By
Michael Palisano
SNK's latest compilation offers
players a pair of outstanding King of Fighters titles, KOF 2002 &
2003. Both games feature an extensive cast of characters, extensive moves
lists and, elaborate fighting systems that offer plenty of challenge and
depth. The differences between the KOF titles might seem subtle, but the
changes make a huge difference in the gameplay. KOF 2002 has a larger
selection of characters, and its Max power gauge system is quite elaborate
but lacks internet play. KOF 2003's streamlined controls and moves lists
make it a smoother, more refined fighter and its extensive online support
with versus modes and an Xbox Live tournament mode. While both games are
aimed at the hardcore SNK audience, they're solidly constructed and offer
solidly entertaining action.
With
arcades in general disappearing, and AES prices for these titles exploding
off the charts, fans of SNK's classic 2D brawlers, King of Fighters will
be thrilled that a double pack containing two complete conversions is now
available on the Xbox console in an affordable, accessible package. Both
games are faithful reproductions of the AES/MVS titles that suffer little
in the way from load times and lost frames of animations. The KOF titles
have always featured some of the deepest and most challenging fighting
systems on the market and these titles are no exception. Playing very much
like previous titles, the tight responsive controls, detailed character
animation and extensive moves lists you've come to expect are very much
present. Performing circle moves, chaining moves together and completing
special attacks was simple enough, retaining the speed and intensity of
the arcade titles. The games played well with a standard Xbox controller,
but a solid arcade stick offers a more authentic experience that makes it
worth the investment.
As you'd expect from the Xbox
conversions at this point, both KOF titles on the disc offer solid
gameplay mechanics with an extensive list of fighters to choose from, with
KOF 2002 the victor in this department with more than 42 different
playable characters. These range all the way back to KOF 96 and feature
many of the well known characters from the series. These games represent a
return to form in many aspects, with the backgrounds given a slight 3D
makeover that gives them a refreshingly vibrant look this time around. At
the start of each battle, you can choose from several different gameplay
modes including the traditional versus battles, a revived team battle mode
for three on three action and other modes as well. The game includes
Survival modes for either type of gameplay along with extensive gallery
and practice modes as well. Players can choose from several different
levels of difficulty, set their energy bars, and the opponent AI as well.
Other options include the ability to change the screen size and use either
traditional arcade graphics or the enhanced 3D backgrounds created for the
Xbox. None of these really changes the fundamental gameplay experience,
which hasn't changed that much over the past decade.
KOF
2002 uses an interesting power gauge system that allows you to build up
attacks with Stocks called Max units. Using Stocks allows you to use a
variety of special moves and attacks while the onscreen timer ticks down.
These include implementing Guard Cancels, Max Activisation, and using your
characters' super special moves. The number of Stocks you can have in your
Max bar depends on the character, and some moves require multiple stocks
to perform. This power gauge system is quite elaborate, but versatile
which allows you to attack opponents in your own style. This flexibility
is a key element of the series' long-term appeal, and SNK's continued
refinements makes the difference. The system in KOF 2003 doesn't use the
MAX gauge becasue the super special moves, combos and attacks are
integrated into the game's normal controls, making for a more streamlined
approach. The biggest difference here is that you can switch characters
during battles, allowing you to save a weaker foe from dying, which is a
can make a huge difference in each round's outcome. Both of these systems
offer a slightly different approach, but KOF 2003's simplified control
interface wins out because it's easier to understand and makes for a
better flowing game.
KOF's extensive character list means
there's plenty of variety in the character's looks and attack styles, but
the gameplay remains generally balanced throughout. KOF 2002's other main
claim is its structure, which follows the patterns of previous games where
you battle a succession of teams, then face off against a more difficult
boss character. One interesting aspect of this system is its use of not
one but three energy bars, you usually have one that represents a single
character on your three man team, while the boss character takes up all
three. This gives you a good idea of the challenge that lies ahead of you.
While the main characters are fairly well-balanced, bosses are quite a bit
harder to defeat and can perform devastating single moves that can drain
your energy bar in a flash. KOF 2003 plays similarly to the other game,
but the streamlined cast and improved fighting system makes for a slightly
smoother experience overall. KOF 2003's graphics have also been slightly
improved, with better character animation and more convincing 3D
backgrounds making for a better-looking title overall. When you switch
between these two games, you'll find plenty of similarities, but also a
number of key differences, which makes both worth playing. KOF 2002 is
definitely the more traditional playing of the two games, and definitely
feels closer to the series' roots, though the tweaks in changes in KOF
2003 make it feel slightly more modern and actually edge the series closer
to a Capcom-esque feel. Oddly, only KOF 2003 has been upgraded to include
Xbox Live support, with KOF 2002 sadly left behind. These online modes
include the ability to challenge another player online in versus mode, or
compete in an online tournament against other players worldwide. Players
can choose to play against a random foe, or set the rules to their liking
and challenge an opponent in a specific set of battles with the Optimatch
selected. Playing KOF 2003 online is just as intense as the regular game,
and doesn't suffer from lag time or choppy animations, making for an
excellent added value.
From
a technical standpoint, both games look and play exactly like their arcade
counterparts and don't suffer from the load times, missed animation frames
and other compromises that marred many of the earlier SNK console ports.
The gameplay remains as tight and responsive as you remember, and the
familiar moves lists and controls for each character means KOF veterans
should feel right at home with this conversion. While the sprite-based 2D
gameplay is definitely old school in approach, the gameplay is still as
addictive and exciting as ever, with the trademark SNK depth and challenge
appearing in spades. Of the two games in the package, we found that KOF
2003's slightly more balanced gameplay and improved visuals made it the
more appealing of the games on this disc. However, both of these
traditional fighters are worth playing and offer superb balance, great
animation and excellent controls throughout, making them a great value
purchase for any old-school fighting fan.
