SNK has officially brought the classic tag fighting game Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle to Steam, making the 1996 arcade brawler accessible to a new generation of PC players. This revamped release is the second title under SNK’s NEOGEO Premium Selection label and comes packed with modern features like rollback netcode for seamless online play.
To celebrate the launch, players can grab the title for 25% off its regular price, dropping the cost to $14.99 USD until October 18, 2025. Once the celebration sale is done, the game will typically be priced at $19.99 USD after the introductory period.
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What is getting upgraded with Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle?
Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle plunges players into a 2D post-apocalyptic world, trading the one-on-one setup of its predecessor, SAVAGE REIGN, for frantic yet strategic 2-on-2 tag team battles. This core shift in combat mechanics is what sets the title apart.
The game’s return sees veterans from SAVAGE REIGN squaring up alongside two brand-new fighters: the resistance leader Rosa and the cane-fighting crusader Kim. For those who prefer a solo challenge, players can even take control of the powerful boss characters, King Leo and Jyazu, in single-member fights.
Online and Competitive Features
The most significant update for this release is the implementation of rollback netcode, a must-have for any competitive fighting game in the modern era, ensuring a lag-free experience for online action. Beyond just the core netcode, the Steam version includes a myriad of enhancements designed to heighten the competitive online experience.
Key competitive features include:
- Lobbies for up to 9 players, offering a robust space for community interaction.
- A dedicated spectator mode, allowing players to watch high-level matches.
- Support for single and double elimination tournaments right out of the box.
- Simultaneous 4-player battles, a feature previously limited to select arcade cabinets, lets you team up with a friend to take on two others.
What can single players expect from Kizuna Encounter?
For players looking to hone their skills or enjoy the game’s aesthetic, SNK has integrated several quality-of-life improvements and single-player options. A new and improved Practice Mode enables players to tailor their lab sessions with features such as a speed selector and a hitbox viewer.
The experience is rounded out with an integrated jukebox featuring the game’s original soundtrack and a diverse collection of achievement challenges. This suite of features ensures an expanded KIZUNA ENCOUNTER experience for contemporary gamers.
Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle is available now on PC via Steam.
