KOF Maximum Impact

[elviticus]

Does anyone have this yet? How is it, and what's on that bonus disc?

[video game addict]

I think the bonus disc is a doc on the killing of a 2D legend.

 

No I haven't bought it.

[Gabriel]

Here's a little first impressions rant I posted on another message board the day after I got the game. I honestly haven't played it since then.

 

KOF: Maximum Impact is exactly what I was expecting. It's a B-grade 3D fighter based on the King of Fighters franchises. The graphics aren't exactly up to snuff of the recent releases like MK: Deception or Soul Calibur. In fact, it looks only slightly better than a first generation PS2 title. The game takes familiar King of Fighters characters, adds a couple more, models them all in 3D, and lets them go at it. A dial-a-combo system like most other 3D fighting games has been added in. In other words, it's pedestrian and you've played this game before.  

 

It seems fairly well tuned for newbie play. I chose a character and, without knowing what the hell I was doing, was able to get through 4 matches without difficulty. The dial-a-combos are flashy and fun.  

 

A good variety of characters is to be had here. Each character has two selectable costumes with two color schemes per costume. They seem mostly unique in terms of style and moves. These bits are the saving grace of the game. They almost make up for the bland, same-old, same-old feel of the rest of the game.  

 

In the end, I'm a little disappointed that I spent $50 on this game. It just feels to be a firmly Grade B title, like the Bloody Roar series. At the moment, I'd recommend any non-SNK fan to skip this title, and even those who are after a 3D King of Fighters should carefully evaluate how much they want it. Mortal Kombat: Deception is a much better fighter, so I'd say go get that instead.  

 

Traditional, die-hard 2D King of Fighters fans should definitely stay away. However, there's no satisfying those people anyway, so it's no surprise.  

 

5 out of 10.

[sega saturn x]

I think the bonus disc is a doc on the killing of a 2D legend.  

 

No I haven't bought it.

I agree 100% the new snk sucks tehy basicly just destroyed one of the last grat 2-d franchises.

[Jess Ragan]

You guys are totally being unfair. Playmore's SNK may not be perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better than when Aruze was in control. You remember Aruze, right? They ended the life of the Neo-Geo Pocket, turned the SNK brand name into a joke, halted production of any game that wasn't pachinko... you know, all that fun stuff. Playmore may have its faults, but it's brought a lot more respect to the SNK brand name than Aruze ever did.

 

Yes, King of Fighters: Maximum Impact is in 3D. Yes, it's not the best 3D fighting game on the market. Yes, it could mean the end of any official 2D King of Fighters games. But at least SNK is still MAKING King of Fighters games. Look at Capcom! They've all but abandoned the Street Fighter series, releasing one lackluster upgrade and planning a single 2D fighter that's rumored to be their last.

 

Cut SNK a break, man. They're doing a balancing act trying to keep their fans happy while still STAYING IN BUSINESS. Furthermore, they are still making 2D fighting games, including the 10th year anniversary edition of King of Fighters '94 with improved graphics and another Samurai Shodown game.

 

JR

[Gabriel]

You guys are totally being unfair.  

 

Just in case this was directed partially at me...

 

I definitely have nothing against the move to 3D. In fact, I completely support it. That should be clear from my "review".

 

However, I fully realize the SNK fans are not going to support a move to 3D no matter how good the resulting game is. That's the way I see it. Anything which isn't a 2D fighting game is, to them, a totally worthless button masher.

 

If this were a good 3D fighting game, then I'd sing it's praises. I think it's high time we saw these characters make the move. The problem is, it isn't a particularly good one. It's a cookie cutter game.

 

But then again, SNK has made it's fortune on cookie cutter games. And the lack of flair in graphics is too be expected. How many years did SNK run the King of Fighters series before bothering to update the animation for the Fatal Fury characters?

 

Hopefully, this is a testing ground for where they want the series to go. As a prelude to things to come, it shows that they've crafted an acceptable base.