SNK, the renowned video game developer, has made an exciting announcement at EVO 2024, confirming the development of a reboot for the classic brawler series Art of Fighting, and a new venture into the role-playing genre with a Samurai Shodown action RPG. This news has sparked a great deal of interest among the gaming community, as both franchises have a rich history and dedicated fan bases.
Art of Fighting, a series that debuted in the early 90s, is set for a grand revival. Joshua Weatherford of SNK confirmed that the reboot would bring players back to the thrilling environment of South Town, depicted in its retro 70s glory. The game aims to capture the essence of its era with meticulously designed aesthetics and the intense fighting mechanics that defined the original series. This reboot is not just a nostalgia play; it is a reimagining of the classic fighter with modern technology and new gameplay elements.
Simultaneously, SNK is also developing a Samurai Shodown action RPG, a significant departure from the traditional fighting gameplay associated with the series. This project is still under wraps but promises to offer a deep narrative and expanded gameplay mechanics, tailored to provide both action and strategic depth. SNTHC’s attempt to diversify the gameplay experience of Samurai Shodown demonstrates their commitment to innovating within their established franchises.
The development of these games is still in the early stages, as the teams are being assembled and the projects are being fleshed out. Yasuyuki Oda, SNK’s General Manager of Software Development, indicated that these are ambitious projects that require more skilled developers. Oda’s outline of the development process reveals a careful approach, starting from conceptualization to complete redevelopment of the gaming experience, ensuring that the essence of the original is not only retained but also enhanced.
Moreover, the announcement at EVO 2024 also serves as a recruitment call, inviting developers who are passionate about these franchises to join the teams. This proactive approach not only accelerates the development process but also integrates community and fan insights into the creation of the games.
The decision to reboot Art of Fighting comes after decades since its last installment, Art of Fighting 3, which did not perform as expected in the mid-90s. Despite the previous setback, SNK is optimistic about reviving the series, believing that new technological advances and changing gaming landscapes can lead to a successful reintroduction.
On the other hand, the development of the Samurai Shodown action RPG seems to be more defined, with prototypes and initial gameplay mechanics already explored before the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The shift to an action RPG format aims to expand the narrative depth and explore the universe of Samurai Shodown beyond its traditional bounds.
This strategic move by SNK not only signifies a growth and expansion of their portfolio but also taps into the current market trends where classic franchises are revived with modern spins, attracting both old fans and new players. The broader implications of these developments are significant, potentially setting new standards for how legacy game franchises can be rejuvenated.
As SNK continues to work on these exciting projects, including the ongoing development of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the gaming community is eagerly waiting for more details to be released. The clear focus on quality and innovation in these reboots and new game formats promises a new era for SNK’s cherished franchises.
The reboot of Art of Fighting and the new Samurai Shodown RPG are emblematic of SNK's adaptive strategy in the fast-evolving video game industry, and their successful execution could redefine how classic video games are brought back to life in the modern gaming era. With experienced teams and fresh talent coming together, the future looks bright for fans of SNK’s classic games and new audiences alike.
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