SNK's surprise announcement at EVO 2024 sent shockwaves through the fighting game community: SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos is back! Now available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, this classic crossover fighter offers a modern update for a new generation of players. Xbox users, unfortunately, are left out of this revival.
Boasting a roster of 36 characters from both SNK and Capcom universes, SVC Chaos delivers a dream match-up featuring beloved fighters like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui (Fatal Fury), the Mars People (Metal Slug), Tessa (Red Earth), and Capcom stalwarts Ryu and Ken (Street Fighter).
The Steam page highlights key improvements: updated rollback netcode for smooth online play, tournament modes (single, double elimination, and round-robin), a hitbox viewer for advanced players, and a gallery showcasing 89 pieces of artwork.
The re-release is a significant event, considering the game's original 2003 launch and SNK's subsequent challenges. The company's bankruptcy and acquisition by Aruze, coupled with the difficulties transitioning from arcades to home consoles, delayed the game's return for over two decades. However, the dedicated fanbase's unwavering support has finally brought SVC Chaos back to the forefront.
In a recent Dexerto interview, Street Fighter 6 producer Shuhei Matsumoto revealed Capcom's ambitions for future crossover fighting games. While a new Marvel vs. Capcom or a Capcom vs. SNK title is a long-term goal, Matsumoto emphasized the importance of reintroducing classic titles to a new audience on modern platforms. The successful re-release of past Marvel vs. Capcom titles, facilitated by renewed collaboration with Marvel and fueled by community enthusiasm at events like EVO, demonstrates the potential for future collaborations.
The revival of SVC Chaos is more than just a re-release; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of classic fighting games and a promising sign for future collaborations between SNK and Capcom.