The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999

"Kick ass 2d fighting"

King of Fighters DM 99, or as some call it, KoF 98 is an ass kickin 2d fighter by SNK. If you like 2d fighters, you’ll love this game. Some call it the best fighting game of all time, 2d or other wise. Is it? Maybe. Probably. Yes, yes it might be. I can easily say that it is one of the best fighters ever.

Graphics: The graphics are that of the old 2d persuasion, nothing too fancy, but I like it. Its 2d. You either love it, or you hate it and I love it. There are a lot of beautiful characters for you to play as, each animated in hand drawn 2d, even though they aren’t the most detailed, polished 2d sprites you’ll see. Don’t expect GGX or SF3:TS type graphics. The frame rate stays at a constant 60 fps with no slowdown. The backgrounds received a make over from the arcade version, which sported all 2d backgrounds. Some of the backgrounds are breath taking, like the boat ride through China. The DC version has updated some of them with 3d polygons to give the game a prettier face (I liked the 2d just fine), but this game isn’t about graphics, this isn’t one of your little shallow, no game play, pretty boy 3d fighters. Oh no, this is King of Fighters, where gameplay is king.

Sound: This game isn’t too shabby in the sound department. With its variety of up beat, happy music, and cool voiceovers, the sound is pretty good. You get to hear Terry scream, “Power Geyser!” and Mai “Me bouncy!” The announcer is pretty good. You can hear what is being said, and it doesn’t make you want to shoot yourself. The added affects aren’t bad either. You can hear the rush of the punches, and the impact of the blasts.

Gameplay: This is what KoF is all about. You have 38 characters to choose from, and you must take them through the tournament in either Single (1 on 1) or Team (3 on 3) and then finally to fight Rugal. And what a fight it will be. Be prepared, Rugal isn’t a piece of cake. The engine is the still the old school KoF engine, which in my opinion is a very good thing. At the beginning of the fight you must choose a mode that best fits your liking, either Advanced, or Extra. The main difference is that in Advance mode, your power gauge increases with each special attack you use, but in Extra mode, you must charge your gauge manually, by pressing and holding X + Y + A. During this time you are vulnerable. I prefer Advanced. Each character has an awesome arsenal of attacks to unleash on your opponent, and a few specials. The combo system is about the same, with rushes. There are also blow-aways and guard cancels to add to the fun. Gameplay wise, this is 2d fighting at its best.

Value: I recommend this game to any one who will put gameplay over graphics. If you like awesome old school fighting, you’ll love King of Fighters Dream Match 99, for Sega Dreamcast. You should be able to find a good deal on it too. I got my second copy for $14 at GExpress.com. Find it, and buy it because this is 2d fighting nirvana.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/01, Updated 07/05/01