28-May-2004 Why would SNK/Playmore choose 2004 to release a couple of old 2D fighting games for PS2? Why, it's The King Of Fighters 10th anniversary, of course - surely some celebrations are in order!
A version of KOF has been on the CVG playlist every year since 1994. Back then it was ahead of its time, almost too heavy to stomach for guys weaned on a Capcom diet. The King Of Fighters has grown from strength to strength every year, holding its own against visually more impressive games running on technically superior hardware; flying the 2D flag when the fuss has been all about 3D.
Everyone has their favourite KOF, some are more passionate about it than others, but we dare say there has never been a bad KOF. We'll even dare to say that each and every KOF is mostly the mutt's nuts.
Interestingly, SNK has bundled two of the series' most controversial (at least with hardcore SNK fans) chapters. Both 2000 and 2001 happened around the time of SNK's closure, and the takeover by Playmore. 2000 became the SNK studio's last ever KOF, with a new developer Eolith taking over the reigns for Playmore. Not only is the artwork style radically changed for 2001, the gameplay was revamped in ways that have been celebrated but mostly seen as too horrible to contemplate. It's rare to find a fan of both, and what's worse the two sides won't even talk about it - no way!
Well, the whole 2000 versus 2001 issue could all be settled, now that we can sample both games for the price of one full-price game. Even if you already own an expensive Neo Geo ROM of either version, the PS2 editions come packed with extra characters and enhanced backgrounds, to make them collectible at the very least. The big downer is that both games have some animation censored (no bouncing boobies), and no blood.
The original KOF 2000 initially disappointed 'cos the backdrops were bland, but PS2's version boasts unlockable stages from earlier KOFs. Six new characters and radical gameplay. Central to it all is the Active Striker System, with its infinite range of combos working to a tag team principle. KOF 2000 gets criticism for pandering to the mainstream, but if you wanna go combo crazy, this is where it's at!
Max super moves are the most powerful in the game and create a radioactive glow
Vanessa was introduced in KOF 2000 but her cool boxing moves are no match for Benimaru’s kicks
The aquarium, probably one of the least favourite backgrounds, according to die-hard fans
// King Of Fighters 2001
It's fashionable to hate KOF 2001, but not us. SNK goes all out to impress with on PS2 - new polygon backgrounds, extra characters, funked up menus. It has the worst (ie most) number of infinite combos in the history of fighters. Expert players tag-team combo you into oblivion, making it a farce. The simple solution, of course, is to rule out such 'illegal' combos. Give KOF 2001 some time, and you'll love it!
K9999 (left) is modelled after the character Tetsuo from Akira
This splendid misty effect wasn’t in evidence on the original Neo Geo
The race circuit in Brazil shows cars crashing on the road below!
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