Also a look at the critical combo system.

Lots of good KOFXII info from the game’s premiere event this weekend. The final 6 characters from the previously announced 20-man roster were unveiled: Goro, Clark, Joe, Sie, Chin, and Duo Lon. Overall, it seems like a pretty standard cast with the usual fan favorites (not that it’s a bad thing). It is notable that Elizabeth, who’s been featured on an old KOFXII flyer is absent from the cast. Are we due for some more surprises, or did they just decide to drop her due to the lack of story in this installment? I’ve linked some gameplay videos (along with art of the new characters) to the forums for those of you who hasn’t seen them yet. The linked videos regrettably has no sound, but there’s also a 20 minute video on Nico Nico Douga that was uploaded that does.

Along with the new characters, specifics regarding the critical counter system in KOFXII were also shown. Here’s how it works from all the details I’ve gathered around the net: First, you activate the critical damage state by doing either a standing C or D attack to counter your opponent’s special move. Once you fulfill that requirement, a large pink/green clash circle effect will appear on screen and you can do one of two things: chain moves together in a custom combo-esque fashion or do a desperation move that can’t be avoided for half of it’s usual damage (doing this will give the DM a semi-dramatic close up effect). Note that while in critical damage mode, you can also dash by moving the joystick towards your opponent (no double tapping required) I’ve embedded a video from showing the critical counters in action. Some of it looks a little broken (holy damage at Ryo’s CC combo!), but here’s hoping that the previously shown clashing and guard attack system along with other tweaks before the game comes out next year will balance things out a little bit!

Also some news that’ll surely excite us American players. There’s supposed to be a KOFXII Premiere Event for the US in the works for 2009! A showing in the west coast is a definite, but other areas of the country are also being taken in consideration. Make one in MA and I’ll be there for sure!

Source: Cyberfanatix