KOF: Maximum Impact marks KOF's first time in 3D with decent results.
Good:
+ Graphics are good
+ New characters and old characters return
+ New gameplay is decent
Bad:
- Controls are sluggish
- Gameplay can be slow
- Lack of interesting modes
- Too much emphasis on Meira brothers
- SNK Boss Syndrome returns
- Bland environments
The graphics in this game are very well done and it's great to see some of our old favorite characters in 3D. New characters such as Alba and Soiree Meira make their entrance and are the new main characters. Old favorites such as Kyo and Terry Bogard are back and still remain their trademark moves. It may be 3D but this game definitely plays like a 2D fighter. You can sidestep and it is actually pretty easy to pull off some moves.
The controls at first are very sluggish and you will end up getting beat. I reccomend going to VS. mode first and play it out with the computer for a couple of rounds. The gameplay is pretty slow compared to it's 2D counterparts. Heck, it's even slower than games like Soul Calibur and Virtua Fighter. There really aren't a lot of modes. It's just your usual affair with Story, Versus, Time Attack and Mission. The story mode is pretty bland. There is not much interaction between characters. The only real people that have an interesting storyline are the Meira brothers and that's mostly it. The final boss is Duke and he can be a pain. It's SNK Boss Syndrome all over again. I remember it took me up to 5 trys to beat him one time. The environments are very bland and there is not much interactivity with it. The best you can do is make a gate bend a little bit.
The music is so-so. There are some good ones and some bad ones.
Overall, this game really isn't that good. The sequel fares much better.