The King of Fighters 02/03

"Two fighting games for the price of one? Sign me up!"

Look at it this way, people might be saying "2D games are dead!", but SNK doesn't think so. Ohhhhhh no, they want people to know that 2D fighting games are long from dead. Want to know why? There just as, if not better, than most 3D fighting games out right now. This is no more apparent than SNK's two game package deal, The KoF '02/'03 combo pack. Yeah, you read correctly, two games for the price of one, you say? Yes! Sure the games might look outdated by today's standards, but that is overshadowed by the overall quality and personality of the game. Just how good are these games? Let's find out.

Pros:

First and foremost, you get two games for the price of one, for a total of $40. If that's not a deal, than I don't know what is. Don't look at it wrong though, this isn't your typical package, both games play vastly differently from one another. Which should please a lot of new comers to the series.

To me, KoF 2003 is the real gem in this package. I love it's faster style of gameplay. you see, they have decided to throw in a tag team feature. The game still follows the typical 3 on 3 style, but they threw in an extra ability where at any point during a fight you can switch a teammate right then and there. However, this new feature has been the subject of debate amongst SNK vets of how this only makes the gameplay shallow compared to previous incarnations. It's all up to you, but I had a blast playing this version. The roster has also taken a hit, where it's mostly just the more popular characters returning, while 2002's roster is more 'anybody whos anybody' thing.

However, KoF 2002 should please the vets more, as it is completely old school. It has the regular 3 on 3 style where you play as one charcter till he is knocked out, then the next round you play as one of the other characters you picked. I do have to give it's roster credit, there are a lot of fighters here, 44 plus several hidden characters. That is a lot of game for your buck right there.

Both games however have the usual set of modes, and online play tacked on. There is a gallery option for both to view the characters art work, also a replay mode to view those spectactular fights you're going to have sooner or later. Nothing you haven't seen before. Be forewarned, Time Attack Mode in KoF 2002 is a fun, but exhausting test. Good luck.

Both games control very smoothly, and both games retain the four button layout as previous games have. You have the usual power meters where after every hit you make it stocks energy. When you get enough you can unleash damaging super moves on your opponent. Moves are typical quater/half-circle movements, so if you have been playing Street Fighter and are looking to get in on SNK's line of fighting games, you should have no problems making adjustments. If you're having trouble with any of the games, there is a hefty practice mode to get your bearings.

But what is sure to get everyone antsy, is that both games have been built with online play. I have found that both games run really smooth most of the time, but it seems that '02 was given the short end of the stick. A lot of games can be laggy as hell, and with fighting games requiring split second timing, this may disappoint hardcore fans. However, online is there and works fine.

I most say that both game's characters have amazing personality. It's just mind boggling how each character is unique and they each have their very own reasons for joining the tournament. There really isn't a story in either game, but you do get some insight on why there fighting, which is a nice touch.

Cons:

Both games look ugly, and you can see it from a mile away. You can't deny it, SNK needs to update it's engine from the old and ugly Neo Geo engine. Blarrrghhh! If only they updated it Guilty Gear visuals, oh wait... they did and it was callled KoF '94 Rebout but it was cancelled. Arrrgggh! Maybe in our dreams.

As solid as Kof '02 is, I can't help but feel off by it's time delay for moves. But then again, I played the import version for the Dreamcast, so this might not be noticeable by people who haven't played that version.

Did I mention that '02 suffers from heavy lag a lot? I wish SNK devoted a hefty amount of time to KoF '02 also, but I guess at this price, you get what you get, right?

There is also a lack of extras. You can unlock art pictures for the gallery and some hidden characters in each game, but thats it. How about maybe a World Tour Mode similar to Capcoms' Street Fighter Alpha 3's one? I wish that would come to fruition, please SNK? Pretty please? With the amount of characters in each game, it would extend the replay value by a lot. Trust me.

Rundown:

+ Budget price
+ KoF '03 is the gem in this package, but both games are solid
+ Heavy rosters in both games
+ Online??? Yes!
+ Both games control fine, except...
- '02 has noticeable delay in commands
- Laggy '02 will disappoint
- Both games are extremely ugly.
? Why did you guys cancel KoF '94 Rebout??

To buy or to rent? That depends, what are you looking for? A solid 2D fighting game package? Then yes, go buy it. However, if you want to try it out, but aren't quite sure if the series is for you, then rent. It is really that simple.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/19/06