King of Fighters XIIis not the best 2D fighter available on current-gen consoles, but it’s still one of my favorites. It just looks so good. To a dyed-in-the-wool fan of 2D fighters,KoF XIIis the only game in recent years to truly look right. It doesn’t look like a CGI animated imitation of a 2D fighter, or an anime imitation of a 2D fighter. It looks like the real deal, and I love that. It may not have had the features ofStreet Fighter IV, or the originality ofBlazBlue, but it was the only current fighter to truly take pride in its sprite based roots.
One of the main complaints aboutKoF XIIwas the roster. Not only was it missing fan-favorite Mai, but multiple other characters, modes, and stuffs went missing. Well,now Mai is back, and she’s not alone. For one, I’m totally freaked out at the sight of Hwa Jai, the fanged-faced Mui Thai kickboxer who hasn’t been seen in a SNK fighter since theFatal Furydays. Other combatants coming back inKoF XIIIinclude Maxima, Elisabeth, Mature, Yuri, King, Vice, Takuma, and Kula. That’s 10 new characters in all, the same amount thatSuper Street Fighter IVbrought. Now I just need to hear thatKoF XIIIwill only cost $40, and it may be able to claim my “most respected fighting game semi-sequel” crown from the previously named Capcom fighter.
Don’t get me wrong,SSFIVis amazing, but you just can’t beat the graphics onKoF XIII. Don’t believe me? Then check out the game’s characters in motion over on thegame’s official siteand see for yourself. The site is packed with animation, and loads really quickly, so fans of instant gratification won’t be disappointed. Watch out for Mai though. She’s… hypnotizing.
[Update- Oops! Look like I forgot about K’, who is also making a comeback, making 11 “new” characters. KoF XIII > SSFIV CONFIRMED.]
