SNK Gals’ Fighters is a simple but exceptionally creative fighting game that features excellent spritework, fun characters, and excellent customization options for this port.
SNK Gals’ Fighters
Developers: SNK
Price: $8
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (reviewed)
MonsterVine was provided with a Switch code for review
There’s just something charming about the NEO GEO Pocket, whether it’s the console’s eclectic catalogue of titles or its unique visual style. One game that shows off both the variety of the console’s games and the surprisingly detailed spritework is SNK Gals’ Fighters. It’s also just fun to play, and that’s what really counts.
In Gals’ Fighters, you play as one of SNK’s most iconic female fighters and try to claim the role of “The Queen of Fighters.” You battle the rest of the roster on different worldly stages until you meet the mysterious Miss X. I had never played Gals’ Fighters before, so the little twist about Miss X’s identity cracked me up. Obviously the story isn’t a major feature here, but it’s sufficient and funny enough to occupy your time.
There are only two attack buttons in Gals’ Fighters, but the simplicity of combat makes it easy to pick up. Weaving between short combos is smooth and clean, and matches never outlive their enjoyability when it comes to length. Each character has a few special moves and super attacks and feels distinct in their playstyles. The pace of combat is quick and air combos are satisfying to pull off. Defeating an opponent with a super attack illuminates the screen with images of that character’s past, which is a great touch for longtime fans of SNK fighters.
“I’m glad that there are so many ways to change up how you play the game, as it lets you play however you’re most comfortable.“
Unlocking the three secret characters is exciting, if not unnecessarily confusing without a guide. You obtain certain items after each battle by performing somewhat obscure tasks, like beating a certain character with a special move or another after performing three taunts. It can be fun to discover these conditions, but I can’t imagine anyone finding every item in a remotely timely manner without a guide.
Since this is a Switch port of a NEO GEO Pocket game, there are lots of ways to customize your Gals’ Fighters experience. You can adjust the size of the screen, change the border to a variety of different NEO GEO skins, and even rewind gameplay if you so choose. I’m glad that there are so many ways to change up how you play the game, as it lets you play however you’re most comfortable.
The sound and visuals in Gals’ Fighters are simplistic but nonetheless fantastic. With the hardware SNK was working with, it’s impressive to see how much of each character’s personality is conveyed through these small sprites. The stages and similarly impressive, as is the boppin’ music that accompanies each fight.
The Final Word
Gals’ Fighters is a straightforward and incredibly fun fighter that takes advantage of its original technical limitations. The end result is a stellar port with lots of customization options and quick, accessible gameplay. I wish character unlock conditions were a bit clearer, but overall, Gals’ Fighters is a fun time for any fighting game fans.
MonsterVine Review Score: 4 out of 5 – Good
