The King of Fighters: Neowave

Reviewed by Jason Balslew
May 30, 2006

Developer: SNK Playmore Publisher: SNK Playmore Platforms: XBOX, PS2, Arcade Players: 1 - 8 ESRB Rating: T for Teen Website: Click Here Review Rating: 7 out of 10

Screenshot from King of FIghters: Neowave. Courtesy SNK Playmore.

King of Fighters: Neowave is the latest game released in the long running series of King of Fighter (KOF) games. The game includes a variety of features for the hardcore fighting game fans while still being a game that anyone can pick up and start playing. SNK Playmore continues to have an enormous amount of success with the series and here is why.

The graphics remain true to the 2D style of fighting games however that also makes the game look dated. This game does not cater to the highly attuned graphic intensive gamer. It specifically targeted the fighting game fan who likes the look of the “old skool” arcade machine. The backgrounds were made into 3D environments, but that just makes it look “pretty.”

Gameplay is really what most gamers expect a fighting game to be. Players can choose among 43 different fighters, 7 of which are unlockable. There are several different modes of play some of which are quite fun. Team Play is where you pick 3 fighters and fight using them until either you or your opponent's team is down. Story mode allows you to play through all the characters, living through their background and reason to be at this KOF tournament. There is also a make your own character mode where one can choose different looks and fighting styles to customize their own champion! Online play is the best mode where gamers are able to test their skills against those all over the world. During certain times of the day it may be hard to find opponents. I find that the best time to find challenges is in the evenings, which is when most people are on. The gameplay is fast and fun but beware of the lag and match cancellations.

The Evolution Factor for this game is Medium. Overall, while King of fighters: Neowave is a game that has its share of flaws, (average graphics, and average gameplay) good XBox live play and a make your own character feature raises this game too slightly above average. In terms of the price if you are a fan of the KOF universe I recommend you check this one out as a pre owned or used title. A brand new copy may be more than what consumers may want to spend. There are many other fighting games out there that do a better job.

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