If the name SNK Gals' Fighters rings a bell, it's because despite releasing on the Nintendo Switch on April 29th, the game's origin actually dates back to the 90's. Originally on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, after three decades the title has now received a port to the popular Nintendo console.
SNK was nice enough to share a review copy with us so that we can give you guys our take on the new port of SNK Gals' Fighters. With that being said, let's dive into our breakdown of the game.
The game is the female counterpart to King of Fighters, another popular SNK brawler. Since it is a port of a Neo Geo Pocket Color title, the screen retains the actual image of the Neo Geo Pocket system with the game taking place on screen.
Fans are able to experience the nostalgia of their original playthrough thirty years ago in the same way but with all of the benefits of the Nintendo Switch. Since the platform offers both television and handheld modes, this allows for gamers to either get the big screen experience for the first time or relive their younger years playing in handheld.
Personally, I prefer the television version. I think that the big screen makes it a lot easier to make out the images that were initially intended for a system back in the 90's. However, considering it was originally a handheld title with an even smaller screen, even playing it in handheld mode on Switch will allow for more screen space than the original game.
The game features 11 fighters, three of which are secret characters, and all of which are women (obviously). It is a fun opportunity for female gamers to get into a fighting game, something that they may normally veer away from.
Regardless of which character you choose to play as in the Queen of Fighters story mode, you will progress by beating fighters one after another just like in most games of the genre. There is a continue option in case fans are still adjusting, however, there is an entire training mode that will help to hone skills. The Training Mode is versatile, allowing the player to choose whether the bot can guard, attack, etc. and helping the gamer to learn the skills at their own pace.
In addition, there is also a Vs. Mode, which should go without saying due to the name of the title. SNK Gals' Fighters allows you to take on friends in both handheld and tabletop mode when in the past players were required to use the troublesome and daunting link cables.
Advancements in technology for gaming over the past three decades have proved very kind to SNK Gals' Fighters. The new port retains every aspect that made the original title a hit on the Neo Geo Pocket Color thirty years ago with the added bonus of the Nintendo Switch features and it's versatile gameplay modes. In a time when female representation is finally getting the spotlight, SNK reminds us that Gals' Fighters has been here for thirty years. - Five out of five.
SNK's wondrous heroines duke it out for a shot to be crowned the QUEEN OF FIGHTERS! This lighthearted story bursting with comical interactions will keep you coming back for more!
SNK Gals' Fighters is currently available on Nintendo Switch via the e-shop for $7.99.