Kotaku: Snk Playmore

Metal Slug HD? Et Tu, SNK?

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:00:09 MDT

How does one modernize an 8- or 16-bit classic? If your Capcom or Konami, you may decide that low-fi is the way to go, with Mega Man 9 and Gradius Rebirth going for that old-school look. On the other hand, you can go the Bionic Commando route, putting a high-definition spit-shine on your strictly retro gameplay. That's what SNK may finally be doing with the Metal Slug series, telling IGN that the company is "considering" giving the 2D shooter some visual polish "in a similar way to KOF XII."

King of Fighters XII, you may recall, brings the classic SNK fighting series into the realm of high-def, with 100% hand-drawn sprites. It looks quite good. We just hope that SNK keeps what we like about Metal Slug intact. We don't want another Metal Slug 3D on our hands.

HD Metal Slug in the Works? [IGN]

Samurai Shodown II Hits Wii Next Week, Anthology Coming

Brian Crecente — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:00:00 MDT

Following in the footsteps of the original Samurai Shodown, which hit the Wii in June, SNK Playmore announced today that Samurai Shodown II is coming to the Wii Virtual Console on Aug. 4, aka next week.

The 2D fighter will run you 900 Wii Points and features 16 characters, a two player versus mode and tons of silly translations.

The two Virtual Console releases seem to be setting the stage for Samurai Shodown Anthology which is set to hit the Wii in the forth quarter of the year for $30. That retail game will include Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown II, Samurai Shodown III, Samurai Shodown IV, Samurai Shodown V and, you guessed it, Samurai Shodown VI. Man, that's a lot of roman numerals.

SNK USA Is So Not Closing Down [Updated]

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:00:00 MDT

Rumors are swirling that SNK Playmore, best known for Metal Slug and The King of Fighters, is closing its US offices this summer. What's more, apparently the company is letting go all American employees and officially no longer directly selling its games in the States. The Osaka-based game developer says that this is false. The company is relocating its US office. SNK Japan tells Kotaku:

It [the rumor] is not true. We are just planning to move to LA. Currently we have an office in NJ, but we should have the branch office in West Coast, because of time differences and access are much better than NJ.

Also, Ignition USA is located in LA (Marina Del Ray), so recently we have done co-publishing announcement with them.

We will keep our NJ office until 31st of December for our direct publishing in North America. Then we will move to LA. Previously as SNK NEOGEO Corporation, we had an office in LA.

[SNK founder] Mr. Eikichi Kawasaki is Chairman of SNK PLAYMORE USA.

We will renew and revitalize our US corporation. We must keep our US corporation in North America. Currently we are developing KOF12 for next gen consoles, as you know. How can we close our US office? It is 10M$ project, we want US people know our passion for 2D fighting games.

We want to show that SNK is sticking to making 2D fighters and is the world leader in 2D fighters.

So there you go! SNK isn't closing its US branch and is dead serious about the US market and 2D fighters.

Eds Note: The information we received from SNK is incorrect as nothing official has yet been announced about the US SNK branch, other than it is not closing down.

Ring In The New Year With KOF, Metal Slug, Wet T-Shirts

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:20:00 MST

Christmas cards from developers are big thing in the West. Similarly, no developer in Japan would be rude enough to neglect sending cards commemorating the New Year. Metal Slug and King of Fighters developer SNK Playmore has already done the honors for this holiday, creating a batch of a half-dozen Happy New Year 2008 card mock ups that you can send to your favorite fan of whatever SNK Playmore games the kids are playing this year. Designs for Metal Slug (above), Samurai Shodown, The King of Fighters XII, The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters '98 are all currently available for your downloading and redistributing pleasure.

For your own enjoyment, plenty of wallpapers that are not holiday related, including some fabulous desktop worthy World Heroes Gorgeous pieces are just a downward scroll away.

Happy New Year 2008 [SNK Playmore]

Metal Slug 3 Hits XBLA This Wednesday

Mark Wilson — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:40:39 MST

In my humble opinion, PSN is outrocking XBLA in terms of new and original titles. But more and more I'm seeing the two services as separate entities. PSN takes risks and finds incredible new talent and fresh IPs. XBLA gives us an easy way to play our old favorites.

This Wednesday Microsoft is releasing SNK Playmore's heralded classic Metal Slug 3 to XBLA for 800 points. Now in 720p and featuring online co-op multiplayer, I'm almost glad I didn't pump a boatload of quarters into the game when I spotted a cabinet a few months back. But man I've gotta pick up a joystick for the 360 already.

Metal Slug 3 [xbox]

World Heroes Anthology Stateside This Spring

Mike Fahey — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:00:36 MST

Are you ready to beat up some historical figures? SNK Playmore USA is bringing yet another famous fighting franchise home to the PlayStation 2 with World Heroes Anthology, due out next Spring. It collects the entire World Heroes saga into one convenient package. You'll get World Heroes, World Heroes 2, World Heroes 2 Jet, and World Heroes Perfect. While their In Development page might have beat the press release to the punch, it's always nice to get an official target window. The game was released earlier this year in Japan with online fighting capability, though the press release for the game doesn't mention the feature, which one would think would be a pretty big detail to leave out. Still, with characters inspired by such infamous characters as Jack the Ripper, Billy the Kidd, Rasputin, Genghis Khan, and Jeanne d'Arc, it's like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure gone horribly, horribly wrong - and that is beautiful.

SNK PLAYMORE USA Announces World Heroes Anthology for PlayStation®2 system
Wall, NJ — Nov. 6, 2007 — SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY is a complete compilation of the WORLD HEROES series, one of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION's most popular 2D-fighting series. Included in the collection are WORLD HEROES, WORLD HEROES 2, WORLD HEROES 2 JET and WORLD HEROES PERFECT.

In WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY, players battle through history in a tournament facilitated by a time machine, so many of the game's dozens of characters are based on actual historical figures. WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY includes hand-to-hand combat as well as weapons-based fighting, and super-human abilities allow characters to perform powerful special attacks.

"WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY puts a twist on the tried-and-true 2D-fighter formula," said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION. "The time-travel element allows for the inclusion of characters inspired by figures ranging from ancient philosophers to modern-day athletes."

WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY will be available for the PlayStation®2 system in spring 2008.

North America Getting World Heroes Gorgeous

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:20:30 MDT

When SNK Playmore announced a World Heroes compilation for the PlayStation 2 in Japan, it didn't necessarily cause a flood of tips to the Kotaku inbox. When we found out that it was dubbed World Heroes Gorgeous, however, the air raid sirens at the top of the tower whined for hours. When the internet was alerted, we were surprised to learn that, despite how you might feel about the World Heroes series of Neo Geo fighting games, everyone loves stuff that's gorgeous.

Today, thanks to a tip from Jacques, we can prove commenter Scuba Steve wrong. The World Heroes comp is coming stateside, sadly devoid of its flamboyant superlative. SNK Playmore of the US of A has added the insipidly safe World Heroes Anthology... zzzzz... to its list of upcoming projects. Sorry, SNK, but unless we're promised something fabulously sassy and brassy, we're just not interested.

In Development [SNK Playmore USA]

World Heroes Gets Gorgeous!

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:20:00 MDT

Anyone out there remember World Heroes, Alpha Denshi's not that great fighting game for the Neo Geo platform? There were only a handful of them, with sequels like World Heroes 2 Jet and World Heroes Perfect hitting arcades throughout the early nineties. Fortunately for those who have fond memories of the 2D fighter, SNK Playmore is releasing a collection of four World Heroes games for the PlayStation 2.

And it might just have the best name ever: World Heroes Gorgeous! The emphasis is mine.

Seriously, does it get any better than "gorgeous"? No, I don't think it does. Please take a few minutes to enjoy the ultimate fighting game name and mourn the loss of "turbo" and "hyper." They were good to us.

SNK Brings 2 To North American PS2

Mike Fahey — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:00:31 MDT

While King of Fighters XII is coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360 in a few years, for the time being SNK is continuing to dole out the PS2 love. Today they announce that King of Fighters XI and NEOGEO Battle Coliseum are both head to North American PlayStation 2 consoles. KOF XI is the 11th title in the main King of Fighters series (duh), sticking to the 2D we all know and love while adding in new factors like the Quick Shift, Saving Shift, and the Dream Cancel, which takes Super Cancels to a whole new level. Battle Coliseum is a NEOGEO fan's wet dream, featuring 2 on 2 battles with characters from World Heroes, Art of Fighting, Fatal Fury, Samurai Showdown, Last Blade, Metal Slug, Kizuna Encounter, and my personal favorite SNK fighter, Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The game boasts 40 characters across 13 games for a truly awesome roster of fighters. The game was already released in Japan and Europe, so this Fall it's finally our turn. About damn time.

SNK PLAYMORE USA Announces THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI and NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM for PlayStation®2 System
More Classic SNK Arcade Titles Arriving This Fall

Wall, NJ - Sept. 28, 2007 - SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI and NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI expands on the winning KING OF FIGHTERS formula with new strategic options like Quick Shift and Saving Shift, which allow greater precision and control when switching out characters, the match-deciding Judgment Indicator, and Dream Cancel, which wreaks even more havoc than the Super Cancels found in previous games. In addition to all the 2D-fighting goodness found in the popular arcade version, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XI for PlayStation®2 system offers exclusive features including extra characters, bonus stages and brand- new music.

Set in the year 2017, NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM pits players against a man determined to rule the NEOGEO world. The game employs a two vs. two tag- team battle system allowing players to switch characters during play and perform team attacks on their opponents. The character roster has 40 characters represented by well-known faces from the likes of WORLD HEROES, ART OF FIGHTING, FATAL FURY, SAMURAI SHODOWN, LAST BLADE, METAL SLUG and KIZUNA ENCOUNTER.

"KING OF FIGHTERS XI and NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM will give SNK fans everything they've come to expect plus great new features that put a twist on the classic game play," said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION.

Card Fighters Clash Denouement

Mike Fahey — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:40:55 MDT

At least three of our readers who purchased SNK vs Capcom Card Fighters DS back in April are now ready to dive into the kitschy but now glitch-free card game, as working copies of the game finally begin to make their way into the eager hands of the fans that aren't completely sick of it after this long ordeal. The faithful who stood hopefully by the mailbox waiting were treated to a replacement cartridge, a pack of King of Fighter's Trading Cards, and a heartfelt letter.

Thank you for taking part in the SNK VS CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS DS exchange program. Enclosed is your replacement cartridge plus a special gift. We appreciate your continued support and apologize for the inconvenience.

Also, be on the lookout for our next Playstation 2 title FATAL FURY BATTLE ARCHIVES VOL 1 arriving in stores the first week of August.

Translation: Sorry about not being able to play the game for two months because we f***ed it up. Thank you for letting us replace it for you. Mighty nice of you. Buy our new game. It could possibly work.

There are times to advertise your product and times where you should just quietly apologize and move along. This was definitely the latter. Nice job on the free pack of cards no one wanted though!

Thanks to Chris for providing the photo.

Doki Doki Majo Shinpan Goods Rush

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:40:37 MDT

SNK Playmore's inappropriate touching game is getting the useless trinkets ("goods") treatment with Doki Doki Majo Shinpan crap flying at us from all angles. Following the game's release to the delight of Japan's horniest creeps comes the t-shirt, the mouse pad, the cell phone strap, the mug and five types of phone cards. An art book and the already revealed CD soundtrack are also available.

The mouse pad is, of course, of the soft breast design, providing ample support for your wrist between the questionably legal boobs of one of the game's molestation candidates. The t-shirt reads "Touch! Catch! Witch!" and sports a dual-screened design for proudly displaying one's unfortunate game purchasing choices.

We have already put our orders in with Bashcraft, hoping that he'll secure at least one of each for his trip across the Pacific. Fingers crossed that Customs lets them pass!

Doki Doki Majo Shinpan Promo Goods [Official Site, thanks Erik!]

Card Fighters Nightmare Finally Over

Mike Fahey — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:20:29 MDT

At last the saga of the defective SNK vs Capcom Card Fighters DS is at an end. The exchange program web page over at SNK Playmore has gone live, and owners of the card with the game-stopping glitch can now send in their broken copies and have them miraculously replaced with all new, all complete-able versions of the card battler.

Users must first register their game with the website, which everyone does with every game they buy anyway *cough*. Then you fill out an online form, print it, and mail it in along with only the game card, Replacements begin shipping on July 1st on a first-come, first-serve basis. I'd urge you to hurry, but you've already been waiting nearly over two months anyway. If you haven't given up by now, what's a few more weeks? Michael Fahey

Cards Fighters DS Exchange Program Information [SNK Playmore]

Card Fighters Recall Update

Mike Fahey — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:24:33 MDT

Well it's been almost a month and a half since SNK Playmore released the broken version of SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters for the DS, which included a game breaking bug that kept the game from being completed. Then on May 10th they announced a recall that would get underway at a later date. Today, more details on that date have emerged as Mark from SNK Playmore, who issued a statement to the anxiously waiting masses.

We have been informed by Nintendo of America that the manufacturing of the replacement cartridges will be available on June 25th. At that time, SNK will ship the cartridges from Japan to our facility in the US and begin the process of implementing the recall. We should be able to begin providing replacements cartridges the first or second week of July. Information regarding the procedure on returning your defective cartridge to SNK will be posted on our website in the near future. I will keep you updated.

Ouch. That places the new, fully working version of the games in player's hands roughly three months after they purchased them, but I suppose it's better than nothing. Stay strong, my Card Fighting brothers. Stay strong. Michael Fahey

SNK Bringing Fatal Fury Archives To PS2

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:20:52 MDT

Rehash specialist SNK Playmore will never be accused of neglecting its 2D-fighting fanbase. In addition to the recently released Art of Fighting Collection for the PlayStation 2 (with Wii and PSP versions rumored), the company is dredging up Neo Geo memories to bring yet another collection to the PS2 in Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Volume 1. The game will collect Fatal Fury, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury 3 and Fatal Fury Special in what is expected to be a budget-priced package.

The game hits this summer, giving arcade vets a chance to relive their first look at the gratuitous boob-flapping and rump-exposure of series mainstay Mai Shiranui. No doubt, we can expect a Volume 2 follow up, most likely collecting the Real Bout Fatal Fury sequels. Michael McWhertor

SNK Resurrects its First 2D-Fighting Franchise

FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 announced for PlayStation®2 system

Wall, NJ - May 30, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 will include four classic FATAL FURY games: FATAL FURY 1, FATAL FURY 2, FATAL FURY 3 and FATAL FURY SPECIAL. The compilation's release will mark the first time FATAL FURY has appeared on the PlayStation®2 system in North America.

The FATAL FURY series was SNK's first ongoing fighting-game franchise, and many beloved SNK characters and locations made their first appearances in FATAL FURY. FATAL FURY 1 was the first fighting game to feature a two-plane system, allowing characters to dodge out of harm's way when confronted with a challenger's attacks.

"With the release of FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the PlayStation®2 system, a brand-new generation of gamers will be introduced to one of SNK PLAYMORE's fighting classics," said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, "and gamers who loved playing FATAL FURY in the arcades will relish the chance to revisit the golden age of 2D fighters."

FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 will be available for the PlayStation®2 system in summer 2007.

About SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN SNK continues to be an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Wall, NJ. It handles operations in North America including publishing, marketing, development and localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at www.snkplaymoreusa.com

Art Of Fighting Collection For Wii, PSP, Too

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:40:15 MDT

While news of SNK Playmore bringing their Art of Fighting Collection to the States wasn't exactly surprising, news of the anthology making appearances on both the PSP and Wii might be a bit more unexpected. But that's the case, as the ESRB recently rated the game for both platforms.

No word on release date, obviously, but getting your hands on these three arcade retro hits probably shouldn't hit you in the wallet too hard. Michael McWhertor

ESRB Software Ratings

Date SNK Girls... On Your DS!

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:40:12 MDT

SNK Playmore released their character dating sim Days of Memories for Japanese cellphone users last year, but now the company is bringing the opportunity to digital hit on SNK's line up of busty/cute chicks to the Nintendo DS.

If you've ever had a hankering for some polite conversation with any of the lovely ladies from King of Fighters, Neo Geo Battle Collisseum, Metal Slug or Samurai Shodown, you'd best get crackin' on learning some kanji. I don't think this DS title will make it stateside, short of a miracle.

Those of you out there who do understand Japanese and have a prediliction for anime girls should put your pre-orders in. The game ships in Japan on June 14th. Michael McWhertor

SNK PlayMore, Days of Memories DS [Game Watch]

Art Of Fighting Collection Comes Stateside

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 19:20:29 MST

To say that SNK's Art of Fighting is pretty niche at this point may be an understatement. The 2D Neo Geo fighter saw its debut in arcades in the early '90s, hot on the heels of arcade smash Street Fighter II, but was rendered arguably obsolete by the company's own The King of Fighters series. After eleven KoF games, I'd be surprised if SNK Playmore revisits Art of Fighting in any new way.

But it appears that SNK Playmore is tapping into fighter nostalgia, as it will be bringing Geese Howard, Mr. Karate, and the rest of the Art of Fighting crew to the PlayStation 2 this spring with the Art of Fighting Anthology. It collects all three arcade releases on one handy disc. It's sure to sell well into the triple digits.

Props to the Insert Credit news crew for the tip off. Michael McWhertor

Totally New SNK Game?

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:22:38 MDT

Insert Credit reports that SNK Playmore has gotten a patent for the name "Air Dash." The Japanese game maker has been releasing loads of sequels and spin-offs of late, and many fans are hoping this is what they've been waiting for: A brand new game. Details are scant, so then again, it could be something for pachinko or cell phones, but... Brian Ashcraft

More Here [IC]

Fatal Fury's Gonna Beat Up XBL

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 06:22:00 MDT

Looks like Xbox Live Arcade is that much closer to becoming your official retro gaming dealer. Taking a cue from Capcom and hoping to capitalize on Street Fighter's XBL success, SNK Playmore is unleasing 2D fighter Fatal Fury Special on Live Arcade. There's no release date of yet and expect to find out more at TGS. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Gamespot]

Why SNK Still Kicks Ass

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 17 May 2006 06:21:32 MDT

SNK's King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 2 is truly fantastic. It's been out in Japan for a few weeks now, but I didn't get a hands-on until E3. The game is, as game journo Tim Rogers put it, "an elegant fighter." Not mashing here, SNK shows why it makes fighters as good or better than anyone out there.

Even with colorful characters, the game doesn't ooze style over substance. In fact, it mostly oozes substance. It's a meaty fighter, where things like unlockable characters and costumes are merely an afterthought. The focus isn't multi-player or online, but the single player. This is a game for lonely people. King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 2 will be American stores later this year. —Brian Ashcraft

More Here [SNK Playmore]

GameTap Grabs More Games

lsmith — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 09:42:32 MST

Geek.com reports that GameTap will see a significant jump in the number of available games with the new publishers it added to its roster. Interplay, SNK Playmore USA and Riverdeep all signed on with GameTap bringing the online subscription service new titles like Earthworm Jim and Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? And no, the singing guys from the coffee commercials are NOT involved.

GameTap Boosts Its Gaming Library [Geek.com]