The fighting game tournament, EVO 2023, brought a ton of news and DLC from various franchises.
EVO, the big fighting game tournament, happens every year in Las Vegas. This year’s EVO 2023 happened over the last weekend. As always, that means there are a ton of news bits for the FGC community to talk about today.
We decided to round up all of the tasty morsels from EVO here. So, let’s get into it!
EVO 2023 News Quick Access:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles content is coming to Street Fighter 6
Starting off with the absolute banger from the news, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is getting a ton of crossover content with the recently released Street Fighter 6.
SF6 players are looking at some awesome new content from this collaboration. Starting August 8th (yea, tomorrow), you can grab TMNT themed gear and emotes, as well as new titles, TMNT stamps, in-game device wallpapers, and camera frames for Photo Mode.
You’ll also be able to turn your World Tour and Battle Hub custom avatar into any of the four turtles. Oh, and did we mention that it all comes out tomorrow, August 8th? Cowabunga, dude.
A.K.I and alternate costumes also coming to SF6
Well, A.K.I. is terrifying. Coined as a “maniacal poison aficionado”, she is absolutely a psychopath. While her teaser trailer doesn’t show off any gameplay details of how she moves, the trailer makes her feel like her movements are not unlike Voldo from the Soul Calibur games.
A.K.I. will be part of Year 1 of content and will release in Autumn 2023.
In addition to A.K.I., new alternate costumes were teased for Juri, Marisa, Guile, and Dee Jay. Maris and Dee Jay have some sick new threads. Juri gets a onesie as a set of pajamas.
Guile’s outfit, if I can reach here, feels super loosely inspired by his friend, Charlie Nash. With bangs in the face and a vest, it feels like a much more realistic take on the super anime-esque style of his late friend.
No release date for the alternate costumes is available yet. But, they’re likely pretty soon.
Killer Instinct gets a 10th-anniversary update
Does anyone remember the Xbox-exclusive Killer Instinct that came out a decade ago? Microsoft had utilized their already-long-time purchase of Rare to develop a new version of their infamous fighting game franchise.
It wasn’t a bad game. But, it fell under the radar against other FGC heavy hitters. It still has a pretty big cult following to this day.
For those looking to pick it up, it’s on Game Pass. But, the 10th-anniversary update is coming later this year. Considering the game hasn’t had an update since 2018, this is a welcome offering.
The update will work as a “balance update, improved matchmaking, and 4K support for Series X|S”. No official date was announced.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising coming November 30th
Cygames’ popular Granblue Fantasy series does include some fighting games. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising got some big announcements during EVO 2023.
The game will launch on November 30th and come in multiple options. Sure, you can grab the standard and digital deluxe options. But, there will be a free edition as well.
The Free edition offers 4 characters, part 1 of the story, online play, lobby access, and “Grand Bruise Legends!”, a Fall Guys-minigame-esque lobby system.
Oh, and a beta is coming, slated for Fall 2023.
Mortal Kombat 1 gets official Banished trailer, more fighters
EVO is nothing but fighting games. But, one of the kings of the FGC is Mortal Kombat. You can’t have your fighting game tournament without at least a mention.
NetherRealm Studios took over for a bit to show off the Banished trailer for their upcoming Mortal Kombat 1. It showcased a handful of new characters and story elements.
Fan-favorite Reptile seems to have new motivations and capabilities, being fleshed out as a shapeshifting lizard fighter. One second he’s a humanoid fighter, the next, he’s rolling you like an alligator.
Additionally, Havik and Ashrash join the fray in the trailer. Considering all of these are characters that haven’t had much love in recent years, “banished” really is an apt word for them.
Johnny and a major update coming to Guilty Gear Strive
Johnny was introduced during a new trailer for Guilty Gear Strive as a season 3 DLC character. He’s basically a stereotypical cowboy on Tinder in every way.
Thick accent? Yep. Is a gambler part of his personality? Yep. Shirtless with abs? Double yep.
Johnny will arrive as part of the season DLC on August 24, 2023.
Raven and Azucena are in confirmed for Tekken 8
Tekken is one of those series that the story doesn’t have to always make sense. But, we love it nonetheless. Raven, the United Nations-employed ninja, returns, alongside newcomer Azucena.
Raven was replaced in recent games by his master. They share similar traits as ninjas. If it’s a stereotypical ninja thing, they both do it. Raven himself is back for Tekken 8.
To say that Azucena “likes” coffee would be an understatement. She’s a dancer from Peru and nearly every line she says in her trailer is about how coffee is the best drink in the world. She also fights like she’s hyped up on caffeine, with quick and rhythmic movements. She dances while she fights.
No word on a release date for Tekken 8 yet, though.
The King of Fighters 13 Global Match gets a November 16th release date
The King of Fighters 13 has been out for well over a decade now. But, a new version, Global Match, will feature rollback netcode and an entirely “overhauled” online functionality.
KOF XIII GM will release on November 16th, 2023.
The King of Fighters XV gets a couple new characters, Duo Lon and Najd
During EVO 2023, a new trailer debuted, showcasing both a returning character and a newcomer for KOF XV. The new character, Najd, is due tomorrow, August 8th.
Duo Lon, on the other hand, returns to the franchise, originally premiering in KOF 2003. He can be grabbed this Autumn 2023.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves officially announced
Not much is known yet about Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. But, the trailer highlights two important qualities that the upcoming game will have: Rock Howard and Terry Bogard.
More information will be detailed for City of Wolves in the future. For now, that’s all we get.