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Classic Fighting Games Make Their Way to Nintendo Switch: (Outright Geekery)

Published on

Platforms: Nintendo Switch [reviewed]

Release Date: August 7, 2020

Publisher: SNK

Developer: SNK


 90's CLASSIC FIGHTING GAMES RETURN 

Fighting games were never really my thing growing up, but as I got older I loved them even though I sadly am not the best at them! Sure, you had Smash, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter but now we revisit two fighting titles, King Of Fighters R-2 and Samurai Showdown 2 that were first released for the Neogeo Pocket in 1999. Both titles are now available on the Nintendo Switch in their original format. As someone who never played these upon release, it was great to check them out a decade later on a current-gen console. The game is pretty easy to navigate and the interface allows you to zoom in, and even rewind just like with NES and SNES titles via Nintendo Switch Online. 


NOSTALGIA AT ITS FINEST

Playing both titles with the graphics and interface remaining the same as it was back in 1999 brought me back to a simpler time of gaming. The graphics and gameplay are bright and colorful and even enhanced on the Nintendo Switch and matches are not very long. Each stage has a unique look. The same can be said with each fighter so you can customize your experience every time you play. Difficulty settings allow you to make it as hard or as easy as you want to, depending on whether this is your first time playing either title or not. I opted to work my way up from the easiest setting until I got a feel for the controls and movesets for each character. This game has a bit of a learning curve but experienced fighting game players should really have no problem with it. Overall SNK did a superb job bringing these games to the Nintendo Switch.


GREAT VALUE FOR GAMEPLAY

Both titles are available now in the Nintendo Eshop for USD 7.99 each and both offer great bang for your buck. For players wanting a return to more classic fighting game titles either one is a great buy to check out. King of Fighters R-2 has 23 fighters in its roster including unlockable ones as you progress and an option to build your version of your favorite fighter.  In Samurai Showdown you can collect "Collection Cards" that give players the ability to further customize your characters. It's 100% worth a look if you played them in the past or just want something new to play on the go. Both titles allow you to play against a friend in local co-op.


Overall I enjoyed my experience with both of these games and look forward to seeing even more old classics make their way onto the Nintendo Switch!

This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the developer.

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