Capcom vs. SNK 2 is one of the most fondly remembered fighting games ever released. It’s one of the only games that seems to be teflon from criticism from most members of the fighting game community (FGC) and is still widely-revered to this day. It’s probably equal parts nostalgia glasses and the fact that the game is nigh-impossible to play these days without retro hardware, but the game is still thought of well. One of, if not the best CVS2 player is Bas, a 20-year veteran who has become synonymous with the game. If there’s a CVS2 event in the Far East, you’d best believe Bas is behind it. We chat with the champ about a number of different topics, including the rise and fall of CVS2, the game’s current state, and what he’s up to now.
This Battle is About to Explode!
Bas started playing CVS2 a bit earlier than the majority of players, mostly because he was involved in the beta of the game. “I started playing this game right after the game was released,” he said. “Actually I played before release because for a couple days, I was a test player of this game. You can find my name in the credits. The beta version was fun but we saw some crazy things that didn’t make it into the final game.” In-game, Bas said he gravitated towards the A-Groove, based on his experience with the Street Fighter Alpha series. “A-Groove has infinite potential but it is very hard to master,” he said. “I like to create custom combos and new set-ups with A-Groove, even recently I found a new one!”
Bas was one of the most successful CVS2 players of his era, compiling an impressive resume of victories. When asked of his favorite or most memorable victory, Bas humbly said, “I don't remember, I won a lot of events at that time.” He then told me his top two: Once playing on one credit for six hours, encompassing about 90 straight wins in the arcade, or his Evolution 2005 victory. “That victory really rewarded my efforts and made me feel very strong and confident.”
Mago, his opponent in the Evo 2005 finals, was among the top players Bas mentioned he enjoyed playing against. He also listed top players like Daigo Umehara, FOX|Justin Wong, Tokido, and Kindevu as others he greatly enjoyed duking it out with.
Live and Let Die
Like all good things, though, support for CVS2 was starting to dwindle. Bas said he could pinpoint the moment he realized support for the game was starting to die dow. “After SF4 released I think,” he said. “It was a mix of people really wanting to play the new Street Fighter and Japanese arcades started to close down around that time. Moreover some close friends quit because of family,work, etc. but I was still trying to host events to keep it playable.”
Bas continued to host events, included as recently as Evo Japan 2018. The event was a rousing success, with over 70 entrants, which was high for a side tournament of a 27 year-old game. You can watch the pools on Bas’ YouTube channel, along with another two hours of CVS2 footage from Evo Japan, but we’ve provided you with the Top 36 below:
Get Rockin’, Baby
In regards to the future of CVS2, one of the most hot-button issues for fans is an HD re-release or a sequel. Both have been the topic of discussion for years, especially with other classic fighting games getting their dues. When asked, Bas said, “If possible I want genuine version of CVS2 with online play,” he said. “It will definitely save this game and the community around it. Also, it would be nice if they make a CVS3, hopefully within the next 10 years.”
For fans of the series and me personally,this would be nothing short of a dream come true. Since playing CVS2 for the first time, no game has come close to the magic that game had. The soundtrack, the characters, the gameplay, the customization options, and all the cool little Easter Eggs the game had seem like they’ll never be done by any other game again.
Go For Broke!
These days, Bas is still playing CVS2 and hosting events. However, he’s not just a one-trick pony, and says he enjoys playing Street Fighter V and Street Fighter Alpha 2. “I want to try out Dragon Ball FighterZ and Fighting EX Layer,” he said, “but I’m not sure how seriously I want to take them.” He also mentioned that while RPGs and other arcade games were a part of his past, he only focuses on fighting games now.
If you love the work Bas is doing, be sure to follow him on Twitter and on Twitch. In the future, be on the lookout for events Bas will be hosting for older fighting game titles. The first will take place on April 14 at Club Sega Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan, and will feature CVS2, Street Fighter Alpha 2, and Street Fighter EX 2. Bas will also be at CEO 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida, Evolution 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and 2 Old 2 Furious in Brooklyn, New York, where he’s “...looking forward to seeing my friends there and playing some games and drinking strong zero with me.”
We’d like to thank Bas for his time, and if you’re looking for more retro fighting game goodness, check out our feature on the Street Fighter EX series!
