SNK has announced that it is partnering with the video game development company Akira to bring back some of its classic games for modern audiences. The franchise making a comeback will not be a fighting game, as one might expect from Akira, but it is a familiar game from SNK’s massive catalog. The announcement was made by SNK and should be followed by an official confirmation sometime soon, as for what it might be, a Metal Slug sequel comes to mind.
SNK has over 200 franchises that could be coming back, these include Neo Geo titles as well. Although this could include a ton of different IPs, SNK will likely focus on its biggest games, at least in the beginning. The collaboration with Akira makes sense because SNK and Akira have worked together in the past and are familiar with SNK’s IPs.
SNK & Akira Partnering Up For Possible Metal Slug Franchise Sequel
Akira is known for working on games like Ex Fighting Layer, Street Fighter Ex, Tekken 7, Tekken 8, and even some Pac-man and Super Mario titles. Even though it worked in a supporting capacity on the Tekken games. The studio has a lot of solid games under its belt, making it an exciting time for fans of the old Neo Geo games. Akira is also currently working on the upcoming Endless Ocean Luminous game as well.
As for what the game could be, it is most likely a Metal Slug game, since that series was a fan-favorite. The last entry in the franchise was in 2008 and it has been radio silent ever since. With the new resurgence for retro brawlers and shooters including games like Streets of Rage and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, the Metal Slug series should have no trouble getting a solid playerbase.
The Metal Slug XX compilation was the last time we saw the series on modern consoles and PCs, and with this new partnership with Akira, hopefully, we’ll be seeing a lot more of the legendary side scroller in the future.