In the world of fighting games, few titles are spoken of with the hushed, reverent tone reserved for the legendary Capcom vs. SNK series. For years, fans have clamored for a third entry, a modern-day "dream match" that pits the iconic characters of Street Fighter against the legendary fighters of King of Fighters. Now, in a surprising and heartfelt revelation, one of Capcom's most beloved veterans has thrown his hat into the ring, expressing a powerful personal desire to make that dream a reality.
The man in question is Hideaki Itsuno, the legendary director behind defining titles like Devil May Cry 3, 4, and 5, as well as the cult classic Dragon's Dogma. While Itsuno is currently hard at work on the highly anticipated Dragon's Dogma 2, his mind occasionally wanders to other passion projects—and one, in particular, stands out above the rest.
A Legacy of Iconic Rivalries
For the uninitiated, the Capcom vs. SNK series (also known as SNK vs. Capcom in some regions) was a landmark crossover event. The first game, Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000, hit arcades in 2000, followed by the critically acclaimed Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 a year later. These games were celebrated not just for their stellar gameplay, which blended mechanics from both companies' flagship series, but for the sheer, unimaginable thrill of seeing Ryu square off against Terry Bogard or Chun-Li battle Mai Shiranui.
The series has been dormant for over two decades, with its spiritual successor, the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom series, and the more recent Marvel vs. Capcom entries failing to fully capture the same specific magic for dedicated fans of the SNK crossover.
Itsuno's Fighting Game Pedigree
While Itsuno is now synonymous with character action RPGs, his roots are deeply embedded in the fighting game genre. Before he became the mastermind of Dante's stylish exploits, Itsuno worked extensively on the Darkstalkers series and was a key designer on the original Street Fighter Alpha. His understanding of combat mechanics, character balance, and visual flair is arguably what made the Devil May Cry series' combat so deeply engaging and revolutionary.
This background makes his longing for a new CvS game not just a passing fancy, but the wish of a seasoned expert who understands what made those games tick.
The revelation came during a wide-ranging and deeply personal interview, where Itsuno discussed his illustrious career, his recent departure from Capcom, and his exciting future.
It was within this context of discussing future dreams and unfinished business that Itsuno made his desires clear. While he is currently an independent developer, the passion for this specific project burns brightly. He expressed that if he ever had the opportunity to return to a classic Capcom IP, Capcom vs SNK 3 would be at the very top of his list.
What Would a Modern Capcom vs SNK 3 Look Like?
The question on every fan's mind is what a modern iteration, potentially helmed by a director of Itsuno's caliber, could achieve. The original games used a "Ratio" system, allowing players to create a team of characters with different power levels. A modern take could expand on this, perhaps incorporating mechanics from Street Fighter 6's Drive System or the hyper-aggressive pace of King of Fighters XV.
Visually, the potential is staggering. Imagine the RE Engine—the powerhouse behind the stunning visuals of Resident Evil 4 Remake, Street Fighter 6, and Devil May Cry 5—being used to render a hyper-detailed Geese Howard or a visually explosive battle between Morrigan and Iori Yagami. Itsuno's team is renowned for their ability to create incredibly stylish and fluid combat; applying that expertise to a tag-team fighting game would be a dream scenario.
The Biggest Hurdle: Corporate Collaboration
The largest obstacle to Capcom vs SNK 3 has never been a lack of fan or developer interest—it's the monumental task of corporate collaboration. Coordinating between two major Japanese companies on licensing, development, profit-sharing, and creative direction is a complex challenge. However, with SNK having seen a resurgence under new ownership with the successful release of The King of Fighters XV and Samurai Shodown (2019), and Capcom enjoying what many call a "second golden age," the timing might be better than ever.
Itsuno's public endorsement adds a significant and powerful voice to the campaign. When a creator of his stature openly champions a project, it sends a clear message to both companies about the project's viability and the overwhelming fan demand.
For now, Hideaki Itsuno's focus remains squarely on delivering Dragon's Dogma 2. But his comments have ignited the fighting game community's hopes, proving that even after decades, the dream of the ultimate crossover is very much alive. The ball, it seems, is now in the courts of Capcom and SNK. The fans, and one of gaming's greatest directors, are waiting.
Post a Comment