If there's one genre with which SNK can be relied upon to deliver consistently, it's the versus fighter. The Neo Geo is practically awash with them, each jockeying for position in what, even by 1994, was a crowded marketplace.
To SNK's credit, Savage Reign is another fine example of the genre. The game boasts a roster of colourful characters with various fighting styles, impressive sprite artwork, plus combos and multiple different special moves to master. There's an emphasis on using your character's weapon in conjunction with more customary punches and kicks, which allows players to employ additional strategies with which to encounter their opponent. The character dialogue screens which precede each bout feature sassy exchanges between the various tournaments, which is a nice touch.
Unfortunately, with franchises such as Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting and Samurai Shodown already established by this point, Savage Reign struggles somewhat to forge its own identity. There isn't really anything here which similar games of this period don't do equally as well, if not better. This might be reflected in the fact the game received only one sequel (Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle) in 1996.
Ultimately, I guess Savage Reign is a victim of SNK's own success - it's an accomplished game, but when the bar has already been set so high, making a splash becomes increasingly difficult. Even so, if you enjoy fighting games, this another fine example, one which I recommend checking out for yourselves.
Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Year of Release: 1995
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