| For the record, if I could give the game 4 1/2 stars, I would. I'll round up instead of down.
The second shot at a 3rd-party KoF title fares much better than the first one. Those let down by the noticable stumble between installments 2000 and 2001 can breathe a sigh of relief, because Eolith has found their audience. In a smart move, they've made a game specifically for them, and it's really the fans of the series who will benefit from this game.
It's a "dream match" all over again, so an arching plotline is nowhere to be found. Chris, Shermie, and Yashiro are miraculously back in action, and the entire roster has been trimmed to a more manegable degree when compared to the recent previous entries in the series. While someone, inevitably, is going to be missing their favorite character (Blue Mary is notably absent) most mainstays are present and accounted for.
Where the game really shines is with an extra layer of polish that will go unnoticed by those new to KoF. The fighting system is rock-solid in all respects, less floaty than KoF 2001 but retaining the loose character movement that set it apart. The introduction of a Capcom-influenced "Level 3" super move (here called the "hidden super desperation move") keeps things interesting with ridiculously powerful moves that the average player doesn't have a prayer of being able to pull off. The first time you see one in action, though, it becomes apparent how much it can tip the scales if used at the right time. Beyond that, we get a smattering of new moves (Andy Bogard sports a spiffy flame-trail backwards somersalt bound to catch people off guard) and, in some cases, a complete character overhaul (Takuma now has no fireballs. None. Period.)
So, what's in it for the casual player? Not a whole lot, really. But for the KoF fan? Gravy, and plenty of it.
Veterans will have as much fun playing "spot the cameo" as actually playing the game ("Hey, it's Eiji!"), and there are countless other little touches - Kim's looking much more lively these days, and Terry has finally started using his Mark of the Wolves dialouge.
To further cement the game as a fan's offering, Leona can enter her Riot of Blood state *at will* (input the KoF '97 "EX Leona" code while in mid-battle), and Chris' HSDM is an out-and-out Orochi morph.
If those last two made sense to you, this is your game, no question about it. Everyone else, make sure you know what you're getting into, and brush up on your history before you buy. Otherwise, the game will never justify the price tag. |
