When 2 worlds collide....
Overview
The first major thing one should know is that game is indeed broken so to speak as far as the secret characters and their insane infinities. Automatically it takes away from the game which is why on a competitive level people refrain from using them. Add your occasional glitches, hit detection, collisions, and it might and has swayed the fanatics but its still "playable".
As fans of both or either SNK or CAPCOM we know what both had to offer throughout 2D fighting history. I was hyped the second I heard about it which was here at S-C back in May 2003. I miss those days off being informed, surprised, at every little detail of the game being released weekly. It was SNK's turn to show us what we they had on a dying system but we didn't give up, we knew they can still deliver the goods. I'm saying this as a fan of both companies because I didn't care too much for just graphics; I wanted everything to be good overall. And in my opinion we got what we wanted as the outer shell of the game but underneath its sugary coating there were a lot of problems to take into account but I enjoyed the game nonetheless. By playing this installment we know SVC 2 is a given and I believe it will shock us far more than this hit and miss game now that we know it's headed to the Atomiswave.
A lot of enthusiasts such as myself like to appreciate a game for its music, artwork, and exploit every minor detail and we should somewhat be happy with what the game had to offer. This goes back to its artwork, which was presented once every week and I love the artwork. Surely everyone noticed the FLOOD of avatars and signatures at this board when the buzz was at an all time high. Please correct me if I'm wrong, Nona has greatly improved from his past works for SNK, and SVC was no pushover, he gave life to both Capcom's and SNK's fighters. Simply put, when a character is known as "badass" he made damn sure the characters looked as such. Music, I liked but everyone seems to think its bland and nothing special but I sure as hell think its good while others will just say "Let's just get to the actual game already" but folks, all this cool artwork we see is poster material. Some are ok but themes such as the one where you'd square off against Shin Akuma or Mr. Karate definitely add to the rush you get when fighting these unforgiving bosses. Overall the game has a certain style and emphasis on art. A plus for them as it wasn't too flashy just generic and straight to the point. Now onto the line up, a total of 34 which in my opinion is fine, too many people complained about having more like the CVS series but I thought it was fine because it gave the game more balance and depth. It means having 34 quality characters but unfortunately there's just too many shotos.
I'm sure I don't need to post who's who in the game as we all should know the line up. I will add however the inclusion of secret characters such as NES version of SNK's Athena and Capcom's Red Arremar definitely gives it an unusual out of this world feel to it but they are way too cheap, yet there's a way to beat them as always. Ultimately this is a great first shot on their grounds but it's many flaws may turn away the average fan but it's still playable and enjoyable for what it is.
Graphics 8/10
We all knew what the MVS was capable of and many criticized it because its system was too old, or the CVS series was better... etc. etc. In some cases they are right but surely they have to understand it isn't just about Graphics. If anything they kept this traditional. That's where it scores as it does for me. The animations were cool and nothing groundbreaking, as with the backgrounds, definitely nature themed and definitely gave it an out of this world feel to them (don't believe me; check out the heaven or hell stages). Although there were recycled sprites, and Capcom has all new ones, it shouldn't sway you away from what the game had to offer. Everything is in Hi-RES btw; the transition to PS2 was smooth. And just to add, they have the option for cool transparency effects. As always you can adjust the screen position and choose to go to Arcade mode where the transparencies are not there. While not the best, which isn't something that I was looking for, they are average at best and doesn't bother me one bit.
Gameplay/Controls 5/10
This definitely feels like a cross between SNK's max mode and Street Fighter Alpha 3's V-ism. Then again that's just my opinion. You can't run which makes the Dash feature important; you also have the throw commands by hitting A+C OR C+D. And of course the new ground step, and guard crush, guard cancel which are crucial this time around. As always you have a gauge ranging from level 1 to max mode and not a level 3. This is where it gets crazy if you really appreciate max mode. It opens for custom combos which are absolutely insane which then can chain into the supers everyone loves so much. In max mode you can initiate the super move as many times as you want before max mode wears off and your back to your level 2 gauge... And then there's of course... the new EXCEED ATTACK Available only once a match, this, as described by snk/playmore, changes the tide of a match dramatically if used at the right time (when your energy reaches 50%). It deals a critical amount of damage, and depending on your character and choice of timing it is to your greatest advantage as it can be chained through combos and max mode. Playing by yourself is ok to get used to the feel of the game but I'll put it down after awhile which is why VERSUS is a must. As far controls, for a true arcade experience, go and get yourself the X arcade stick, costly but worth it. OR you can take Giby's advice and try out the Universal Real Arcade Stick, which goes for $59.99 and it's a dream. Big thanks to Giby for pointing it out to me. I'm not sure how better or worse it is between the two but both sticks are great. All the motions and such (once again forgive my lack of fighter terms) are fine. I've no problems yet with regular commands and executing supers, and specials.
Sound/Music 8/10
Some newly added voices for SNK's roster and all the familiar victory and battle quotes and they are just fine. The same goes for Capcom's side definitely refreshing to hear something new. The sound effects for punches, kicks, throws, weapon use are on point as sound as genuine as a KOF game. The music is nothing extraordinary but always suits the competitive feel.
Replay Value 7/10
This is SNK's shot at the VS series and they did fine but know they can do better. As with all fighters it's worth playing with a friend because 2 players is a must. Single player is only serves to practice as I put the game down after a while.
Overall 7/10
Well folks there isn't much more I CAN say. Is SVC the greatest crossover ever? No because there are a dozen fighters out there we like more than the other. Despite its shortcomings I know for a fact it was a work in progress that needed more beta testing and major tweaks and fixes. As far as presentation and wish lists they are just teasing the fans with this one. I'm sure they'll one up themselves in SVC2. Personally I liked it more than CVS because of the simple fact there weren't so many damned fighters. Both games are in a class their own. And I am not claiming either to be the greatest ever because they are all just plain good old fashion fun. CVS 1 was a Capcom's milestone in finally giving us the VS match of the century in 2d fighters. CVS2, was overstuffing the game with more of the first and the result was a very enjoyable game. SVC Chaos was SNK's shot at it on their terms, and was more importantly SNK's turn to take the ball and never let go. But they rushed it and gave us an unfinished but playable product. Now they have to redeem themselves now that they have the time, money, and new hardware to give we the fans the true SNK version of SNK vs. Capcom.
- by mEZEE
