"A great addition to an already large library of 2-D fighters . . ."

It's been a long time coming. Playmore (or as some consider, SNK resurrected) has finally brought out the Dreamcast port of The King of Fighters 2000. Even though the game is a couple of years old, it's still the same great game that it's always been.

Graphics: 8

As in all of the KOF games, the sprites animate smoothly and are very colorful (although the older characters are somewhat stiff next to the newer characters). Unlike the previous 2 KOF DC games (which had 3D backdrops), this game is purely 2D. The same flat, unlively backgrounds found in the arcade are in the home version. But, that's hardly noticeable with all the fighting action you'll be seeing. Also, the ''Flash'' feature that was taken out of the other ports of KOF was actually kept in the game, making the DMs much better looking than in the past DC KOF games.

Controls: 7

The controls are fine, about as good as the old DC controller will allow. Special moves and Desperation Moves can be pulled off quite easily. The game uses the same 4-button layout as all KOF games go by. But this time around, you can't assign special moves to the buttons. You're only allowed to change your punches, kicks, taunt, striker, Counter Mode and Armor mode within the 6-button layout. The default is the best setup there is, anyway.

Gameplay: 8

Good old-fashioned 2-D fighting game goodness. Although still not as good as it's predecessors since the game took a change in KOF 99. When the Striker system came into play, KOF became a love/hate situation. The game is still good in it's own right (it's only comparable to KOF 99 which has a lot of the same gameplay mechanics as this game). The same combos and techniques from the arcade can be applied here. But, the Striker system has changed (for the better) since KOF 99. You can now use Strikers from nearly any position/move, making them much more useful and effective. Also, in selecting a Striker, you have the option to pick either your 4th team member OR a secondary striker. For example, instead of having Joe Higashi be your Striker, you can select Duck King instead (who, IMO, is pretty cool because he does some REAL break dance moves as an attack!!) As in all KOF games, the final Boss encounter is the pinnacle of the game and should keep you occupied (thankfully KOF 2000's Zero isn't as cheap as KOF 99's Krizalid). Most characters have remained the same since the last KOF, so the core game remains the same. Each individual character is well-balanced and there should be more than enough variety in the game for you to find your ideal team.

Sound: 9

Well . . . for one thing, Playmore kept the ORIGINAL game music as well as add the ARRANGED tracks. I prefer the original sounds rather than the remixed sounds because the remixed sounds just don't fit the game. Because of this, this port is the most faithful of all the KOF games that have come to the Dreamcast. Anyway, as in all KOF games, the voicework is top-notch. For the most part, it's the same as previous KOFs with the exception of K's new voice, the new fighters, and the new pre-match dialog that's been added to the game.

Replay Value: 10

It KOF!!!! Tons and tons of replay value. If the single player mode doesn't strike you, than hook up with a friend and go at it. There's more than enough characters to choose from, so you'll have no trouble finding one you like. Battle any way that you choose. Single vs. or Team vs., it doesn't matter. You'll keep on coming back to this game for more and more(unless you'd rather play Capcom's fighting games, but that's your own personal preference). I know I won't put it down for awhile.

Should I buy this game?

Yes!! You'd better. Anything that's coming out for the DC at this point is something to own. It's collectible. It's fun. It's everything that you look for in a 2D fighter. No need to think twice, if you're a fighting game fan, you need this in your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/09/02, Updated 08/09/02