King of Fighters 2006

[FuryFox]

Well, didn't see any other threads for this, which I thought was bizarre, but here we go. I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this, as it's leagues better than MK:A and only 30 bucks to boot.

So, for those who don't know, this is essentailly KOF: Maximum Impact 2. MI, from what I understand, was a mediocre 3D version of the KOF series. I didn't play it, but the reviews weren't great. 2006 must have taken that foundation and amped it up every way possible. Characters seem to have nice 3D versions of all their specials and normals, but what blew my mind where all the strings they added. Tons of unique, new moves per character, with mix-ups, feints, and stances for some. What's great about it is how you can transition among fighting genres, going for long strings, juggles, and mixups like most 3D fighters, then also work in special and super cancelling (and special->super cancelling) like 2D fighters.

The combo flexibility is nuts, as the game has a really strong otg factor, so I'm really getting MvC2 vibes from it (which is a good thing). There's still rolling, sidestepping, and now parrying, plus all the different jumps that KOF systems have. Guard breaking and alpha-counters fill out the featureset. I'm pretty sure Mr. Whitefolks did a bunch of KOF:MI vids because the game's really open to experimentation.

Falcoon was the art director on this, and I'm not sure if it was a good thing or not. For someone so strong in illustration, I would have liked character portraits and load screen art, but all we get are soulless 3D renders. Also, it seems SNK let him go nuts on the costume design, as many seem to exhibit the worst flamboyancies that his style likes to incorporate. Characters all have 16 costumes though, so there's always something cool despite it.

One bummer is the lack of any sort of team battle or tag modes, which really seem to be the heart of KOF games. Maybe next time. No online play sucks, but I wasn't expecting it. Graphics are only so-so as well, but there's tons of ridiculous breast-bounce if you like that sort of thing, and busty gals are really busty. Animation seemed kinda jerky at first, but once you're accustomed to it playing like a 2D game it fits. Seeing all the KOF moves in nice 3D is kicks too. Music is generally pretty sweet, sound effects are nice, but the voice work is still pretty laughable. You can select Japanese in this version, at least, so you don't have to hear B. Jenet say "Oopsie!" every time she's leg swept (or w/e)

Anyway, for 30 bucks this is a treat for me. I wonder how the game balance would hold up to competitive scrutiny. I'd like to see it more widespread, I think it deserves it.

[mollipen]

I actually enjoyed KoF2006, partially because as opposed to the 2D version, characters have a crapton of moves. I can actually play Mai like her '98 version, with her fire upper and spin move. It's also nice to have characters get more than one outfit, so that poor Yuri can finally get a change of clothes, but I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the alternate outfits.

As far as tag, to be honest, I've always played KOF in single-player mode, so that didn't but me one bit.

SNK certainly is doing better with the 3D thing, and the next version will probably be a pretty good game - especially if it is online. One shame, though, is that the stages are pretty boring, compared to the great stages from the 2D games.

[Kairi]

It was a decent release. I didnt miss the tag either. Not a major need, IMO.

And I'm actually quite fond of Falcoon's wonky designs, especially considering the sheer amount of them (costumes). All the bland shit (SF) games people like makes me sick.

[FuryFox]

I'm finding I actually enjoy the Challenges. Some of the "easy" challenges were obnoxious, but I like the puzzle nature of the "hard" kind. I'm not all that familiar with KOF characters, and the challenges make you explore very particular aspects of their movelist. My fav so far was the 70% combo with Ralph, and the 21 hit Ryo combo challenges. Ralph in particular; I just didn't he could do that.

Overall though, I like that they make you learn more about the game engine or the character, unlike, say, the challenge modes in DDR that have you doing all these that take away from your game.

[rama]

does this game have a wider variety of characters? seemed like that first 3D kof had all these tuff guy characters and busty chicks...no characters like kensou or shingo.

[Tain]

All the bland shit (SF) games people like makes me sick.

what

[Thief Silver]

KAiri is complaining about the lack of different costumes or something retarded about Street Fighter, I assume. Because I guess even with color changes you could still call it "bland" but only in that sense.

Is Kairi a girl or a guy? Because I mean, if it's a girl that'd explain the lack of understanding and knowledge of fighting games.

[rama]

I'm finding I actually enjoy the Challenges. Some of the "easy" challenges were obnoxious, but I like the puzzle nature of the "hard" kind. I'm not all that familiar with KOF characters, and the challenges make you explore very particular aspects of their movelist. My fav so far was the 70% combo with Ralph, and the 21 hit Ryo combo challenges. Ralph in particular; I just didn't he could do that.

oooh, sounds like the training mode in street fighter ex+alpha on ps1. i wish more fighting games had a mode like that.

[AaronChance]

Anyway, for 30 bucks this is a treat for me. I wonder how the game balance would hold up to competitive scrutiny. I'd like to see it more widespread, I think it deserves it.

If you play it enough, there's definite tiers (Kula is a monster for one, as well as original Terry) and some abusable stuff, though that was much worse in the original MI. Heck, I was happy they added a proper sidestep, since in the original it was more or less useless. Falcoon wasn't the art director on the game though, he was the director director... the series is his baby now. I like the speed and the frantic nature. It's a lot of fun with friends, but I have a feeling it would break apart under competition.

[Kairi]

KAiri is complaining about the lack of different costumes or something retarded about Street Fighter, I assume. Because I guess even with color changes you could still call it "bland" but only in that sense.

Is Kairi a girl or a guy? Because I mean, if it's a girl that'd explain the lack of understanding and knowledge of fighting games.

Bland, as in the same design/look/etc of each game, release, after release, after port after port. Ryu stinks. Fucker hasnt changed clothes since '88?

And I'm a male btw, who knows possibly alot more about fighters than you, sir.