This is part two of a series examining the appeal and importance of character design in video games.

Initially, SNK's approach to character design was similar to Capcom's. The difference was that SNK characters were more generic and realistic in appearance; the personalities made them memorable. Over time, SNK also started to move to a more stylized approach. Their artists were heavily inspired by anime and Japanese pop culture, allowing their characters to achieve a level of coolness that Capcom's fighters never have and probably never will. Kyo Kusanagi is the epitome of the SNK approach, just as Sagat embodies Capcom's philosophies.



A few things really mark Kyo as SNK's representative, specifically the things about Kyo that have changed, such as his appearance. He started out in a short-sleeve school uniform which showed off his muscular arms and marked him as a physically fit individual. Over time, Kyo's short sleeves were replaced with a jacket and his physique shrank. Kyo became very lanky for someone who spends so much time fighting. This represents the overall change in SNK's approach. Fighters no longer needed to look tough; they needed to look interesting enough to catch the attention of arcade players. Despite this approach being stylized, it was much more realistic than in other fighters. Kyo looks at home both during King of Fighters tournaments and on the streets of Tokyo.



Kyo's move set has also changed several times. While Capcom will add some refinements to characters, the moves are generally the same or similar. Kyo, on the other hand, lost his projectile attack in favor of a flaming punch and, later in the series, was able to utilize both. These changes have huge ramifications on the way Kyo plays and is perceived by players. This is actually tied into his appearance since it affects player perception.

Kyo embodies SNK design. He's just stylized enough to be interesting and just realistic enough for the player to feel an attachment to him. Capcom characters are heavily defined by their fighting gear; SNK characters are often more recognized by their general styles and attitude. Kyo's appearance has changed but his hairstyle has not. His clothes are different but not so different that they look unusual on him. While Capcom designs tend to lean toward the larger than life, SNK designs are smaller and more intimate.