The best 3D game SNK-Playmore has to offer, too bad its not saying much...
Well what can I say about the graphics that can't already be proven in the game? The characters are animated exceptionally well, and despite the majority of "dark and shady" environments, they look pretty good, to say the least. My only gripe is that a lot of them look fairly plain. Gameplay: The best way I can put it is this: If King of Fighters were to have a child with the Dead or Alive series, this would be the end result, except with KOF having the dominant genes (for those who know biology). Quite frankly, the combination works rather well. The fighting engine, plays practically like any other KOF game, but with a DOA twist. Each character has 2 sets of moves, one set consisting of the moves you've grown to love, and a completely new set of DOA style combos called "Stylish Moves." This combination of the sets allow for chain combos loose enough so that they can be easy for beginners to learn, as well as customizable, while restricted enough so that the game isn't completely "masher friendly." The character roster is superb, consisting of 14 returning fighters, including Terry Bogard, Ryo Sakazaki, and Kyo Kusanagi. The game also introduces 5 new fighters to the KOF roster: First and foremost, Alba and Soiree Meira (Theyre Brothers! ), Chae Lim (A female Tai Kwan Do fighter trained by Kim Kaphwan), Mingon Beart, and last but not least, Lien Neville, a sexy femme fetale who could rival Mai in uber hotness. On the plus side, the game is pretty fun. Not only does it have a story mode, but it also has a "challenge" mode, where you can unlock alternate colors for each character. You can also unlock character profiles and "rigging models" (or a set of extra stuff your characters can wear in battle) for each character. Unlike the previous games of the series, this one is a 1 on 1 fighter. If you're peeved about that, fret not. You can ease that "Old-School KOF withdrawl" on versus mode, with not only a singles mode, but an old-school 3 on 3 team battle that you've loved for so long. The downsides of the game is for one, KOF experts will probably be dissapointed with this one, as a lot of the combos can be considered "too easy." Secondly the game will bring little to no competition since the combo system is pretty broken making it possible to mash. Lastly, the english chatacter voices are horrible, save for a few. Replay: The game is loaded with different modes, which you can unlock new stanges and characer colors. Regretably, unless you have some really good opponents to face, you'll probably put this one down once you've unlocked everything. Overall:
All in all, the game itself is pretty decent, and I must say, this is by far SNK's BEST attempt at a 3D fighter (Unfortunately, with their track record, it isnt saying much), so its not all that dissapointing. I will say this much: I would say while the game doesn't provide enough challenge for experts, but its a great way to introduce the series to new SNK fans.