Over the weekend, SNK delighted fans by announcing the re-release of the classic crossover fighting game, SNK VS Capcom: SVC Chaos. Now available on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation 4, this revival brings the excitement of the game to a new generation of players. Unfortunately, Xbox users won't be able to join in on the action as the game isn't slated for release on Microsoft's platform.
SNK And Capcom Revives SVC Chaos
SVC Chaos Brings Modern Enhancements on New Platforms
During EVO 2024, the world's largest arcade tournament, SNK made a thrilling announcement that set the fighting game community abuzz. The re-release of SNK VS Capcom: SVC Chaos was confirmed through a post on Twitter (X), showcasing the game's availability on modern platforms. The game features an impressive roster of 36 characters, drawing from iconic series from both SNK and Capcom. Fans can step into the shoes of beloved fighters like Terry and Mai from Fatal Fury, Mars People from Metal Slug, and Tessa from Red Earth, alongside Capcom legends such as Ryu and Ken from Street Fighter. This blend of characters creates a dream match that combines nostalgia with modern gameplay enhancements.
According to the Steam page, SVC Chaos has been updated with new rollback netcode for smooth online play. The game also introduces various tournament modes, including single elimination, double elimination, and round-robin formats, enriching the multiplayer experience. Additionally, players can explore a hitbox viewer to understand character collision areas better and enjoy a gallery mode featuring 89 pieces of artwork, from key art to character portraits.
SVC Chaos’s Journey From Arcade Hit to Modern Re-Release
The revival of SVC Chaos is a significant milestone in the world of crossover fighting games, especially given its original release back in 2003. The game's long absence can be traced to SNK's challenges, including filing for bankruptcy in the early 2000s and being acquired by Aruze, a Pachinko company. These events, along with the difficulty of transitioning from arcade cabinets to home consoles, contributed to the hiatus of the series. Despite these obstacles, the dedicated fanbase's passion for SVC Chaos remained strong, drawn to its unique character roster and fast-paced gameplay. The re-release not only celebrates the game's legacy but also introduces it to a new audience, allowing them to experience the classic battles between SNK and Capcom icons.
Capcom’s Vision for Crossover Fighting Games
In an exclusive interview with Dexerto, Shuhei Matsumoto, the producer behind Street Fighter 6 and the Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection, shared Capcom's vision for the future of crossover fighting games. Matsumoto revealed the team's aspirations to develop a new Marvel vs Capcom game or a new Capcom-based SNK title, though he noted that such projects would require significant time and effort. He emphasized the importance of reintroducing past legacy games to new audiences, stating, What we can do now is at least reintroduce these past legacy games to a new audience, to people who may not have had the opportunity to play them on modern platforms.
This strategy aims to familiarize players with these classic series, setting the stage for potential future developments.
Matsumoto also discussed the re-release of past Capcom-developed Marvel titles, noting that discussions with Marvel had been ongoing for years. The alignment of interests and timing finally allowed these games to be brought back to life. He pointed out that Marvel's recognition of community-driven tournaments, such as those at EVO, played a key role in reigniting interest in the series. The enthusiasm from both fans and developers has paved the way for these legacy games to thrive once again on contemporary platforms.