King of Fighters 15 Confirms Shingo Yabuki DLC Release Date

SNK has confirmed the release date for the Shingo Yabuki DLC for King of Fighters 15. With the new year, King of Fighters 15 prepares to receive new content, including the arrival of traditional fighters from the King of Fighters franchise.

After KOF 15 added characters known to fans, another veteran is preparing to appear in the current installment of the KOF franchise. Shingo was created to be the comic relief of the King of Fighters games: while Kyo Kusanagi is the hero, Shingo appears in the story as "a plain, ordinary guy." Although he does not master the flames like the son of the Kusanagi family, Shingo looks up to Kyo as an idol. He also considers every fighter as a friend, which makes Shingo seen as "a weird but good kid."

Shingo Yabuki was announced last year and arrives in King of Fighters 15 on January 17 as the first fighter in the new Fighter Pass. In the trailer, Shingo shows that he hasn't lost his characteristic good humor and that although it is little by little, he is progressing as a fighter. The video shows that he can even use some moves similar to his idol's, in addition to his classic "Shingo kick." Also on January 17 King of Fighters 15 will kick off Season 2, receiving a balancing update for all characters in the roster.

The new KOF 15 trailer reminds fans that Kim Kaphwan, one of the most anticipated characters for KOF 15, will arrive in the Spring of 2023, although the date has yet to be set. What's new is the announcement of the next Fighter Pass characters: Sylvie Paula Paula and Najd, who debuted in King of Fighters 14, will be added in KOF 15 in the Summer of 2023. The trailer also announces that two new fighters will be added in the Fall and Winter of 2023, but does not reveal their identities. From the silhouettes shown in the video fans speculate that SNK is bringing back Duo Lon and Hinako Shijou.

KOF 15 remains a traditional fighter by bringing Shingo Yabuki back to the cast of playable characters. Shingo's return has even been greeted with much joy by KOF players. Although a character with a silly personality, Shingo has won the hearts of fans and has become one of the most memorable "joke characters" in SNK's games. With a classic name opening the new pass and the new season of KOF 15, one can only look forward to seeing what the second year of SNK's game has in store.