King of Fighters Review <56k Warning>
Jul 14, 2006 23:25:11 GMT -5
Post by Isao Kronos (BANNED) on Jul 14, 2006 23:25:11 GMT -5
This review is geared towards those new to the series, in case you're wondering.
--Introduction:
"It all began in '94. Kept on rolling in '95. Pieces fell in place in '96. It came to the end in '97. And now it comes and here we go. The KOF is here, again. Nothing's gonna stop it's 1998!"- King of Fighters 1998
These are the words that the video game King of Fighters lives by. The series just keeps coming. Sure, there are bad guys but they come and go. Only the strong survive. The weak and unpopular never live to see the tournament again.
--History:
Since 1994 the series (created by SNK) has been delivering its fans some hardcore fighting game action. After King of Fighters 2003 SNK dropped a yearly release schedule for a periodical one. This is to ensure a better quality game. (I'm looking at you, King of Fighters 2001.)
--The Review:
Graphics: Really, I love the simplicity of the graphics. These games were made before high-res sprites such as those seen in Guilty Gear, and you must remember that. I can't really describe the graphic style because it varies from game to game, but usually they change artists. The graphics take a HUGE leap in quality after 1998 due to the Neo Geo cartridges having more memory, I suppose. I'll give the graphics a 7.5/10 for some good character designs.
Gameplay: It's a fighting game. Not much to be said there. However, there are some interesting features such as the Striker system in 1999 and 2000 (Press the B and C buttons and a fighter pops up to do one small attack to help you. Limited use.) Also of importance is the fact the super bar stocks up to three (up to 5 in 2002) charges, as opposed to Street Fighter's level system. Also as opposed to Street Fighter there is running. Not as fast as Guilty Gear running, but it's still there. Finally, instead of picking one fighter (a mini-mode in all four KoF games I'm discussing), you also get the option of a mode where you can pick three fighters (and if applicable one striker). I'll give the gameplay 7.5/10 because I love the Striker system.
Music: I love the music. From Iori Yagami's sax themes to the Fatal Fury team's jazz and such, the music is wonderful. One of the King of Fighters 2000 songs is Good-Bye Esaka, quite possibly one of my favorite video game songs ever. If you can, check it out. 9/10.
Replay Value: This depends upon the individual and how many people they have around to play with them. I could sit and do single player all day and be fine with it. However, some people crave human challengers. I'll give the replay value an average 7/10.
Innovation: In my opinion, along with Street Fighter, KoF helped develop the fighting game genre into what it is today. Guilty Gear and all other modern fighting games have sprung from these two series along with a few other SNK games (the Art of Fighting series and the Fatal Fury series). 8/10.
Total Average Score: 7.8/10
--Big Notice: DON'T TOUCH KING OF FIGHTERS 2001 WITH A TEN FOOT POLE. IT WASN'T MADE BY SNK. IT IS HORRIBLE.
--Screenshots:
King of Fighters 1998. I am Shermie, dueling Chris in a fierce training match. Too bad he heals otherwise he'd be dead.
King of Fighters 1999. Alternate Costume Bonanza! I am K' with my faithful striker Kensou. Fighting Shingo and his striker Terry.
King of Fighters 2000. King's taunting that little brat Bao. Seconds later I beat his whiny little arse into a pulp.
King of Fighters 2002. I'm the boss, Rugal. I'm going to do a little exhibition match against Chris again, only Chris is now powered up and crazy.
--Introduction:
"It all began in '94. Kept on rolling in '95. Pieces fell in place in '96. It came to the end in '97. And now it comes and here we go. The KOF is here, again. Nothing's gonna stop it's 1998!"- King of Fighters 1998
These are the words that the video game King of Fighters lives by. The series just keeps coming. Sure, there are bad guys but they come and go. Only the strong survive. The weak and unpopular never live to see the tournament again.
--History:
Since 1994 the series (created by SNK) has been delivering its fans some hardcore fighting game action. After King of Fighters 2003 SNK dropped a yearly release schedule for a periodical one. This is to ensure a better quality game. (I'm looking at you, King of Fighters 2001.)
--The Review:
Graphics: Really, I love the simplicity of the graphics. These games were made before high-res sprites such as those seen in Guilty Gear, and you must remember that. I can't really describe the graphic style because it varies from game to game, but usually they change artists. The graphics take a HUGE leap in quality after 1998 due to the Neo Geo cartridges having more memory, I suppose. I'll give the graphics a 7.5/10 for some good character designs.
Gameplay: It's a fighting game. Not much to be said there. However, there are some interesting features such as the Striker system in 1999 and 2000 (Press the B and C buttons and a fighter pops up to do one small attack to help you. Limited use.) Also of importance is the fact the super bar stocks up to three (up to 5 in 2002) charges, as opposed to Street Fighter's level system. Also as opposed to Street Fighter there is running. Not as fast as Guilty Gear running, but it's still there. Finally, instead of picking one fighter (a mini-mode in all four KoF games I'm discussing), you also get the option of a mode where you can pick three fighters (and if applicable one striker). I'll give the gameplay 7.5/10 because I love the Striker system.
Music: I love the music. From Iori Yagami's sax themes to the Fatal Fury team's jazz and such, the music is wonderful. One of the King of Fighters 2000 songs is Good-Bye Esaka, quite possibly one of my favorite video game songs ever. If you can, check it out. 9/10.
Replay Value: This depends upon the individual and how many people they have around to play with them. I could sit and do single player all day and be fine with it. However, some people crave human challengers. I'll give the replay value an average 7/10.
Innovation: In my opinion, along with Street Fighter, KoF helped develop the fighting game genre into what it is today. Guilty Gear and all other modern fighting games have sprung from these two series along with a few other SNK games (the Art of Fighting series and the Fatal Fury series). 8/10.
Total Average Score: 7.8/10
--Big Notice: DON'T TOUCH KING OF FIGHTERS 2001 WITH A TEN FOOT POLE. IT WASN'T MADE BY SNK. IT IS HORRIBLE.
--Screenshots:
King of Fighters 1998. I am Shermie, dueling Chris in a fierce training match. Too bad he heals otherwise he'd be dead.
King of Fighters 1999. Alternate Costume Bonanza! I am K' with my faithful striker Kensou. Fighting Shingo and his striker Terry.
King of Fighters 2000. King's taunting that little brat Bao. Seconds later I beat his whiny little arse into a pulp.
King of Fighters 2002. I'm the boss, Rugal. I'm going to do a little exhibition match against Chris again, only Chris is now powered up and crazy.
