General: SNK has
abandoned the Atomiswave system and moved the KOF series to the
Taito
Type X2 arcade system, which allows for a true next gen graphical makeover.
The completely re-drawn 2D sprites are much bigger and bolder than their
predecessors, and will also be animated smoother than ever before. Each
animation on average has about 30 frames, with each character having about
400-600 frames of animation in total...10 people were involved with creating
any given character, with one person taking 16 to 17 months to completely
draw one character.
Details so
far: No story mode, so no special endings... Since they're concentrating
on balance, gameplay depth, and the graphics. There will be at least 4
alternate colors per character, and 2 BGMs per stage... There will be no
SDMs, with DMs being the most powerful attacks you have. There will be
no "default teams," just 20 edit characters to create a team of 3, and
no "EX" characters... Several characters have all new costumes and will
most likely have a handful of new moves. The console version will feature
online play and at least 2 exclusive characters!
Gameplay
Engine
Story
/ Theme
Overall
Graphics
Animation
Music
/ Sound Effects
Innovation
Customization
Options / Extras
Intro / Presentation
Replayability / Fun
"Ouch" Factor
Characters
OVERALL SCORE
Not Yet Rated
Closing Comment:
After years and years of using the same style of 2D sprites, SNK
has finally given the series a completely new look (not by going 3D) and
has given fans a new reason to get excited about KOF... The next generation
of the KOF series will be in HD, and will sporting incredibly large sprites
with smooth animation to boot! This is definitely the direction I've been
wanting the series to go for years now, and KOF XII looks to satisfy visually...
but how will it play? I, like many other KOF and 2D fighting game fans,
anxiously await. ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG
.
.
.
