The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood

"Well presented. Good AI. KOF action anywhere."

When I first heard about this game, I wasn't exactly looking forward to it due to bad experiences with other GBA fighters. Having played KOF EX 1 previously and finding it a total turkey didn't help my composure any better.

But on the day I nonchalantly asked to try it out at a local store and slapped the cart on my GBA (which I carry everywhere), I was hooked! It was true KOF action playing right on my GBA and even if it meant spending my last bit of cash and eating cheap (and at times, rancid...yuk!) chicken sandwiches for the rest of the week, I had to buy it right there and now!

Graphics.

The game has the necessary sprites if not a perfect rendition of the arcade. Characters are a bit blockier but considering the size of the GBA screen, the characters look as normal as their regular arcade selves. A few slight changes with certain frames but nothing changing gameplay drastically. Character incarnations and most of the stage graphics are derived from KOF 2000. Some projectiles have been ballooned to much larger proportions such as Yuri's Air projectile but since the screen is smaller, it's understandable.

Sprites and Stages from KOF 2000 look fine. My only gripe is that some of the new exclusive characters, Moe, Reiji and Jun are drawn a little sloppier than their KOF counterparts. At times, they don't mesh well graphically with the regulars looking quite out of place. Still, there are only 3 of them and they're quite fun to play with...even if none of them are really unique having seen variations of most of their moves in other KOF fighters.

There's also one graphical change they made I really enjoy. Whenever you defeat an opponent (or get defeated), you'll be able to see their bodies lying in the background. This I think is a terrific addition! It heightens the illusion of fighting in a team unlike what we have now (KOF 2002) where opponents appear and disappear...very little to indicate you have teammates at all! Here, the sense of tension increases as you see stunned bodies start cluttering up the battlefield. It reminded me of KOF 94-98 where at least you can see opponents cheer for you in the background.

Gameplay and AI

Now here's where the real meat and bones of the game resides. As I said earlier, it plays pretty well...almost like KOF 2000. Hit timing has been improved over the first KOF EX (Thank goodness!) and most importantly, it feels like KOF.

First of all, the AI. Before I hear anyone saying fighters should be played with human opponents etc. etc., please keep note this is a handheld fighter. Most people won't bother playing this head to head, they'll play this with themselves while sitting on the throne, on their way to work/school, long lines, you get the picture...which makes AI a more important factor than your regular arcade or console port.

The problem I found with most GBA fighters was total lack of challenge. It made the time meant for playing GBA games (mentioned above) more boring than ever.

In this game however, the AI (at 5 stars) is quite excellent, not enough to make you tear your hair out or bore you to death. It's enough to keep you on your toes at least and there are actually some improvements over the regular AI of some console ports. For example, some CPU opponents actually do something about Leona's earring bombs instead of standing there, blocking all day and getting hit again and again since they don't block low. Kyo actually uses his autoguard and counters effectively! I should note that unlike KOF 2000 where this game is derived from, this one lets you fight CPU Kyo and Iori in their own respective teams...both having the exclusive characters as teammates. The AI is not invincible though...some fall for the regular cheap tricks but not as bad as SSFIIT Revival where you could sweep CPU opponents all day while they're getting up.

Control

If you can do special moves with shoulder buttons...fine. The game plays remarkable well for KOF veterans but beginners might find the controls, especially with the stiff GBA crosspad quite difficult to manage. I have some problems with doing SDM's using both shoulder buttons but the window for pressing both buttons is pretty wide. Aside from that, I can do most of my standard B&B KOF 2000 combos quite well. I recommend that first-time KOFers might be better off playing the arcade version or console port first before buying this.

Sound

Here's where the game really suffers! Every hit sounds (in Street Fighter terminology) like a jab and short. Even multiple hitting combos sounds like hitting someone with a pillow over and over again. Ugh...if it wasn't for the gameplay...I'd...

Character Roster

Some people will probably complain why so-and-so isn't in the game. This bit probably depends on individual preferences but for my part, all my necessary favorites are in there...wheee!

The new characters have variations of older techniques in other KOFS. Reiji uses some of Kagura's mirror strikes along with some fiery moves of his own. Jun is a large female grappler similar to Ralf with Cammy's Cannon Drill/Spiral Arrow thrown in. Miu is one of those evil girl anime characters that can throw...well, you'll see.

Miscellaneous and Secrets

Having recently purchased this game, I haven't found any secrets but there is a ranking mode where your characters go up in level. From the Gamefaqs boards, increasing character rankings to Master Orochi will trigger secrets.

Regular arcade mose is called Story mode which is...sad to say in Japanese at the current moment. From what little Japanese I can read, it looks intriguing, references to the Orochi saga and Goenitz from KOF 96, Jhun's Athena mania...and the little matter of Reiji having variations of Chizuru Kagura's (perhaps he's a relative) techiques. And what's with Reiji's kid who looks like Chizuru? Well, nothing to do but wait for a translation FAQ or buy the U.S. version when and if it comes out. In any case, the game is very much playable even without comprehending the story.

Overall

The game is a must-have for any KOF fan with a GBA! There are some slight imperfections but the important elements are there...which is true KOF action anywhere you like.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/03, Updated 01/14/03