Spectral vs Generation

 
 Fantasy themed fighting game especially 2D might be a rarity outside Aksys games considering the sorts like SNK and Streetfighter still overall dominate the genre. But in mid 2000s, Ideafactory a Japanese gamedev company mainly known for Neptunia series these days made one called Spectral vs Generation.

Most gamers these days are probably unfamiliar with Ideafactory but during PSX until PSP era, they were quite active in JRPG scene creating an overarching series called Neverland Saga with Spectral and Generation of Chaos being the main series. The Neverland JRPG series had really interesting worldbuilding but plagued by subpar gameplay which rendered the series failed to become mainstream success and buried in obscurity these days. But as someone who got a glimpse of Neverland saga through the PSP titles, I certainly grow a fascination toward the series especially they got some low-key good waifu designs.

Then in Mid 2000s out of the blue, likely Ideafactory attempt to diversify their Neverland Saga, create a fighting game called Spectral vs Generation with assistance of IGS, a Taiwan Game studio. This crossover fighting game title follow the spirit of SNK vs Capcom featuring iconic characters from Spectral and Generation of Chaos series duking it out to get their wish fulfilled.

Given the rich design of Neverland Saga series, Spectral vs Generation features colorful cast of fantasy themed roster. From the iconic scythe wielding daughter of former Demon King, Hiro to Demon Queen Waifu, Roze or Katar dual wielding shota hero with a Stand. Spectral vs Generation was truly a unique entry in fighting game that doesn't really get the recognition it deserved. My favorite was Ryuken, a Chinese pugilist archetype who can hand down very nasty beatings if he can get to close range. I played Spectral vs Generation quite a lot when I had my PSP even to the point of breaking my PSP D-Pad and even had a digital copy on my PS Vita.

Considering Ideafactory Neverland saga has laid dormant for more than 15 years, I think the time is ripe for IF to re-release their remaster, preferably with Qol improvements since the JRPG titles were known to be plagued with gameplay issues. Spectral vs Generation works just fine though. The opening theme of this game is also very nice too.