"Better than expected. A true poineer."

To commemorate The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary, SNKPlaymore unleashed King of Fighters: Maximum Impact as one of their 10th Anniversary series. This time around KOF is brought out in a 3D fashion rather than the traditional 2D fashion. Something really new to the series.

When the news first came out announcing of a 3D KOF release many were skeptical as to how good the game would actually be due to SNK's previous attempts at other 2D-to-3D titles such as Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition and Samurai Showdown/Spirits: Warriors Rage which ended up in failure or in a mild manner, did not capture most of the fan's expectations. Not to mention many felt that other 2D to 3D transitioned games had little purpose bring in 3D. KOF: MI on the otherhand is much more promising than it actually looks. This time around KOF: MI uses certain elements to actually make the game feel 2D yet 3D at the same time compared to previous 2D-to-3D games. This blew me away when all I thought about when the game was first announce was the fear of a repeat of previous games that went through a 2D-to-3D transition.

Story: The story this time surrounds mainly on two brothers, Alba and Soiree Meira as they battle against Duke who has plague South Town with his loyal army. Basically a power struggle in the gang faction that is recently going on in South Town.

For the most part the real story revolves mainly around the 4 new characters as the other KOF contenders were brought in to test out Alba and Soiree overall. In another aspect the story takes place throughout the game rather than just the ending. Overall the story for all characters, although those who aren't of the 4 new main cast feels more unique. It wasn't as if SNKP pulled a SF EX as I thought it had a high chance of happening. Really good if not like Tekken's but overall still better than expected it to be.

Gameplay: It plays both like 3D yet still 2D. Probably the most innovative if I've ever seen since previous 2D-to-3D games were released. The move-lists for the characters remain the same as that in the 2D series, some having slight changes to them (like Ralf's ram) but the moves are performed in the same manner as how one does in KOF. Some of the moves also now have different timing and range compared to their 2D counterpart allowing faster gameplay. The added easy chain combo factor (alittle like Tekken, DoA and Bloody Roar) gives the game more life of 3D (though some complain it being too easy) and side-stepping plays a huge evasive maneuver unlike previous predecessor of it's type of genre. Also gamers are now given the ability to hit opponents who are still lying down on the ground (like most VS 3D games) which gives it more of a 3D feel yet retaining it's 2D original. A sort of feel previous 2D-3D VS games have failed to portray during the end result transition.

Music and Sound: The music is great if not the best. The bgms are original and different from that of previous KOFs. The beat for most part is faster to represent it's fast and furious gameplay yet the bgm isn't heavy metal or some sort and the sound effects for the game fit nicely. The original voices of the characters are also used so it can't go wrong in that direction. Original and totally new. Fans to the KOF series would love the music they use this time around although there are some that would still complain it being different and all. However it does fit the overall setting and atmosphere and it's totally in a new approach.

Background: The backgrounds are nicely animated in 3D this time. Unlike most games that went through a transition before this their backgrounds were mostly painted rather than constructed giving it a non-3D feel. It doesn't reach to such depth such as Tekken 4's but it stands out on it's own nicely with activities that are going on in the background does not feel as it they were stapled there meaning there is a lot of things going on in the background for many of the stages and it looks great if not the finest.

Overall: A game that everyone should try out both KOF and non KOF fans alike. For the KOF fans don't allow yourself to be clouded by the 3D concept and give it a shot. I know this cause I myself as a KOF fan since 94 and been playing VS games since the days of SF2 and FF this game is worth the play. Judge the game only after playing it or you'll be missing out one of 2D-to-3D VS Fighting games best pioneer for future creations of it's kind.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/04