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SNK facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

SNK is a Japanese company. It makes many video games. People know SNK best for its exciting fighting games. The most famous game series is called The King of Fighters. SNK has been making games for a long time. They started by creating games for arcades. These were big machines where you could play games in public places.

About SNK: A Gaming Company

SNK stands for "Shin Nihon Kikaku". This means "New Japan Project" in Japanese. The company began in 1978. It was founded by Eikichi Kawasaki. At first, SNK made games for arcades. These games were very popular. Players loved the fast action.

Early Arcade Hits

In the 1980s, SNK made many arcade games. Some early games were not fighting games. For example, they made Ikari Warriors. This was a shooting game. Players could control soldiers. They fought enemies and used different weapons. Another popular game was Psycho Soldier. This game had a famous song. It was one of the first games with a vocal track.

The Neo Geo Era

In the 1990s, SNK created something special. It was called the Neo Geo. This was a powerful arcade system. It also had a home console version. The Neo Geo was known for its amazing graphics. It also had great sound. Games on the Neo Geo looked and sounded much better than many other systems.

  • The Neo Geo AES was the home console. It was very expensive. Only serious gamers bought it.
  • The Neo Geo MVS was the arcade version. Many arcades used it. This made SNK games very popular.

Famous Fighting Games

SNK became famous for its fighting games. These games let players choose characters. Then they fight against each other.

  • Fatal Fury: This series started in 1991. It introduced characters like Terry Bogard. He became a very famous SNK character.
  • Art of Fighting: This series came out in 1992. It had a unique "zoom in" feature. The camera would get closer during fights.
  • Samurai Shodown: Released in 1993, this game was different. It focused on weapon-based combat. Characters used swords and other weapons.
  • The King of Fighters: This is SNK's most well-known series. It started in 1994. It brought characters from different SNK games together. Players picked teams of three fighters. This made the game very exciting.

Why King of Fighters is Popular

The King of Fighters series is loved for many reasons:

  • Many Characters: It has a huge roster of fighters. Each character has unique moves.
  • Team Battles: The 3-on-3 team system was new. It made players think about strategy.
  • Great Story: The games have ongoing stories. These stories involve different characters and their rivalries.
  • Fun Gameplay: The controls are smooth. The fights are fast-paced.

SNK Today

After some challenges, SNK continued making games. They still release new titles. They also bring their classic games to modern consoles. Many fans still enjoy playing SNK's older games. They are known for their unique style. SNK continues to be an important part of video game history. They are especially known for their fighting games.

Images for kids

  • SNK early logo

    The "SNK: Shin Nihon Kikaku Corp." logo from 1982 to 1986 combined with the original 1978 "S" Logo

  • The Future Is Now, SNK logo

    Logo of the slogan "The Future Is Now"

  • SNK PLAMORE LOGO

    SNK Playmore logo from 2003 to 2016

  • SNK Playmore promotional models at Tokyo Game Show 20070921 1

    SNK Playmore exposition at the TGS in 2007, including two promotional models dressed as the company mascot, Mai Shiranui (far left)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: SNK para niños

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