Matrimelee / Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku Toukon (NGM-2660 ~ NGH-2660)

Matrimelee is a head-to-head fighting game for two players, revived from the Power Instinct series and published on SNK’s Neo-Geo MVS hardware in 2003. Sixteen characters battle for supremacy within the Goketsuji family, with both returning favorites and four new combatants vying for the throne. Players utilize a traditional arcade control scheme of an eight-way joystick and four attack buttons to execute strikes and combos against their opponent. The game distinguishes itself through its vibrant graphics and unusual soundtrack; the Japanese version features numerous vocal tracks accompanying many stages, adding a unique flair to the action. A selection screen code allows players to unlock characters from SNK’s Rage of the Dragons title, and another enables use of Princess Sissy. While retaining core elements of its predecessor games, Matrimelee significantly altered character transformation sequences, leaving only a few exceptions for specific super moves and victory poses. A limited-edition soundtrack was released to commemorate the game's debut, while the US release notably omitted these vocal tracks in favor of music from Rage of the Dragons.