Story:
Mukai, a member of a mysterious
group known as "Those from the Distant Land", stole the Orochi seal in
the last tournament and broke it, causing confusion and destruction to happen
from within sight. Taking advantage of the situation at hand, Ash Crimson
attacked Chizuru Kagura in her weakened state and stole the Yata Mirror from her
while draining her powers from within the process.
...
Review: The 11th installment of
the classic 2D series brings back the 3-on-3 tag team gameplay and Tactical
Shift system from the prequel. This version introduces an enhanced "tag
combo" system, canceling system, and counter system. Gameplay innovations
include the quick shift (switch character during combo), saving shift (tag out a
character while he or she is being hit), and dream cancels (which allows players
to use stocks to interrupt a move in the midst of its execution with a more
powerful move, allowing for devastating combos).
The home version includes a classic 3- on- 3 team mode
(if tag just isn't your thing) and even
a traditional 1- on- 1 mode. The home version also features the most characters ever in a
KOF game to date... And included several home version exclusive characters which
were taken straight from Neo
Geo Battle Coliseum (Mr. Big, Geese Howard, Tung Fu Rue, Robert Garcia,
Hotaru Futaba, Mai Shiranui and EX Kyo Kusanagi). The home version also includes
playable boss characters, a great color edit mode, four new
stages, and ten new BGMs. The intro isn't as flashy or as exciting
as one might hope, and the end boss of the game is really REALLY cheap;
but those flaws are easily overlooked, because
the VS mode is where it's at, as usual.
Overall, the gameplay experience is
faster and smoother than ever... The new characters add some
nice variety to the roster, and most of which are unquestionably cool and fun
to use as well! The important thing is, it still feels
like KOF, and whether you're a long time fan of the series or just a fan of 2D
fighting games in general, you'll definitely find something to enjoy about this
installment. The animation and graphics impress for a KOF title... The 2D
sprites still look dated, but are presented on top of some very sharp
backgrounds. Some backdrops are done in
high-res 2D, others in 3D, and the 2D sprites look decent in either situation. The home version also has
several graphical options,
including different levels of "sprite blurring" to best suit your TV and
screen size.
The extras & options in the home version
of KOF XI are easily the best in console KOF game to date. There's a nice
selection artwork and endings to unlock, as well as the secret Battle Coliseum
characters, and about 50 or so "challenges" to take on. There are a ton
of options, and the new color edit mode is loads of fun if you're
a 2D sprite fanatic like myself. Not only can you change your characters
colors to your artistic liking, but you can actually change their "fire"
or "effect" colors... Which makes for literally endless possibilities.
Want a K' in all black, with black hair, and have him use black flames? I did... so I made
him. He's awesome I tell you!!!
Gameplay
Engine
9 / 10
Story
/ Theme
8 / 10
Overall
Graphics
8 / 10
Animation
8 / 10
Music
/ Sound Effects
8 / 10
Innovation
8 / 10
Customization
9 / 10
Options / Extras
9.5 / 10
Intro / Presentation
6.5 / 10
Replayability / Fun
8.5 / 10
"Ouch" Factor
8.5 / 10
Characters
9.5 / 10
OVERALL SCORE
8.5 /
10
Closing Comment:
I really enjoyed 2000 and 2003, but now I have a new favorite...
I really fancy this edition's roster (even though Yamazaki is on vacation
this year). The color edit mode is a toy in itself to me, and I think I
may actually play with the color edit mode more than the game itself...
but yeah, the game is pretty fun too. I'd
have to recommend this one to anyone who still enjoys 2D fighting games... Not only
KOF fans! ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG
He's awesome I tell you!!!
