by Vinh Trieu (Administrator)

It's no surprise to arcade operators, nor producers of home game consoles that the market is slowing down due to a weak economy. How do we see this affecting Playmore?

Let's talk about the games being released this year/early next year: Metal Slug 5, a new "V-Liner" type game, Poker Kingdom/Bingo Island (gambling/slot), SNK vs. Capcom Chaos, King of Fighters 2003 and finally Samurai Shodown V. With a strong line up, such as that, whether the economy is bad or not, s-c.com believes this year will be a banner year for Playmore in all of their sectors, MVS (Arcade), AES (Neo Geo Home) and as a 3rd Party supporter (PS2 & DC). Initially, all games from Playmore will be released for the arcade format first, then the home versions to follow.

Metal Slug 5: Despite the less than favorable responses from arcade vendors and Slug fans, Metal Slug 4 performed very well in the arcade market throughout the world. From what we've heard, MS5 has been given more treatment and time with regards to programming, hence would result in improved graphics, gameplay and music. Playmore is aware themselves of how awesome Metal Slug 3 is and because of this, they are striving for the same overall "greatness" to be placed in Metal Slug 5. s-c.com is truly excited another Slug can be made and this time, by Playmore's programmers. So within a few months, we'll have ourselves another Slug to deal with. Can't wait!!!

(Update): We have confirmed that Metal Slug 5 will come out after SVC Chaos, which in our opinion is a great move. Slated to come out a month or two before SVC, we believe it's best to spread out the games and possibly give Playmore more programming time to perfect and revive what Metal Slug 3 gave us. The tentative release for MS5 is now around October. Sounds like great news to me.

Poker Kingdom Bingo Island: This is the official title to the follow-up to SUN's "gambling series." You basically have two games into one, as described by the title, Poker and Bingo. Like V-Liner and Jockey Gran Prix, you place a bet to earn coins, credits or whatever the machine is set up to reward. Maybe it's because it involves the idea of bling, bling, but in the U.S. these games are nothing more than a collector's piece as they're pretty much made for the gambling arena. When we receive more information on this, we'll be sure to post up some pics and a write up of the overall game itself.

SNK vs. Capcom Chaos: Need we explain the "hugeness" of this game? Let's just say the programmers have put quite a bit of time into programming this chaotic game. Just how long? We can't say, but it's a looong time. The longer the better. Expected to cast at least 26 characters, SvC is to be considered the MOST ANTICIPATED SNK/Playmore release of all time. This is the game to have on all formats. MVS, AES, PS2, whatever. We all lose nights of sleep waiting for SvC to come out, let alone just screenshots itself. Yeah, we'll have nice colored pics for you guys soon enough. I think you'll LOVE what you're gonna see. Shhh! More to come. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this game would be the first NG Cart to be over 1 Gig? =)

KOF 2003: The fans have spoken throughout the past few years to take out the Strikers. Playmore listened and implemented the traditional 3 vs. 3 fighting in KOF 2002, which turned out to be a huge success. With improved graphics (higher frame rate), better gameplay and simply stunning tunes, KOF 2002 is considered to be "perfect" in our book. The good news: We're getting SvC before KOF. The bad news: KOF 2003 is a few months after SvC. So why is this bad? Well, Neo fans expect more and if SvC turns out to be a monumental game overall, the bar will be raised for KOF 2003. This time around, expect many new faces and more backgrounds.

(Update): It's somewhat interesting to note that KOF 2003 has received little information from the Japanese news media or gaming magazines recently. Is there a surprise? You bet, but unfortunately, this news has to wait until near the official announcement.

Samurai Shodown V: Who would've ever thought that the Samurai Shodown series would be revived? Not me. But with open arms, we welcome the slasher crew back and if I get my wish, Gen An will make his ugly return. For those who didn't live or experience through the early Samurai Shodown days, this franchise is what made SNK so great and with Samurai Shodown V, we expect the greatness to continue. If anything, expect crazier combos, added characters and a much improved gameplay engine. At this pace, should we now hope for MOTW2? We can hope, but no cigar.

There are many doubters out there of Playmore's future. I have no doubt for one second in my mind that 2003/2004 is going to be a phenomenal year for them. Look at the titles above. In all of SNK's years, can you recall any 1 year where titles like that above have been released consecutively? The video game market is tough. Playmore knows that and because of this, each and every game must be carefully selected and the quality and efforts put into them will be nothing less than superb. There is no more room for another Fight Fever or Legend of Success Joe. Many want the old "SNK" back. Personally, s-c.com thinks the new "SNK", which we know today as Playmore, is swinging for higher goals, will succeed and we fully support them 100%.