KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE Interview – Insights on 4-Player Mode, Game Balance, and the Future of NEOGEO Premium Selection

KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE Makes Its Triumphant Return

Originally debuting in 1996, KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE has maintained a niche presence within the vast realm of SNK’s gaming catalog. While it may not have achieved the iconic status of franchises such as The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, or Samurai Shodown, this game has cultivated a dedicated cult following due to its engaging character roster, innovative tag mechanics, and striking visual aesthetics. Nearly three decades after its initial release, the game has resurfaced on PC, boasting new features as part of the NEOGEO Premium Selection.

A Conversation with Producer Laurent Vernézy

Before diving into my gameplay experience with the newest iteration of KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE, I had the opportunity to chat with producer Laurent Vernézy. We discussed the exciting additions, including a four-player mode, the balancing adjustments for modern audiences, and what lies ahead for SNK’s classic arcade lineup.

Reviving a Classic

Q: What prompted SNK to reintroduce KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE as part of the NEOGEO Premium Collection?

A: This game features vibrant characters, dynamic tag mechanics, high-energy gameplay, and an unforgettable soundtrack. We believed that these qualities made it an ideal choice for our NEOGEO PREMIUM SELECTION lineup, especially following the recent release of REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2: THE NEWCOMERS.

Appealing to New Players

Q: How do you anticipate modern players, who may not have experienced the original, will react to this game?

A: We’re quite optimistic that younger players will appreciate KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE, thanks to its nostalgic characters and excellent gameplay elements.

Maintaining Gameplay Integrity

Q: Did lessons from REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2 influence this re-release?

A: It’s still a bit early to draw specific conclusions, given that REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2 was released recently.

Q: Is the gameplay faithfully preserved from the original, or were there any adjustments made?

A: Yes, this premium version is fully faithful to the original 1996 NEOGEO release, ensuring the gameplay and character balance have remained intact.

Enhanced Online Play

Q: Rollback netcode has become essential for online fighting games. How challenging was it to incorporate this into a classic title?

A: Adding rollback netcode to KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE was accomplished with relative ease, as we have experience with this in our classic titles. However, integrating it into a four-player format posed some challenges, but we are excited to offer intense online battles!

Expanding Gameplay Possibilities

Q: With your new release introducing 3-player and 4-player modes alongside the classic 2v2 gameplay, what motivated this expansion, and was it difficult to develop?

A: Our goal was to explore every possibility for tag battles in this premium version, and we are hopeful that players will enjoy the expanded features!

Understanding Game Mechanics

Q: The addition of a hitbox viewer is a significant feature. Is this tool available within the game?

A: Absolutely! The hitbox viewer is integrated into the Practice Mode and can be easily toggled on or off.

Balancing Boss Characters

Q: Boss characters are often overpowered. What was done to ensure their competitive balance in the base roster?

A: We made no changes to Jyazu and King Leo, as they are well-known for their strength. However, since they cannot tag with other characters in the game, players must strategically choose when to use them.

Community Feedback Influence

Q: Have you received any community feedback from the launch of REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2 that impacted this game’s design?

A: Given the recent launch of REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2, it’s still too soon to evaluate feedback that could influence our current game.

Future in Competitive Gaming

Q: Do you envision KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE finding a place in the competitive gaming scene?

A: Yes, we believe that both newcomers and veterans in the fighting game community will find value and enjoyment in this game’s return.

Looking Ahead for NEOGEO Premium Selection

Q: With KIZUNA ENCOUNTER: SUPER TAG BATTLE launching exclusively on PC, are there plans for console releases, and will cross-platform play be a possibility?

A: We have not made any definitive decisions regarding console expansions for the NEOGEO PREMIUM SELECTION, but we will consider it based on demand. Currently, no plans are set for crossplay.

Q: What are the future intentions for the NEOGEO Premium Selection? Will it exclusively feature fighting games?

A: Yes, we are committed to releasing more classic SNK games as part of our NEOGEO PREMIUM SELECTION, with a focus beyond just fighting games.

Thank you for sharing your insights!

Conclusion

The relaunch of KIZUNA: SUPER TAG BATTLE solidifies the NEOGEO Premium Selection’s commitment to enhancing classic gaming experiences while introducing engaging new features. While plans for console availability are still under consideration, the quality and innovations of this port demonstrate that SNK is dedicated to preserving and expanding its gaming legacy.

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