SVC Chaos: A Surprise Return to PC, Switch, and PS4

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.

Modern Enhancements for a Classic

The re-release features a roster of 36 iconic characters from both SNK and Capcom franchises. Expect to see favorites like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui (Fatal Fury), the Mars People (Metal Slug), Tessa (Red Earth), and Capcom stalwarts Ryu and Ken (Street Fighter), among many others.

Key improvements include updated rollback netcode for smoother online play, and the addition of tournament modes (single elimination, double elimination, and round-robin). A hitbox viewer provides detailed character collision information, and a gallery showcases 89 pieces of artwork.

A Legacy Revived

The return of SVC Chaos is a monumental event, considering its last release was in 2003. SNK's financial struggles in the early 2000s, including bankruptcy and acquisition by Aruze, significantly hampered the franchise's progress. Despite this, the dedicated fanbase kept the game's memory alive. This re-release celebrates that enduring legacy and introduces the game to a new audience.

Capcom's Future Crossover Plans

In a recent interview with Dexerto, Street Fighter 6 producer Shuhei Matsumoto hinted at Capcom's future ambitions. While a new Marvel vs. Capcom or a new Capcom/SNK collaboration is a possibility, Matsumoto emphasized the significant development time required for such projects. The current focus is on reintroducing classic titles to modern platforms, building a foundation for future collaborations.

Matsumoto also discussed the re-release of past Marvel titles, highlighting years of negotiations with Marvel. The success of community-driven tournaments, like those at EVO, played a crucial role in reigniting interest and making these re-releases a reality. The enthusiasm from fans and developers alike has paved the way for these classic games to find a new audience on modern consoles.