DC Comics would like a word…
Another SNK release is headed over to modern platforms this week courtesy of Hamster, as little-known one-on-one fighterSavage Reignmakes its return on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Released in 1995 for the arcade and Neo Geo platforms,Savage Reignwas one of a number of fighting games that failed to make even a dent on a market that was now fully controlled by titles such asStreet Fighter, Mortal Kombatand even SNK’s ownKing of Fighters.InSavage Reign, ten unusual characters, including gymnast Carol and a criminal clown straight up called “Joker”, fight it out in the amazingly titled “King’s Lion Battle of the Beast God Tournament”.
Savage Reignfeatures the tell-tale signs of many SNK fighters, including huge, colorful sprites, a camera that zooms in-and-out of the action, and a weapon system similar toSamurai Shodown’s.Though conceptually interesting, the simple fact of the matter is thatSavage Reignjust falls between the cracks of a myriad of mid-90s fighting titles, as predicted by critics on release. It was followed up a year later byKizuna Encounter.
Still, even today this forgotten title can raise an eyebrow with its wacky roster and odd visual concepts.Savage Reignis available now on PS4 in Japan and on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch worldwide, priced at around $8.
