PREMISE: An ode to the recent phenomena of SNK characters popping up as guests in other (mostly) fighting games – and of the usual bunch, there's a few who, outside of the occasional crossover into mobile games, don't get any big opportunities...
Today was a day for sharing the connections that were made throughout the fighting circuit – from the Shin Kikaku Network, to those outside the borders of the universe – and the Pao Pao Cafe was absolutely packed as a result.
In short, those who came from SNK and entered another game's fray, were welcome to bring along some friends from the other end of the pool – and from that, there was an impressive outcome of 'guests' who came around, and the friends they made thanks to the guests SNK gave them in return:
First things first was probably the most testosterone-filled clash of the bunch: two bad dads in Geese Howard and Tekken's own Heihachi Mishima were engaged in the most aura-wrapped struggle of arm-wrestling ever imagined.
A similar clash of grizzled men was not too far off, with wandering warrior Haohmaru respectfully clashing swords with Soul Calibur's iconic samurai Mitsurugi.
On the other edge, shifting tone somewhat, was an evenly-feminine collection of giggles and respect for one another, with Mai and Kula having a duet of hugs and ice cream with Dead or Alive's Kasumi and Marie Rose, respectively. Almost romantic in a way – but that was to be expected with DoA.
Lastly to note for now (though not the last of the collabs featured here), was probably the oddest of the sort. Though he would rather be alone, Iori had to share the space around him with some warriors of the Arcana Blood – several of which were oddly named 'Arthur'.
To be expected, not everyone on SNK's end of the spectrum was able to get the chance to cross over; including one who felt as though, quite ironically considering his powers, he had gotten burned on the deal – or lack of deals, actually.
"Iori and the ice girl are getting deals, and I'm just sitting here with my bros – what a world, heh?"
Kyo was sitting alongside his Team Japan associates – Benimaru and Daimon – at the barlength-table of the cafe, watching on at the guests aplenty that were out of reach in more ways than one for the Kusanagi.
"Don't let it get to you, Kyo," Benimaru assured. "I've already made peace knowing I'm an 'acquired taste' for some – even within the King of Fighters fanbase."
Daimon nodded, ever consistent with his crossed arms and closed-but-focused eyes. "I'm in no need of extra opportunity. The way of Judo is strong where it stands."
It didn't surprise Kyo that the 'secondaries' wouldn't be too bothered – these guest spots usually only took the most popular.
On the other hand, as he was scanning the emptier ends of the room, he noticed another sight at one corner of the cafe – two gi-wearing notables, in the Sakazaki siblings Ryo and Yuri.
Kyo spoke up, "You, too?"
"Mostly Yuri," answered Ryo. "Patience is a virtue, but she could use an excursion of some form, whether it's something we know, or something like Virtua Fighter..."
Yuri perked up. "Wait, is there a new Virtua Fighter coming out?!"
Ryo shrugged – the answer wasn't certain, as all that was described thus far of the recent news was the 'eSports' aspect.
Regardless, they were just two of a handful of famed fighters in the SNK circuit alongside Kyo, to not get their big crossover break just yet.
After another brief pause in conversation...
"Hey, if there's anything to smile about," Benimaru suddenly spoke up again, "thanks to Terry getting invited, at least we get to be in attendance for the Smash Bros. tournaments."
Kyo shrugged in return. "Not Mai, though – for some reason, to them, she's not meant for 'good boys and girls'."
By this point, something came across Daimon's mind. "Speaking of Terry – where do you think he is right now?"
Kyo glanced up in thought...
"Good question..."
Unlike most of the SNK cast that had the opportunity to be a guest elsewhere, Terry wound up with two 'guest responsibilities' – on games with varying levels of popularity.
And currently, he was being overwhelmed by some Nintendo mascots who were simply ecstatic to want the Legendary Wolf in on the Nintendo-branded hijinks: Kirby, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, the whole nine yards of fluffy cuteness.
"C'mon now, you... whatever you all are~" He stammered. "There's plenty of time to mingle elsewhere...!"
Yet, it was not just the bouncy, non-human oddities that wanted along with the ride – but there was another set of characters, representing the Fighting EX Layer roster, of which Terry also had his fingers in on (before his Smash inclusion, actually):
"This is getting... quite absurd..." The Indian wrestler, Darun Mister, scratched his head in confusion.
The young woman Darun was enlisted to protect, Middle Eastern dance-fighter Pullum Purna, spoke up next. "We should help him, but... you never know if there's a 'hidden strength' in there..."
"Allow me!" The most popular of the group, superhero Skullomania, was the first to have a mind to rush in on the situation. "Unhand that Southtowner, you weirdly-adorable sentient plushies!"
And in the center of all that, the cause of such hilarious chaos?
A simple clash of schedules.
Sometimes having more than one guest spot could prove detrimental to your safety...
Just happened to be around the week of Kyo's birthday, too (December 12th) – though by the time this is uploaded, it'll have been days after.
