Japanese video game company SNK has a long history in the industry, including the development of the Neo Geo hardware line that introduced such series asKing of Fighters. SNK’s place in video game history landedTerry Bogard a DLC slot inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatelast year, but now Terry will have the chance to duke it out withWWEwrestlers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson inThe King of Fighters Allstar.
A crossover between theWWEand SNK’s free-to-play mobile title, developed by Korean studio Netmarble, was announced via a teaser on May 3 which promised “the king of all updates” as something better to do than conducting pillow fights at home. The full announcement video for a content update releasing May 14 was uploaded that showcases the full roster of wrestlers with “recreated mannerisms and move-sets” joining the beat-em-up RPG: The Rock, John Cena, Undertaker, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, and Kofi Kingston.
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According to a press release sent out today, alternate versions ofThe Rockand Kingston will also be offered as a free gift for anyone who downloads the game prior to July 04, 2025. Also coming to the game areWWE-themed events including a “Super Mission” to unlock The Rock, a “Rush Event Dungeon” to unlock Kingston, and a Roulette Wheel which can unlock a “Doctor of Thuganomics” variant of Cena.
Netmarble executive producer Shin Hwa Cho said the crossover is “something truly special for us and the players” in the press release, as both series have been “entertaining people around the world for decades.” TheWWEhas its own fairly long history with video game tie-ins, itsupcoming titleWWE 2K Battlegroundsbeing an arcade-style fighting spin-off of the primaryWWE 2Kseries.
WhileThe King of Fighters Allstaris a character-collecting title which looks back upon SNK’s history, much like Nintendo’sFire Emblem Heroes, the developers are still working on new content. At EVO 2019SNK announcedKing of Fighters XVis currently in development with an unannounced release date.
The sphere of influence around theWWEis also nothing to scoff at. Beyond its own ventures into video games and other media, professional wrestling has inspired characters likeApex Legends' new addition Loba, so it should be interesting to see how that brand of fighting blends with SNK’sThe King of Fighters.
The King of Fighters Allstaris available now on iOS and Android mobile devices.
