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NCG REVIEW – SNK VS CAPCOM: THE MATCH OF THE MILLENNIUM (SWITCH)

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This title was given to the NCG team for review purposes

OVERVIEW

Back in 1999, the handheld system the NeoGeo Pocket Color by SNK was released. SNK is known for their reputable arcade titles, sprite work, and addicting gameplay. SNK, at the time, released a number of ports and original titles for the handheld system. These title’s sold pretty well over seas, but did not gain much attraction in North America, which might be why many Westerners have never heard of the handheld, or even SNK VS CAPCOM: THE MATCH OF THE MILLENNIUM – a spin off title from the Capcom vs SNK Series, which was a big hit in the arcades.

SNK VS CAPCOM: THE MATCH OF THE MILLENNIUM had a lot of positive feedback from reviewers back when it was launched on the handheld, but we can see if it matches up to modern standards, if the game has aged well enough to meet the expectations of an audience new to the Fighting Game Community (FGC), and players that just enjoy old fighting game titles.

Presentation

When turning on SNK VS CAPCOM: THE MATCH OF THE MILLENNIUM players will be greeted to welcoming fists! The nostalgic presentation of classic SNK/CAPCOM fighting title screens of the mid to late 90’s, awesome animations, and sprite work immediate jumps out at the player. The title sequence has aged pretty well, and this is the same when it comes to actual gameplay. The animation of each fighter represents them well for a handheld from the era, and has not disappointed expectations for a re-release .

That does not mean there aren’t some flaws with the visuals for this port. The main gripe I had is that the game has a small aspect ratio, and the default borders that are supposed to replicate the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Sure you can take these off, and fix the aspect ratio, but I feel like they should of had it full screen to start with, especially since the Switch has such a large screen.

Sound

Not much to say other than the sound and music score is excellent for the title since it pulled music from a lot of SNK and Capcom titles in the form of chiptunes. Every hit feels good because of the SFX’s, and with that mixed with the music score. you can lose yourself to some familiar songs.

Gameplay

Gameplay is actually fluent and feels great for this title. It only offers two buttons, one for punch and one for kick, but the button response are fast. Best of all, the game has a tag team mechanic, which some veteran players will be accustomed to. With this mechanic, players can switch between two of the available characters from the SNK and Capcom games, just like the Marvel vs Capcom series, as well as a few unlockable characters.

Verdict

All in all the game has aged pretty well, everyone who enjoyed SNK and Capcom games will love the mashup. I recommend this title to anyone who has missed it when it was released, as well as anyone who is just a fan of the fighting game genre. My score for this port is an 8 out of 10, mainly because this title is not for everyone, but catered toward long-time fans.

SNK VS CAPCOM: THE MATCH OF THE MILLENNIUM is avaiable now for the Nintendo Switch.

Be sure to leave comments below and let us know what you think of the title, or if you will be adding this game to your collection.

Gaming News

NCG Review – Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] (PS4, PS3, and PSVITA)

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Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st]

Platform: Playstation 4, Playstation 3, PSVita

Release date: February 9, 2018

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Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] is the an updated version of the previous title that came out back in 2015. Although the title has a very long name that really needs to be abbreviated (UNIST can be the short way of saying it), it has just that much content loaded into the game this time around! Developed by Arc System Works, who is known for their top of the line fighting game titles such as, the Guilty Gear Series, BlazBlue, and the newly released Dragonball FighterZ, this title is what you would expect.

Story

Being an updated version, the game introduces 4 new characters as well as a new story mode in which players can unfold the story of the world in a Visual Novel gameplay style. When I say Visual Novel, I mean Visual Novel! There is no gameplay in this mode, but that does not mean the story is horrible. Players of the anime community will really enjoy the twists and turns in the story.Under_Night_6

Visuals

The visuals are somewhat the same from the original, and that is not a problem at all of because the game has its own distinct look and manages to keep everything pretty simple. With a 2D drawn art style that still draws me in when turning this title on, I can say a lot of gamers will like how it looks. It reminds me of Anime mixed with a dark theme such as Darkstalkers.UNIST_25

During fights the visuals of each special attack work well and look great. The menu has more of an arcade look and is simple enough where new players can navigate with ease. Even the story mode looks awesome with the visual novel art style.

Audio

The soundtrack to UNIST brings back some of the previous titles tracks as well as a few new tracks, and the new tracks still holds up to the magnificent scores for combat and story telling.UNIST_EU_Announcement_2

Gameplay

I always felt Under Night never had any spotlight in North America, and is very under rated, but with the new update I hope that changes as this title is a must have for fighting game enthusiast. The core gameplay is the same as most anime fighters, without the air dash. So, it’s sort of like The King of Fighters meets Anime! Combos are limited to one button press for standing and crouching per button, and in the air so players need to strategize what they will do in each combo. It also has an  auto combo for players that bash buttons, but this limits button mashing to execute really short combos -the game wants you to learn passing and how to get in without button mashing, and this is perfect for new players wanting to join the fighting game community.UNIST_EU_Announcement_5

As I mentioned, this is a great game for new players because there is a new tutorial mode where everything is explained for fighting games in general. From executing and getting in, to how to finish combos and set up for another; this is a way to learn UNIST as wells as any other fighting essentials.UNIST_EU_Announcement_6

Of course, there is also online Ranked and Unranked play, which hold itself together pretty well but not to a perfect degree. The netcode isn’t perfect, as some matches lag even with two solid connections, but for the most part it is playable more than half of the time. And as for Ranked matches, the lobby’s will be full of veterans of the title, so I would recommend new players to not approach Ranked until you are ready to take on the best.

As mentioned, UNIST has 4 new cast members, Phonon with her whip, Mika a child with gigantic robotic hands, Wagner holding her sword and shield, and Enkidu who is pure martial arts. None of these characters feel like a rehash of previous characters or each other, and new players will be happy to see each have a different play style.

Verdict

With Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] coming out after one of the biggest fighting games this year a lot of players might miss this title. With an awesome Story mode for single player, fantastic visuals, and many more new additions, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] is a must have in my opinion. Although it lacks in online play at the moment, this is a great title for any one who is a fighting game fan our even a competitive fighting game player. I rate Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] an 8 out of 10.Score

Gaming News

Black Panther, Sigma, and Monster Hunter to launch October 17th

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Along with their premium costumes, Black Panther, Sigma and Monster Hunter will launch October 17th for Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom Infinite.  All characters are part of the 2017 Character Pass.

Check out the latest character trailer below. 

You can check out an overview below.

Black Panther

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When his father was murdered, T’Challa stepped forward to earn the mantle of the Black Panther, ruler of the technologically-advanced African nation of Wakanda. With his genius intellect, unrivaled combat expertise, and strong sense of justice, he rules over the newly-formed “Valkanda” and serves as its guild master now that his kingdom has merged with Val Habar, a desert town known for its monster hunters.

60480e741738cb0a86d9b84cb85e26f7.pngBlack Panther is a melee fighter who utilizes quick slashes with his claws to win the fight. T’Challa can also cling to walls as well as jump from one to another in a matter of moments, allowing him to escape pressure, but to also pounce on an opponent from multiple angles.

Sigma

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Sigma was the first and most powerful reploid created by reverse-engineering X. Sigma once protected humanity against Mavericks (reploids who malfunctioned and became a threat to humanity) until the fateful day when Zero’s stasis pod was unearthed. Zero awakened in an out-of-control state, infected with a mysterious virus, but Sigma did not. Corrupted, Sigma became the instigator of numerous Maverick uprisings. Now Sigma and his virus are one with Ultron Sigma, a being whose hatred towards humanity is limitless.

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Using his energy sword, Sigma is able to control the battle by opening up dimensional rifts that linger around the screen, hindering his opponent’s movement options. Armed with a command grab and a counter teleport, he has options to deal with overly aggressive teams that may try to take advantage of his slower but imposing move set.

Everyone who obtained the 2017 Character Pass will automatically get Black Panther, Sigma, Monster Hunter, Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and Venom when they become available. You can also purchase these characters separately for $7.99 each, which includes their premium costumes as seen below.

Do you plan on picking up any of the new characters? If so, who? Who is your MVC Infinite team? Let us know in the comments!

Gaming News

Doctrine Dark joins the Arika’s “Mystery Fighting Game”

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Arika has released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming “Mystery Fighting Game”, revealing Doctrine Dark. If you don’t know who Doctrine Dark is, he was a playable fighter from the Street Fighter EX series.

Arika’s “Mysterious Fighting Game” is due out worldwide for PlayStation 4 in 2018. A playable beta / sever test will be held at the end of 2017.

You can catch the teaser trailer below.

Gaming News

Tekken takes a World Tour, Online

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Traveling to compete in the Capcom Cup or Evo might not work out for some with work, travel fees, etc.  But Bandai Namco is helping Tekken players out by hosting a World Wide online Tekken tour!  Players can now compete in tournaments from their own couch opening up Tekken to more players.

The Tekken World Tour starts August 13th.

Here are the nitty gritty details:

2017 TEKKEN World Tour Online Tournaments Schedule

Australia:

Bracket play: Sunday, August 13

Finals: Wednesday, August 16

North America West:

Bracket play: Sunday, August 20

Finals: Tuesday, August 22

South East Asia:

Bracket play: Sunday, August 20

Finals: Wednesday, August 23

Europe West:

Bracket play: Sunday, August 27

Finals: Tuesday, August 29

North America East:

Bracket play: Sunday, September 10

Finals: Tuesday, September 12

Europe East:

Bracket play: Sunday, September 10

Finals: Tuesday, September 12

East Asia:

Bracket play: Sunday, September 10

Finals: Wednesday, September 13

Eligibility:

  • Players may only compete in a region they reside in. See eligibility areas below.

  • Players must have a minimum of 3mbps upload speed.

  • Players must have a valid smash.gg account.

  • Players must have access to online services PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Steam.

  • Players must have a valid and active PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Steam account.

  • Only one (1) PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Steam account can be used per player to compete.

  • Wireless connections are prohibited.

Tournament Overview:

Registration:

Players can register for TEKKEN World Tour Online Tournaments at smash.gg/TBA.

Structure:

Each TEKKEN World Tour region will have multiple tournaments to cover the entire region over the course of the series. Dates and times for each sub-region listed are listed in the schedule. Players can compete in tournaments on all platforms within their region.

Format:

All tournaments will be double elimination. All matches will be Best-of-Three, except for Winners Finals, Losers Finals, and Grand Finals which are Best-of-Five.

Tournament Timing:

Each tournament will begin on a Sunday for bracket play. Bracket play is scheduled to begin at 4 PM region-local time.

Top 4 Finals from each tournament will be contested on the following Tuesday or Wednesday night, respectively, depending on region.

Schedule for Top 4 Finals per platform will be;

NA (Pacific Daylight Time) / EU (British Summer Time)

7PM-8PM: Xbox One

8PM-9PM: PlayStation 4

9PM-10PM: Steam

SE Asia (Singapore Standard Time) / E Asia (Japan Standard Time) / Australia (Atlantic Standard Time):

7PM-8PM: Xbox One

8PM-9PM: Steam

9PM-10PM: PlayStation 4

Finals will be broadcasted on Twitch.tv/TEKKEN.

Please follow @levelupseries on Twitter for updates.

Points awarded:

All TEKKEN World Tour Online Tournaments will award points to players placing in the Top 8 of the bracket. Online points are awarded as follows:

  • 1st place: 70 points

  • 2nd place: 45 points

  • 3rd place: 25 points

  • 4th place: 10 points

  • 5th place tie: 5 points (each)

  • 7th place tie: 1 points (each)

Match rules

Online tournaments follow the same match rules as TEKKEN World Tour offline tournaments.

  • Rounds: First-to-Three

  • Timer: 60 seconds

  • Stage Select: Random

For complete rules please see the Rules on tekkenworldtour.com

Additional Rules

Connectivity Issues:

If players cannot connect to each other, the player with the least amount of games lost moves forward moves forward in the Winners bracket. In case of a tie both 1 player is advanced to the Loser’s bracket while the other player advances and then forfeits the next match in the Winner’s bracket, resulting in both players being sent to the Loser’s bracket.

In the event of connectivity issues either player should reach out to the Tournament Administrators, Level Up LLC, to review the situation.

Disputes:

If there is a dispute arising during the Online Event, Players must submit a screenshot or share video footage to Level Up LLC, the administrator of the Online tournament, for review. Disputes will be resolved on a case by case basis by Level Up LLC administrators.

Disqualification:

No-shows and/or late arrivals will be given a loss if they do not report to their match within 10 minutes of being scheduled. If a player no-shows or is a late arrival to their loser’s bracket match, they will be disqualified.

Any player not adhering to the TEKKEN World Tour rules during the course of of the tournament is subject to disqualification at the discretion of Level Up LLC.

Online Tournament Process Guide:

Level | Up’s process guide for TEKKEN World Tour Online tournaments is available at bit.ly/tekken2017

 

Eligibility Areas

Europe East – Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia (except individuals located in Crimea), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine (except individuals located in Crimea)

Europe West – Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France (not including its overseas collectivities or regions), Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands (not including its municipalities or the other constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom of Great Britain (not including its overseas territories) and Northern Ireland

North America East – Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland and Labrador, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

North America West – Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Manitoba, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Oregon, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Yukon.

Southeast Asia – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

East Asia – China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Australia – Continent