The 2003 arcade title SNK vs. Capcom: SVC CHAOS has been revived for modern consoles by Code Mystics, and is now available on the PlayStation 5. This fighter, from an era where crossover fighting games were all the rage, brings together iconic characters from SNK and Capcom, delivering a nostalgic arcade experience for both long-time fans and new players.
At its core, SVC CHAOS has a fantastic roster, featuring 36 characters from two of the most revered names in fighting games. From SNK, you have staples like Kyo Kusanagi from The King of Fighters, Terry Bogard from Fatal Fury, and Mai Shiranui, while Capcom brings in heavyweights like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Demitri Maximoff from Darkstalkers. The character roster alone is a significant draw, offering a mix of familiar faces and intriguing lesser-known surprises that cater to a wide range of fighting styles and preferences.
The gameplay mechanics of SVC CHAOS remain true to its arcade roots, which is both a strength and a potential drawback. The game retains the fast-paced, combo-heavy action that defined the genre in the early 2000s. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to pull off complex moves and combos once you get the hang of the system – and things are even better if you have an arcade controller. However, newcomers might find the learning curve steep, especially when facing more seasoned players.
One of the nicest features of this re-release is the rollback netcode, which significantly enhances the online multiplayer experience. Matches are smooth and responsive, reducing the frustration often associated with lag in fighting games. The inclusion of online lobbies and various tournament modes, such as single elimination, double elimination, and round-robin, adds depth and replayability, making it easier for players to find and enjoy competitive matches.
Visually, SVC CHAOS retains its classic 2D sprite-based art style. The character animations are fluid, and the backgrounds are vibrant, capturing the essence of the original arcade experience – though you can also tell this is a 20+ year old title. The addition of a hitbox viewer is a welcome feature for enthusiasts who want to study the intricacies of each character’s moves, while the gallery mode offers a nostalgic trip with 89 pieces of artwork, including key art and character portraits.
The audio design complements the visual presentation, featuring classic sound effects and music that fans of the series will recognize and appreciate. The soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, fits well with the game’s overall aesthetic and enhances the nostalgic experience with some familiar melodies.
SVC CHAOS does have its shortcomings though, and it wasn’t the best received fighting game upon its original launch either. The game’s AI can still be inconsistent, sometimes offering a formidable challenge and at other times being surprisingly easy to defeat. Additionally, while the classic gameplay mechanics are a treat for fans of the original, they can also feel a tad outdated to players accustomed to the more modern entries in the fighting game genre.
In conclusion, SNK vs. Capcom: SVC CHAOS on PlayStation 5 is a solid revival of an arcade classic. It successfully captures the essence of the original while introducing modern features that enhance the overall experience. The diverse roster, improved online play, and added extras make it a worthy addition to any fighting game enthusiast’s library. However, its dated mechanics and inconsistent AI might not appeal to everyone. For fans of SNK and Capcom’s massive libraries of fighting games, this game offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Score: 6.8/10
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