D fighting goodness as the venerable ''Street Fighter'' series, but it's never gotten the same kind of respect ... and that just ain't right".<ref>{{cite web|author=Lucas Sullivan |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/20-obscure-fighters-deserve-hd-remakes/ |title=29 obscure fighters that deserve HD remakes |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2012-10-20 |access-date=2013-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116142513/http://www.gamesradar.com/20-obscure-fighters-deserve-hd-remakes/ |archive-date=2014-01-16 }}</ref> [[UGO.com]] included ''Darkstalkers'' on their 2010 list of the games that need sequels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/darkstalkers-1|date=2010-11-23|access-date=2010-11-23|publisher=UGO Networks|title=25 Games That Need Sequels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127182244/http://www.ugo.com/games/darkstalkers-1|archive-date=2010-11-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' writers put ''Darkstalkers'' at number 40 in their 2012 ranking of best video game franchises, adding that they would "love to see a modern incarnation",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/darkstalkers |title=The 50 Best Video Game Franchises |publisher=Complex |date=2012-09-25 |access-date=2013-07-20 |archive-date=2012-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230034935/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/darkstalkers |url-status=dead }}</ref> and listed a hypothetical ''Darkstalkers 4'' among the 15 games they wished would be announced at [[E3 2011]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/games-we-want-e3-2011/darkstalkers-4|date=2011-03-29|access-date=2011-03-29|publisher=Complex|title=Hype Dreams: The 15 Games We Hope Are Announced At E3 2011|archive-date=2014-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630015451/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/games-we-want-e3-2011/darkstalkers-4|url-status=dead}}</ref> The magazine's Andrew Hayward ranked ''Darkstalkers'' first on his 2011 list of most missed fighting franchises, stating that "every time Capcom announces a new fighting game, the hardcore community gets whipped up about ''Darkstalkers''{{'}} continual absence, and demands a modern iteration. The supernatural 2D franchise wasn't a big hit, but fervent fans have kept its name alive and seem unwilling to let it fade away".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/08/the-10-most-missed-fighting-franchises/darkstalkers|date=2011-09-23|access-date=2011-09-23|author=Hayward, Andrew|publisher=Complex|title=The 10 Most Missed Fighting Franchises|archive-date=2011-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004001456/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/08/the-10-most-missed-fighting-franchises/darkstalkers|url-status=dead}}</ref>

One attack from the game's cast, "Midnight Bliss", has also received significant praise on its own. A move where Demitri will charge forward and temporarily transform the opponent into a girl before draining their blood,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-vampires-video-games/ |title=The 10 Best Vampires in Video Games |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |accessdate=2024-10-25 |date=2014-02-24}}</ref> it has been described by Chris Hoffman of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' as one of Capcom's greatest contributions to gaming history.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Hoffman |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/capcoms-30-greatest-contributions-gaming/2/ |page=2 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |title=Capcom's 30 Greatest Contributions to Gaming History |date=2013-06-27 |accessdate=2024-10-25}}</ref> Writer Zoran Iovanovici in an article for ''Game Developer'' observed how fans took to the concept, citing it as a mini-genre of a "gender swap" genre among fan artists, [[Crossplay (cosplay)|crossplayers]], and custom fighting game communities such as those built around [[M.U.G.E.N]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/analysis-gaming-s-midnight-bliss-gender-swapping-made-fun |first=Zoran |last=Iovanovici |website=Game Developer |accessdate=2024-10-25 |date=2009-10-18 |title=Analysis: Gaming's Midnight Bliss – Gender Swapping Made Fun}}</ref> The transformed state of ''[[The King of Fighters]]'' character [[Goenitz]], a priest serving the villain [[Orochi (King of Fighters)|Orochi]], proved extremely popular. Appearing as a nun, the fandom dubbed the character "Goeniko" and fleshed her out as a full character for M.U.G.E.N, albeit with a more sexualized design. This later resulted in her appearing in commercial [[mobile game]] title ''The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Battle OL'',<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=游戏机实用技术 |trans-magazine=Ultimate Console Game |pages=110–111 |language=ja |script-title=ja:如果你是女人, 也好 从库巴公主聊聊娘化题材 |trans-title=If You Are a Woman, OK. Let’s Talk About Girlish Themes from Princess Koopa |date=November 2018 |issue=483 |issn=1008-0600}}</ref> as well as in ''[[The King of Fighters All Star]]'' as "Lady Goenitz" and with a different appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-king-of-fighters-allstar/lady-goenitz-and-xv-chizuru-kagura-update/ |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |title=The King of Fighters Allstar Adds Lady Goenitz and XV Chizuru Kagura in Latest Update |first=Tanish |last=Botadkar |date=2023-05-21 |accessdate=2024-11-07 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/darkstalkers-series ''Darkstalkers'' series] at [[MobyGames]]
*[http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/darkstalkers/darkstalkers.htm Hardcore Gaming 101 retrospective]

{{Darkstalkers series}}
{{Franchises by Capcom}}

[[Category:Darkstalkers| ]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:Fighting games by series]]
[[Category:1996 manga]]
[[Category:Capcom franchises]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Horror video games]]
[[Category:Video game trilogies]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Video games about vampires]]
[[Category:Fighting games]]
[[Category:2D fighting games]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]