KOFXIII, in my humble opinion, is a masterclass of a game. When they first revealed the 2D makeover with KOFXII, I was instantly smitten. Being a fan of the series since '95, seeing a visual upgrade really got me excited. Unfortunately XII didn't quite live up to the hype lacking major content, so I was really hopeful that XIII was going to get the series back on track and it really didn't disappoint. The characters added to the roster were more then I could have asked for. Could they have added some new blood? sure but seeing some of my favorites come back with the new look just had me salivating to get hands on with them. Even though I didn't get deep in the story mode being mainly entranced in learning how to play my favorite characters, I could tell from just the few times I attempted a play through that they really put a great deal of time in making sure each team got there own dialog and endings. In terms of gameplay, I have to admit this was definitely one of the more challenging entries in the series when it comes to execution. Personally, if they just had EX specials, the Drive Cancel mechanic that let's you cancel one special into another, and the flashy super Max cancel, it would have been chefs kiss and had a higher retention. With that being said, HD mode, which gives you an unlimited amount of drive cancels and more for a limited time, is a comeback mechanic that requires a dedicated amount of practice and while I feel like only a few can truly master it, I can't help but acknowledge this is what really removes the ceiling when it comes to this game so if you're looking for a true challenge, then this alone is going to meet your expectations. Unfortunately, the online mode is the only thorn that really hurts XIII as it uses input delay instead of rollback but one can hope that eventually it will get rollback as there is a version titled global match that has this and online lobbies. KOFXIII is no doubt in my mind worth getting!
I've been a KOF fan since 95' and have kept up with each new entry in the series leading up to this one. Let's start off with the positives first. A 50+ character roster is nothing to scoff at and I really do applaud the developers for making such a diverse cast of characters that are all very unique and interesting to play. I never imagined I would actually enjoy playing with some of the new characters especially. While I could never get around to playing with everyone, one of my favorite things about KOF in general are that the characters are just as much fun to fight against as they are to actual play with and I think XIV really showcases this sentiment better than any game in the series because of such a huge and diverse roster. In terms of gameplay, it really does stick to its roots while introducing new elements to an already solid foundation. I was very much worried that the transition to 3D was going to greatly affect the feel but they really managed to keep it intact and I certainly felt right at home when playing. I felt the change they made to the body toss attack especially added a new life to the game and while I wasn't to keen on having EX specials locked behind the max mode activation, I feel like it still managed to add the much needed challenge hardcore fans were looking for coming from XIII. Honestly, the only thing that really put a damper on this entry is the graphics. Despite it looking much better than I initially thought it would, the animations were not very fluid and it was hard not to notice especially when it came to the returning characters. I personally stopped playing with one of my favorites because it. Even with the return of some of my favorites when it game to DLC characters, I found it difficult to really get excited about them. Overall, XIV was a solid entry and even with its visual faults, I still think it kept the spirit of KOF in its game play while also introducing new ideas that helped heighten the experience.
My excitement for the return of Street of Rage was definitely a roller coaster of emotions with each new reveal and I feel like I can finally breath a sigh of relief and say well done to all that have poured their time and effort into reviving the series for a 4th entry. Lizard cube's art design and fluid animation has given the world of SOR a makeover I would have never imagined and while I feel like certain details weren't as mind blowing as my initial reactions made them to be, its apparent that the title was in good hands with this talented group of developers. The guard crush engine is to be praised as well as it is apparent that the refined combat system adds some additional layers to the games original mechanics that truly make it feel like an evolution of the original game play. While the music of SOR4 certainly has its highs, I personally feel like it just doesn't quite raise the bar when compared to the highly lauded SOR2 soundtrack. With that being said, SOR4 does have its moments of genius especially in transitions as you can certainly feel a heightened intensity as you progress further in the level. All in all this a great return to the series, and I can say without a second thought that SOR4 is one of the better games in the franchise when compared to its predecessor.
