King of Fighters: Maximum Impact

"KOFs first attempt at 3-D, an "OKAY!" or an Oy Vey?"

Am gonna admit right out that am a Capcom man when it comes to fighting games. Its not just due to the fact that I've been with the Street Fighter crowd every since it rose to popularity with its second game and its many, many, MANY upgrades. It just that arcades are very sparse in my area (even moreso now) that there was hardly any alternative when it came to fighters. Which is a shame really as I missed out on most of the King of Fighters games ever since it debuted in '94. It wouldn't be until six years later (just shy of missing the much acclaimed KOF '98) when I finally joined the SNK fans in supporting them in their franchise. So now here we are, ten years of keeping fighting game fans happy and SNK decides to celebrate, not by following Capcom in releasing a collection package (much less a so-called one that only has TWO games, even if one of those games was pretty cool). But rather take the KOF series into the long awaited third dimension. While this is nothing new in long running fighting games, it has come out with less then stellar results especially in SNK's past attempts with Samurai Showdown and Fatal Fury. So whats keeps MI from joining them in the trash heap? Well, lets review shall we?

Skinny: Taking us right back to the streets of Southtown (the central hub for most of SNKs modern fighting series), it seems a war is brewing between two rival gangs. But beyond that, theres a personal vendetta at stake between the leaders: a very powerful yet evil character named Duke and the Meira brothers, Albia and Soiree as well as Duke's personal assassin, Lein. For those that have played MI and haven't noticed, this is the EXACT same storyline from the first Fatal Fury (i.e.: Both have brothers going against their father's killers: Terry and Andy against Geese for killing their father, Albia and Soiree going against Duke for killing their mentor, and having to reach them in the form of a tournament) only just remixed and set in the KOF universe. I guess its kinda appropriate though seeing how this is the tenth anniversary special as well as the start of a new series. Still am a little disappointed SNK didn't flesh out the story more and show why half of KOF's best veterans have participated other then to be obstacles for the Meiras'. Especially in the case of Rock (from Mark of the Wolves, another SNK game I missed out on) and new characters Mignon (who was said to have “lost her memory” in the intro but gets the same treatment as the regulars) and Chae Lim (who seems to be Kim Kapawn in a female body). You probably think am looking too much into this for someone who hasn't played a KOF game till 99-01. Well after reading back on the past KOF's storylines, going through the NEST saga, and being intrigued by the arc set by 2003. You'll realize my disappointment of seeing SNK sinking down to Capcom's level of story neglect when they made such awesome arcs in previous entries. Still this is just the beginning, so there always room for improvement in the future.

Play Dials: Same as any KOF, two punches and two kicks with the back buttons working as taunts and knock-back attacks. It pretty easy to use but sadly masher friendly meaning anyone can just use any kind of buttons and get a cheap win. But those with gaming skill will be able to master the controls all the same and put the mashers in their place.

Core: After a very nice menu screen you get the options of playing through the story, Mission Modes, or just regular matches. Once you've selected your fancy, you choose from 19 fighters and your off and running. While the game is 3-D, its still 2-D in spirit meaning your usually on a straight path with your opponent with no full out movement. Which should make many a SNK player happy though they might notice that the three on three matches have been stripped to one on one in the story mode. It's a strange change but didn't really affect me all that much though some fan faithful might disagree. They might change their tone once they notice how fast they game plays however. I mean, this KOF is boosted the max and will give most veterans a run for their money. Also noteworthy is that the regulars control just as they do in their 2-D counterparts with the inclusion of the ability to hit a person while their down, pin them against wall, sidestep and roll away after getting knocked down. Though the roll ability could've been tweaked a bit (they seem to roll in one direction, so if a wall is in your path you could be in trouble. Not to mention some attacks can still hit you while you trying to get away.) Mission Mode is a good challenge, giving you certain objectives in fights such using only combos or no blocking, that sort of thing but only for those that master the controls. And if your pinning over the 3-on-3 loss it still here in the usual Vs modes and practice. It not much, but then again since when has SNK really put many extras into their games, well that is if you include the DVD style making-of disc that comes along with the game. But game wise, it is and always has been about the fighting.

Eye-Candy: If this had been the 32 and 64 bit era, I would really doubt the transition from 2 to 3D would be successful. So we all should count our blessings that SNKPlaymore decided to wait until the graphics improved (that or SNK's fall and rise thanks to money trouble) and its been well worth it. The characters look a heck of a lot less anime in 3-D and their animations from their intros to their attacks and the effects that stem from them are a thing of beauty. The environments are nicely well done though a little on the bland side. The cameos of various KOF characters watching is a nice touch (would've been better if they were animated too.) Granted its no Tekken 4 when it comes to detail, but they do a fine job as it is.

Noise: For the first time in the series, all the characters speak full English…and man I wish they hadn't. Cause like most Japan to U.S. dubs, it sounds awful. Granted some of the voices fit the characters like Iori, Chae Lim, Ryo and Yuri. But others such as Kyo sound way too gruff for their design or too cheesy in Terry's case. And don't even get me started on cuteness characters that are Athena and Mignon (shudder). A language option would've been nice so we can hear the Japanese version as it was meant to be heard. A little diversity wouldn't have hurt either (which Tekken 4 did very well). Music wise, some nice beats that fit the stages with guitars, saxophones, keyboards, etc, once again SNKP and Noise Factory scores with the tunes.

Final Call: A very good first try in moving KOF into 3-D, avoiding the fates of it other move to 3-D brethren. However some more features and more time spent on the story would've really put it over the top. Not too mention more fighters and some tweaking on the arenas. But since SNKP is just stepping into new territory after so long in the 2-D realm, I'll let it slide and take it for what it is. Hopefully on the next go they'll get it right and really be ready to take their flagship fighter to the next level. Till then KOF fans should be please with the results that this 3-D transition didn't crash and burn.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/26/04