SNK announced a new update for the Steam port of Samurai Shodown is officially available now with improvements to the game’s rollback netcode. The PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Epic Games Store versions also support rollback netcode, but the Nintendo Switch version did not receive the update.
Along with the rollback netcode improvements, the long-awaited intro skip has been implemented. This feature allows players to skip character intros with a button press and get straight into battle. Additionally, the game now features a decoupling technique to improve online play on lower-performing PCs. By separating the game’s logic from its framerate, the lag is reduced and ensures normal button response times even during FPS drops.
Samurai Shodown for Steam Receives Rollback Netcode Improvements
Check the rest of the patch notes below for what’s fixed and improved:
- Fixed Amakusa’s orb disappearing during jumping attacks
- Fixed VFX error with Mina’s arrow trail incorrectly drawing during online play
- Fixed Kazuki’s missing fire VFX when disarmed by weapon flipping technique
- Fixed Kazuki’s weapon VFX snapping from previous position to current location after weapon disarm.
- Fixed game soft locking if players repeatedly pressing round restart button during online training
- Fixed VFXs incorrectly ending early during online matches
- Reduces performance spikes on rollback
- Fixed problem of spectators causing deadlocks with Shizumaru charging his Crazy Downpour attack between rounds
- Added additional support for Steam Deck users.
In March of this year, SNK announced a business collaboration with developer ARIKA for revivals of SNK’s classic intellectual properties (IP) outside of fighting games. This collaboration will allow the former to promote, revive, and revitalize past IPs. SNK did not name the exact IPs, but they note that they currently own over 200 IPs, including the legacy NEOGEO line.
In October 2023, SNK announced SNK Universe Project, a new initiative to increase the worldwide IP appeal. Specifically, the SNK Universe Project aims to help the company branch out of traditional fighting games and into different entertainment mediums, such as anime and movies. The initiative also aims to boost the appeal of SNK’s IPs like The King of Fighters (KOF), Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is in Development
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the next major game in the long-running Fatal Fury franchise, is in development at SNK. The new title was showcased at EVO 2023, featuring returning characters Rock Howard and Terry Bogard. Moreover, Andy Bogard and Joe Higashi will be playable characters in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. More details about the game will likely come later this year, with a potential reveal at EVO 2024.
Lastly, Samurai Shodown is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch version will not receive the rollback netcode update.
