SNK vs. Capcom Chaos: The Nostalgic Return

What's up, my old arcade bros from the hood, what's up? Check this out: SNK vs. Capcom Chaos has finally returned from limbo, straight from Joaquim's machines, very dusty and arriving on current platforms, that is, on your Steam or even PlayStation 4 or 5, surprising everyone during EVO 2024. This game is the epic meeting of fighters from the two biggest Japanese fighting game producers of the 90s.

Different from Capcom vs. SNKthat SVC Chaos is a creation of SNK and brings that unique Neo Geo look, that pixelated way of seeing the world that so enchanted us all in the 90s. See characters from Street Fighter with that characteristic style of The King of Fighters It's enough to make anyone nostalgic.

Art and Graphics

The art direction is a show in itself! If you like SNK's style, you'll love seeing Ryu and Chun-Li drawn as if they were in KOF. The graphics are the peak of the Neo Geo, delivering visual quality that surpasses the original games. Hight point total.

Pixel block

SNK/Playmore decided to abandon the sexy anime style that Capcom did well. Instead of the shiny and smooth animations, we now have characters “blocky” and renders that look kind of “ugly”, but they are part of the charm.

Gameplay

Four buttons to satisfy your beating and that's it!

SVC Chaos uses a four-button combat system, maintaining familiarity for fans of King of Fighters. The game also incorporates the three-tiered “Groove Power Gauge” mechanic, allowing for super moves and special techniques. Additionally, each fighter has a unique “Exceed” technique that can be used once when the health bar is at half-full.

Bars and Combos

You only have one bar that fills up with each special move you land. When it reaches its maximum, you can go all out with Super Combos or new moves. “Exceed”. These last ones can only be used once per fight, so if you miss, you're done for. Super Combos can be used at will when the bar is full, but it empties faster if you abuse them. The move Exceed is for those who know the ropes, so if you're not the best, it's better to save it until you make your opponent dizzy. Then until a “noob” can get it right. There is no Capcom or SNK edition like in CVS2it's this generic system for everyone.

Finishings and Challenges

The real finishes only happen if you do really well and defeat the secret fighters or the two bosses, Shin Akuma It is Mr. “Super Big Nose” Karate. If you have to face the normal versions of Akuma and Karate, you'll end up with that kind of ending. “boring”. And knowing which ending you'll get is practically impossible to predict. You have to be a good judge of your skills; otherwise, you'll be playing this game for ages and you won't get anywhere.

SNK vs. Capcom Chaos Characters: Heavyweight Fighters

The cast is robust, with 36 fighters, including the secret ones that are already unlocked in this new version. There are options for all tastes, from the easiest to control to the most challenging. And if you've just arrived and are completely lost, and want to really go all out, go with Genjuro, the most stolen swordsman in the game. The basic characters in the game:

Ryu (Street Fighter)

The eternal “buddy” from the series Street FighterRyu arrives with his Shotokan karate, ordering Hadouken, Shoryuken It is Tatsumaki Senpukyaku to leave anyone in the dust. This one is the “coffee with milk” for those who are just starting out.

Ken (Street Fighter)

Ryu's partner and rival, Ken Masters is the “playboy” of karate. His blows are fast and lethal, especially the Shoryureppa and the Shippu Jinraikyakushowing that the “gringo” also knows how to hit hard.

Chun Li (Street Fighter)

Known as the “First Lady of Fighting Games,” Chun-Li uses a fast, acrobatic kung fu style. Her Lightning Legs It is Spinning Bird Kick are devastating, sending everyone to “floor” quickly.

Iori Yagami (The King of Fighters)

Kyo Kusanagi's rival, Iori is that guy “dark” with a brutal and unpredictable fighting style. His purple flame attacks and technique Scum Gale are feared by many, like the “annoying neighbor” that nobody wants to touch.

Kyo Kusanagi (The King of Fighters)

The heir to the Kusanagi clan, Kyo uses flames to send enemies flying. “beautiful”. His blows like 114 Shiki: Aragami It is Orochinagi are a mixture of strength and agility that not even the “mother” recognizes.

Terry Bogard (Fatal Fury)

O “Lone wolf” from Fatal Fury, Terry Bogard is known for the powerful Power Wave, Burn Knuckle It is Buster Wolf. He is a balanced and versatile fighter, like that “brother” that solves any problem.

Mai Shiranui (Fatal Fury)

Mai is a ninja “bad luck”seductive and agile, with flaming attacks. Her movements Kachou Sen It is Ryu Enbu are both graceful and lethal, leaving opponents drooling and taking a beating.

Akuma (Street Fighter)

The demon of the fist, Akuma is a character “brawl” pure. His blows Gohadoken, Shun Goku Satsu It is Zankuu Hadoken are destructive and difficult to master. He's like that “Bro” that no one wants to confront.

Genjuro Kibagami (Samurai Shodown)

A swordsman “bloodthirsty”Genjuro is known for his brutality. His blows Sanren Satsu It is Gokouzan they are “sinister” and powerful, like that “crazy crazy” that appears on the scene and no one wants to confront it.

Kasumi Todoh (Art of Fighting)

Daughter of Ryuhaku Todoh, Kasumi uses a traditional Aikido fighting style. Her attacks Ko'oken It is Chou Kasane Ate are effective at all distances, like a “zen ninja”.

Shiki (Samurai Shodown)

A mysterious fighter and “ninja” agile, Shiki uses fast sword techniques. His movements Tsuki no Kata It is Hana no Kata are fast and deadly, like that one “mine” that arrives without making noise and leaves everyone “dead”.

Demitri Maximoff (Darkstalkers)

A vampire “disgusting”Demitri is powerful with energy-based attacks. His Chaos Flare It is Midnight Bliss are iconic and devastating moves, like that one “vampire of the slums”.

Geese Howard (Fatal Fury)

The crime boss of South Town, Geese is a master martial artist. His attacks Raging Storm It is Deadly Rave combine brute strength and refined technique, like the “big boss” that is not a joke.

Mr. Karate (Art of Fighting)

The secret identity of Takuma Sakazaki, Mr. Karate is a powerful and versatile fighter. His moves like the Haoh Shoukou Ken It is Ko'ou Ken are extremely efficient, like that one “old master” from old times.

Kim Kaphwan (Fatal Fury)

A taekwondo master, Kim is known for his fairness and acrobatic skills. His moves like Hienzan It is Hangetsuzan are fast and effective, like the “street vigilante”.

Earthquake (Samurai Shodown)

A giant ninja with a sharp chain, Earthquake uses his strength and reach to dominate the fight. His attacks are devastating due to his immense strength, such as “brute” of the roll.

Ryo Sakazaki (Art of Fighting)

The protagonist of Art of FightingRyo is a balanced fighter with Kyokugenryu Karate style. His movements like Ko'ou Ken It is Haoh Shoukou Ken are classics, like the “trustworthy brother”.

Hugo (Street Fighter)

A German giant and former wrestler, Hugo is one of the most physically strong characters. His attacks like the Moonsault Press It is Gigas Breaker are brutal and efficient in hand-to-hand combat, like the “war tank” from the slum.

SVC Chaos Secret Characters

The secret characters in SVC Chaos are a really cool addition for people who like to explore everything in the game. Among the most notable ones, we have Geese Howard, Goenitz, even the people of Mars from Metal Slug, and of course, the coolest ones like Athena (with original outfit from her first arcade game), Red Arremer, Shin Akuma It is Mr. Karate demon version. To unlock these characters, just hold the L1 button on PlayStation, LB on Xbox controller (Steam) or J on keyboard on the character selection screen, both in Kyo's row (SNK) and Ryu's row (Capcom).

Athenawith his magical abilities and psychic attacks, is a powerful figure that adds a mystical touch to the game. Red Arremerthe demon of the series Ghosts 'n Goblinsis a fierce opponent with unique abilities. These secret characters increase the challenge and bring a lot of variety to the battles, making the fights even more exciting.

Settings and Customization

This re-release comes with support for rollback netcode, ensuring lag-free online matches. In addition, it has a tournament mode to organize that healthy brawl. The screen settings are customizable to make the experience even cooler. If you like those scanlines then you'll be like a dick in the trash.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is simple compared to other Neo Geo games, but you can't resist when the music starts playing, bringing back that nostalgic arcade cabinet bass. It's like you've gone back in time, picked up the controller and started hitting combos on everything that appears on the screen. That's exactly what fighting game music is for: to get you into the vibe and make you feel the “boss” from the slums while dishing out beatings.

News and Features

One of the most welcome new features is the Hitbox mode, which shows where your attacks land on your opponent. This is very useful for better understanding how the game works, as well as having the list of characters' attacks accessible at any time. Perfect for beginners or for those who are rusty and forgot that special move.

Strengths:

• Nostalgic look with Neo Geo style art.
• Wide variety of characters including secret fighters.
• Hitbox Mode for a better understanding of the scams.
• Rollback netcode ensuring lag-free online matches.

Negative points:

• Simplified gameplay compared to other SNK titles.
• Not so inspired soundtrack as other classics.
• Some dated charts which may not please everyone.

Final Grade: 8/10

SVC Chaos is that game that hits hard on the nostalgia of the old days, but with some modern touches, like support for online play and several configuration options. Don't expect the complexity of a King of Fightersbut if you're in the mood for a casual brawl between the big names in fighting games, this is the game for you. Even with the somewhat dated graphics and simpler gameplay, the game delivers a fun and nostalgic experience, especially for die-hard fans.