365//365: Day 225 – Capcom vs SNK: Pro (PSX) [PP]

Gamers got the exceptionally rare treat when Capcom and SNK teamed up to produce a handful of crossover battles, the first being Capcom vs SNK. The title was actually released on the Sony PlayStation in the form of Capcom vs SNK: Pro. Surprisingly, the game retains a faithful enough feeling to the arcade version, with the tight controls, gorgeous character models and backgrounds. Unfortunately, the shallowness and uninspired nature has made the transition over as well. Characters are ranked from one to four, and your selection is limited to the number four. What this means is you can select four weak rank one fighters, two average rank two characters, a stronger tier three character with a rank one fighter, a single rank four fighter, or mix and match to get the total sum of four. Ultimately, the whole system feels quite off, with some rank one fighters (Joe, Blanka) seemingly more versatile than even some of the rank two fighters, like Chun Li. If Capcom had just let players select whomever they want with whatever tweaks to streamline the experience, then Capcom vs SNK: Pro would have flowed a lot better than it does now. Even if they did adopt this change, the lack of intelligent and authentic endings, missing frames of animation here and there and an audio presentation that sounds like its completely done in mono, Capcom vs SNK: Pro is best left to collect dust in your local vintage game dealers shop. Not the worst fisticuffs title on the system, but the lack of substance and fleshed out rankings and mechanics will put you off. You’re much better off tracking down a copy of Capcom vs SNK 2 on the Sony PlayStation 2, which puts the first title to shame.

Even though Capcom managed to retain a good amount of frames of animation, as well as some rather brief load times, the title as a whole contains some structure and balance issues.

Rating: 6.0