There's something about Playmore (formerly SNK) that I simply cannot shake. Perhaps that their games have been the ceaseless vacuum that had laid claim to quarter after quarter of my wallet, or perhaps simply because I cannot evade the feeling that they found a winning formula of work that produces fantastic titles across the board.
A 2003 title, SVC Chaos is perhaps one of my favorite fighting games of recent memory. Not because of high-resolution "sprites" like Street Fighter IV, or simply for a classic tournament-friendly system like Super Street Fighter II: Hyper Tournament Fighting Collectors Edition Plus: Turbo. Instead, Playmore focuses on what makes the basics of a game functional.
Unlike the massively popular Marvel vs Capcom series, SVC Chaos makes a name for itself with fairly simple mechanics, "the basics", and still the razzle-dazzle of modern fighting game ideals. So, this title lacks epic combo chains, massive speeds, or incredibly flashy styles. What it does do is handles the basics capably. A handful of moves for each characters, a simple setup, and classic design. It's not too unlike it's 3D cousins in that aspect, focusing on a slower and more considered approach to combat. Something about the more patient feel to fighting games, in a world of nothing but 2D fighters with "Turbo" tacked onto the ends of their names. It's very appealing in a way that is halfway to signing me up for a retirement community and giving me a walking stick.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a395/NewClassic/Screens/SVCscreenshot.png
That said, keeping in the theme of aged styles and ancient gameplay, the sprites designed for this game are positively gorgeous. Note quite as high resolution [http://www.racketboy.com/images/ryu-sprites.jpg] as Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, but still looks gorgeous.
Conversely, the music is standard for an Arcade fighting game. It blends so seamlessly into the background that it's difficult to recall much about it no more than an hour after you've stepped away from the cabinet. The sound effects and voice-work is standard for an SNK title, including Terry Bogard's amazing Engrish battle cries.
As well as that, SNK makes fantastic fighting games perfectly balanced from one normal character to another. This title is no exception.
However, since the boss characters must be as their name suggests, their difficulty is more a function of being imbalanced than intelligent. So instead of having a boss that's highly talented, they have boss characters that are highly powerful. The screenshot on the left shows Evil Ken, a boss that is so difficult I've sunken an entire twenty into him without more than a single round's victory to show for it.
Ultimately, SVC Chaos represents a slice of gaming history that's been functionally translated to a modern day. Instead of being at the top of the charts and the top of its game, it's content to do what it does well. By that criteria, it's also what it does best.
Bottom Line: If you've liked any of Capcom's Turbo titles, you're missing the boat with this one. It's a slower title, unlike SF IV or Guilty Gear. If you always played the Capcom games with Turbo turned off, you'll find lots of delight here.
Recommendation: Play it. Not for everyone, but it's at least worth the two quarters it takes to at least give it a shot.