When we first heard news of SVC Chaos being a 1 vs. 1 fighter, we must admit that we were startled, but at the same time intrigued by this decision. So in our natural fashion, with curiosities to fulfill, we went out and did some homework.

As most SNK/Capcom fans know, Capcom's version, Capcom vs. SNK and Capcom vs. SNK 2 implements multiple fighters battling it out with one another. So what Capcom did was use a style similar to SNK's King of Fighters series, but mixed it up using the ratio system.

So the theory we first came up of why this format (1 vs. 1) was chosen was that of memory constraint, or possible load time if a CD version (on PS2 or other home consoles) was to be later released. After some investigation (and some logic on our part) this wasn't the case.

We all know all too well the structure of the KOF series, with 3 vs. 3 fighting, with '99-2001 versions using Strikers in addition, Playmore wanted the game to be different. It's just too easy to copy their King of Fighters and/or Capcom's CvS and CvS2 titles and what this would leave fans thinking is, "uh, yeah, the same old stuff rehashed." More importantly though, it's the potential and probably inevitable comparison that would occur between their own KING franchise, the King of Fighters. Think about it. Imagine if it was a 3 vs. 3. The first thing that would pop into any Neo Geo fans mind is how would it compare to KOF. Playmore thought of this and wanted the fans to know that you're getting a new product here, without the recycled frames or formulas of it's former fighters. We must hand it to Playmore this time around for starting from scratch and staying away from the old groove.

When SVC Chaos was in the planning stages, the goals Playmore set out were simple: Make this game as fresh as possible. How do they go about doing that? Simple.

-Create the best looking backgrounds they ever have in any game.
-Redraw, increase and enlarge character animations.
-Add 'fresh' characters used seldomly in SNK and Capcom games. (Some characters are standard and a must to retain the history of each company obviously).
-Refrain from the typical KOF 3 vs. 3 format.
-Compose involving and rockin' soundtrack and sound effects.
-Develop a new gameplay engine, with the tighest gameplay in any Neo Fighter.

With the exception of gameplay (which we are awaiting feedback from) Playmore has seemed to have accomplished their other goals. In my opinion, as long as SVC Chaos plays better than King of Fighters '98 or 2002, I would be completely happy.

Furthermore, utilizing a 1 vs. 1 for this installment will allow for future additions and if the fans demand more characters vs. one another, there would be room for improvement. There obviously are benefits and downfalls to why and why not go with a certain format, but it's already set in stone and we must make the best of what's given to us. I'm just happy this title is finally coming to reality. Better yet, it's on an aging system that doesn't seem to want to age.

Long live the Neo Geo MVS/AES! and uh, Playmore...of course. =)

All artwork above belong to either Playmore and/or Capcom. All rights reserved.