The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga
  

   
REVIEW:  The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga contains five complete games, including the "Orochi Saga trilogy" (KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97) as well as KOF '94 and KOF '98: Dream Match Never Ends. The five games in this collection are emulated from the original Neo Geo versions, which didn't translate perfectly, but are decent playable ports for the Wii, PS2, and PSP - although the three versions do have slight differences. 


The PS2 & PSP versions have notably longer loading times than the Wii version, but the Wii edition doesn't feature aspect ratio options like the PSP & PS2 versions. The PS2 version also has a sound glitch that occurs sometimes after a match begins, where the announcer will say "Go! ...Winner!", as sounds from the previous fight somehow make it into the next battle... a pretty dumb glitch that should've been taken care of before this title was released.

 

 

The new in-game menus look pretty good, and they're straight to the point - allowing you easily select which installment of KOF you want to play. Also featured are a variety of unlockable bonus features like music tracks, and artwork which can be unlocked by going through each game's Challenge mode. The PS2 version also includes the Arrange music option and Color Edit mode.

 

 

With such a reasonable price tag, The King of Fighters Collection: Orochi Saga is an ultra convenient way to catch up on and own some of the earliest and most memorable versions of the KOF series on your modern system of choice. It's pretty much a no-brainer for old school fans if you don't already own these games several times over. For newcomers to the series, this collection is an excellent way to experience KOF's rich history, lore, classic 2D sprites, and beautifully hand-drawn backgrounds over the years.

 

Page Updated: February 4th, 2020 Developer(s): SNK Playmore Publisher(s): SNK Playmore Platform(s): PS2, PSP, Wii, PS4 Release Date(s): June 21st, 2007              PS2 Sept. 2008                         PSP Oct. 28th, 2008              PS2 / PSP Nov. 25th, 2008            Nintendo Wii June. 28th, 2018          PlayStation 4 Characters:  Kyo, Benimaru, Daimon, Andy, Terry, Joe, Ryo, Robert, Mai, King, Yuri, Ralf, Leona, Clark, Athena, Kensou, Chin, Chizuru, Yashiro, Shermie, Chris, Mature, Vice, Iori, Chang, Kim, Choi, Yamazaki, Blue Mary, Billy Kane, Heidern, Takuma, Saisyu, Heavy D, Lucky, Brian, Shingo, Rugal Featured Video: Related Games: KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout, KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '98 Ultimate Match, KOF '99, KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2002 Unlimited Match, KOF 2003, KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF: Neowave, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2    Gameplay Engine  7.0 / 10 Story / Theme  7.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  6.5 / 10 Animation  6.0 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  6.5 / 10 Innovation  6.0 / 10 Art Direction  5.0 / 10 Customization  7.0 / 10 Options / Extras  7.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  7.0 / 10 Replayability / Fun  7.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  7.5 / 10 Characters  8.0 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  7.3 / 10  Review based on PS2 version        Final Words: The "Orochi Saga" was the defining era in the original KOF storyline, also marking the franchise's rise to popularity in the mid to late 90's. This compilation is a great way to experience the early evolution of KOF since its humble beginnings. With some cool options like Arrange soundtrack select and Color Edit, the PS2 version is definitely enjoyable and worth owning. This compilation is pretty much a must-have for hardcore KOF fans or nostalgia junkies... but without any online mode, replayability might be limited if you don't have local friends who also enjoy KOF. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen