As of today, The King of Fighters XIII (13) is safely announced at Bella Salle Hall, Akihabara.



What fans are happy about:
- Gameplay speed is now similar to KOF2002UM
- Zoom-In camera view ala Art of Fighting is now GONE FOR GOOD! No more/less pixellated graphics
- HyperDrive Mode (similar to Max Mode in 2002) [Can be activated while attacking]
- EX Attack for Normal Skill and Supers
- Super Flash (Need clarification)
- Super K.O (Need clarification)
- 35 playable characters
- Kyo Kusanagi can now launch the Orochinagi in Mid-air
- Kyo's fire will now ignite his opponent, just like the original KOF
- Terry Bogard has his Buster Wolf back now
- King is wearing her AOF outfit
- Mai Shiranui is back
- Custom Color selection at the Character Selection Screen, no need to memorize colors using punch/kick buttons
- Long Haired Ash Crimson will be the Final Boss? (Need clarification)
- New Skill Additions
- Updated Game Interface
- Story available, conclusion of the Ash Saga

The less favoured:
- Buffed characters are still buffed (though they are faster now)
- Character intro replaced with readable dialogue

Pictures to feast your eyes:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p...9&postcount=611

Character Art & Screenshots:
http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/249/249137/index-3.html

Event Pictures:
http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?...=19790&c_num=56

Official Site: http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/kof-xiii/

It is also said that KOF XIII will be available at Tougeki 2010.

This post has been edited by man3k: Dec 16 2010, 04:23 PM

Yeah, i know. Try watching the 7th video on that youtube account. There's a picture of Long-Haired Ash in the intro. The reason why people are speculating him to be the final boss. Anyways, this a good chance for ash haters to beat him up for good. But there's also Mukai & gang in the intro. So i can't say for sure who's the boss yet.

I'm expecting the KOF story to move onto the Hizoku Clan (Lin from 2000's EX clan) when KOF reaches 14. Those guys had an eye for Kensou's Dragon Power.

This post has been edited by man3k: Mar 26 2010, 12:15 AM

Takde, i just happen to make this topic here because the console version is not announced yet. So as of this time KOF XIII is still an Arcade Game. With the Beta still in progress.

EDIT: No Offense meant to bro deimos, i had to bold the sentence to avoid misunderstanding. Mod carely move this topic when the time comes.

This post has been edited by man3k: Mar 28 2010, 08:17 AM

Adelheid (rugal's son) probably will be making an appearance, there's a picture of his sister here. Like i said the game is still in Beta, there will be more characters/functions/updates revealed along the way. As you can see the character selection screen still has free/empty slots. Plus, knowing that Yuri has team-up with her usual women's team. There's a high chance that Takuma will join Ryo & Robert. Unless, they put in Marco from Garou: Mark of the Wolves/Fatal Fury 4.

Vorador the pc version you mention is an emulator. There will be none for it again as SNKP has moved on to a new arcade hardware (Taito Type X2). They're not using Neo-Geo anymore to counter piracy.

Some of you are confused why KOF is not the same as the old days. This is because the current SNKP is using a new development team after their bankruptcy back in 2001. Most of the original development team has moved and set up a new company called DIMPS. Which is now helping capcom produce Super/Street Fighter IV. They're also popular for the recent DBZ games and will be releasing a new Sonic The Hedgehog 4 for Sega.

It's hard to comment on them, you can say they're new with KOF or at least making a different approach. Recent KOF games have been lacking the spirit/personality/functions/characters and probably more. But being a fan, i can't stop loving KOF for some reason. You either support it or just move to a different game. I mean, since the new Playmore has resurrected KOF. Why don't we support it and help make it a better game? Unless you'd rather leave the legacy buried than seeing it tainted with the current direction.

To me, KOF is special. Not even Street Fighter could replace it. Even with the original KOF team helping SF4 development. The gameplay/system is different and will never feel like KOF, period. Don't make the wrong assumption, i still play SF and every other fighting games out there.

Comparing XII to XIII, there have been significant progress. Considering the new team. I'd say they're halfway to their former glory.

This post has been edited by man3k: Mar 28 2010, 08:19 AM

It's up to the fans wether to support it or not. I can't bare to see SNK bankrupt again. On 2nd thought, i might just try it to satisfy my curiousity.

EDIT: The emulator is real, but only some games are playable. It's still Work in Progress, probably months/years away from being full-featured. Yes i know the TTX2 is basically an arcade hardware based on PC. Same with Sega Lindbergh. Seriously, i really don't see this one coming. Took a while for it to be hacked. I'll toy around with the emulator until the console version comes.

This post has been edited by man3k: Mar 29 2010, 03:27 AM

OK, finally some insights on KOF XIII directly from the Producer. It's a French interview so i had to use a Web Translator. I recommend using Google Translator for an easier/better understanding. Couldn't paste the translations from Google so i pasted Yahoo Translations instead:

An exclusive interview Neo-Arcadia de Masaaki Kukino, Producer of The King off Fighters XIII. It is Ben, writer for RetroGames, corresponding Japan in particular for GameFan and which passes half of the year to Japan, which owes this interview, large a thank you to him!

Yesterday took place the official presentation of The King off Fighters XIII in Akihabara, in “Beautiful Room”, located in one of the last tower of the district which overhangs the principal avenue. An event which brought together at least 200 people in a room which could receive 100 from them. May one Shiranui giantess of 5 meter out of 20 recovered the frontage, a first positive note before the presentation of the play. The evening revealed the new characters, the novel modes of plays as well as the presence of KOF XIII in Tougeki. One evening particularly successful, SNK Playmore having put small dishes in the large ones with the doubling frame of Athena 98 as master of ceremony as well as the appearance of Matsumoto Sayuki, an idol with measurements of 91/60/90, perfect in cosplay of May Shiranui.
But until we all wait, it was to see the play turning. Only 2 spectators could test themselves with the play yesterday evening, 2 privileged few hours because it is the opening of Loketest today. After a very discussed episode XII, this XIII are very awaited the turning among the fans.
They is goshawks of a coffee after the first day of LokeTest to GameCenter Hey! in Akihabara that Masaaki Kukino, the Range Producer de The King off Fighters XIII speaks to us about this new episode:

I do not teach you anything if I say to you that this KOF is very awaited! The XII were a revival in the series, but it did not know to bring together all the fans. Impatience and concerns were large goshawks of this “thirteenth” episode. How did you approach the development of such a continuation?

And well with KOF XII we had made a very new KOF, we had left in a new direction, more mainstream. The XII were a failure, but we did not develop the XIII according to this failure, but really like a title with whole share. In fact when we presented the XII, we develop already the XIII!
Of course, we really took into account criticisms on the XII, we made not badly research in this direction, in order to include/understand what did not go. That the players reassure themselves, we spent much time to regulate these problems so that one does not find them in the XIII.

Moreover can you speak to us a little about the system of play, which it compared to the XII brings?

And well as we presented yesterday, there is first of all the system Hyper Drive Mode, one can badly make not combo. And there are also the EX super furies. In fact to summarize, we wanted to make more dynamic system, faster but such an accessible. The combos are thus easy to realize but there is a margin of progression, one can build several tactics of plays for the confrontations, I really think that the players will like that!

The initial reactions which one hears say that KOF XIII approaches much the 2002.

We particularly did not develop KOF XIII by thinking that we were going to make a KOF 2002 (a), but inside series KOF much of interesting elements are present in 2002. One can say that XIII benefit from the experiments of the last KOF since the 2002.

In this KOF one finds May, King and Yuri, they were very awaited by the fans, but there remain still several characters who did not present, apparently 6. I suspect well that the readers of Neo-Arcadia will not have early product of exclusiveness, but I risk myself with some questions: Is casting already completely stopped?

Hahaha. I can answer this one: Yes.

Among will these 6 characters, be there newcomers where they come all from old KOF?

Ha, there I give my joker! (to laugh)

A small last on the subject, in KOF XII it did not have there a boss. Can this time one hope to face a boss?

Haha, I see. And well in the XIII scenario is based on Ash, principal scenario bases it is already finished and in this one a Boss is included. I cannot say some of advantage, but He will be announced soon!

Is the play announced finalized to 70%, which are the 30% remaining?

And well, there are initially the characters who do not have yet were introduced. The balance of the play also which is not completed, not badly adjustments are thus to make thus that elements of the scenario which can be brought. In short, that includes/understands much thing, but this loketest will allow us advance enormously. We analyze the parties, look at imbalances, which does not go and also what likes. The players can also leave their opinion by filling out a questionnaire, we take all that in account. Our teams are very attentive with the played parts.

Contrary to did Capcom with Super Street Fighter IV you present a version of arcade, think that the market arcade is always priority?

It is true that for the versus fighting the majority can be played on line on console, but we want to preserve this aspect of the versus fighting where the players can clash in truth on terminals. Before offering a version comforts we preferred privileged the players of arcade.

Some say that the exit comforts KOF XII was too fast compared to its exit arcade, with the passing that you think about it? Do you think of keeping the same timing for KOF XIII?

And well, we left the version arcade in first but with the advent of the new consoles, the PS3 and Xbox360, we wanted to leave very quickly KOF to above give pleasure with the players. It was wanted that the players can benefit quickly from the versus on line. For KOF XIII, I confirm that There is of course a version comforts envisaged, but I cannot say some to you more before the official announcement.

Can you say to us if one can hope to play KOF XIII on our consoles this year?

Haha, afflicted, I cannot really say some more, it will still be necessary to wait a little for the official announcement.

The other good news of yesterday was the advertisement of KOF XIII in Tougeki.

Yes, completely! Yesterday at the time of the presentation of KOF XIII it is Masashi Sawatari, the organizer of Tougeki which came to make the advertisement; This year there will be KOF XIII and KOF 2002 Unlimited. Of course, being one of the titles chosen in Tougeki for the developers is very important. That gives him a considerable weight and the emulation that creates in the gaming rooms makes it possible a title to be thorough and to be much played. Especially that in Japan the important vents as that of yesterday are rather rare, Tougeki allows a beautiful visibility for the plays of bastons. I think that will be enthralling and that the players will be able to burst itself above!

Which message would like to address to you to your French fans?

KOF is a play liked from beyond Japan and particularly in France, and we give best us even during the development in order to satisfy all the fans. I know that in France there are not many rooms of arcade, but I hope that you will on the occasion of you to test there and to burst you above!

Source: http://www.neo-arcadia.com/2010/03/26/kofx...view-exclusive/

This post has been edited by man3k: Mar 29 2010, 05:36 AM

Yep, everything is like reversed now. Even Shinkirou, KOF's original Illustrator is now with Capcom. You can see tons of his artwork for the recent Tatsunoko vs Capcom and the upcoming Marvel VS Capcom 3.

KOF 2002 Unlimited Match for the PS2 was lucky enough because SNKP was smart to hire Hiroaki (Shinkirou's so called Protege). However, he's not a permanent staff. Just a Freelancer.

I really am lost of words why SNKP did not use Hiroaki's Art for the current KOF arc. Fans seem to love it, it was one of the main factors why KOF02UM surpassed Star Ocean 4 sales chart in Japan in the early weeks (besides the game itself retaining the old system).

The animation in KOF XII was lovely, but most people hated the art direction. It has lost the mature feeling. Not to mention redoing the character sprites in HD consumes time. Which is why they opted to use each characters basic/oldschool move instead of redoing all previously updated skills which is too much. Gradually, they'll be added in a more later KOF series.

Now you know why it's important to read the credits after finish playing the game!

BTW, KOF XIII official site is now updated with each team's OST at the characters page. /Loving It

Update: Another interview translation, this time with the Game Director.

KOF XIII Intro + Promotion Video

This post has been edited by man3k: Jun 20 2010, 03:41 AM

No, this is the improved sequel. Which will be in the arcades later this year. The console port isn't announced yet. Should move this topic to another section anytime later.

Updates regarding the game mechanics can be seen here:
http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/kof-xiii/blog/

This post has been edited by man3k: Jun 14 2010, 11:41 PM

They're not making it on yearly basis anymore since the technology switch. KOF XII and above is made using a unique process called 2D Dot Graphics.

Hit link the link below:

http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/i...d_dot/index.php

It took them 3 years to finalize the new game engine, last year's KOF XII was experimental/incomplete. Thus the fan rage around the globe. KOF XIII intends to fix that with more character rosters, skills and updated game mechanics. Personally, with XIII i think the system is almost complete. But there is still half of the entire accumulated roster to catch up (30). With the previous KOF 2002 Unlimited Match having 60+ characters covering from the Orochi to N.E.S.T.S Saga. Add it up with another 10 to 20 of folks from the Ash saga would be a serious pain. Which is why they had to skip several characters according to Story Flow.

This post has been edited by man3k: Jun 20 2010, 03:53 AM

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/...622_376033.html
The arcade version will be available in Japan Next Month on 14/7. Now we wait for the console announcement.

kding2 you should really skip KOF XII. Without proper understanding it could deeply dampen your interest for KOF XIII. There's no story for it anyway so just wait for XIII.

Angel of Deth, KOF2000 was still developed by the original team. It was their last. Those guys are now in a new company called DIMPS, who collaborate with Capcom to produce Super/Street Fighter IV. Maybe at the time, issues concerning the previous SNK that's nearing bankruptcy made it hard for all of them. KOF2001 SHOULD BE THE WORST KOF EVER since it was Playmore's first task after take-over. But they managed to pull back the majority of Fan Confidence for 2002 since it was created based on KOF98 core. 2003 barely have acceptable soundtracks though, neither was the system any good. But it was an important release for the current Ash Saga. 2003 also introduced us to Rugal's Son Adelheid and his Sister Rose. It was clear that rose has been possesed/manipulated by Botan (Mukai's underling) in 2003 Ending. Only to return in XIII to announce the latest Tournament.

For XI in PS2, i have mixed feelings. They made the interface much better with bright anime stylings. But the system was pretty much an updated version from 2003. With the addition of Dream Cancels, a higher level of Super Cancel.

Now, XIII is the real deal. After the huge mess they caused in XII. SNKP have no other options than Do or Die. It's like KOF 2002 with XII graphics and Story Continuation from 2003 and XI. They even add NeoMAX to par-up with SFIV's Ultra. So longtime players should know the drill already. It's gonna be good.

Good news is, SNKP managed to get back SHA-V. The guy responsible for the Jazzy Saxaphone music for Iori Yagami. If i'm not wrong he is the only person to return from the original music cast. Personally, the only track in XIII that has the soulfull feel to the old days were:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2DUrpGvtCM
+
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvPOkRY086o
+
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5LUktho6eU

Btw, here's a new page regarding KOF XIII Special Video Updates: http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/kof-xiii/countdown/

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 5 2010, 01:13 AM

No Problem dude, everyone has their own opinions... But to simply put, most koffers prefer 98/2002 due to the system balance. A small example, i don't like the character tagging in 2003 & XI because it feels like ripping of Capcom Crossover Series or Tekken Tag. People still prefer 3 on 3 the classic way. Nor did people like the Striker system back in 99 - 2001. Striker in 99 feels dumb coz you can't move while summoning them. In 2000 this has been fixed but i guess people still dislike it. 2001 striker was worse coz need to deduct power level. But in 98/98UM/2002/2002UM and XIII it's all about individual skill. XI was a mix between the new tagging and cancel systems, hence why i have mixed feelings for it. But i do agree it was better than 03.

More videos of KOF XIII, this time it's a Technical Reference Feature. New videos everyday!

Ash Crimson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4WhEc_pjOE

Elisabeth, Duo Lon and Shen Woo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFX8UBiyo8w

Benimaru & Goro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXurbPgzWek

Kyo Kusanagi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIlyOUbMvC0

As you can see, the technical reference videos explain the use of EX, Supers, NeoMAX and basic ways to Chain them.

This post has been edited by man3k: Jun 29 2010, 06:16 PM

Yeah i like how they linked Kyo's Orochinagi from Oboro Guruma Kick. I never liked Kyo 94-95 stance but XII & XIII changed my perception.

Terry Bogard Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfxLAjjdckw

HP > Burning Knuckle > EX Burning Knuckle > EX Buster Wolf > Neomax

Andy & Joe Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ5qVBA3QjU

Takuma Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuCkKcVE74o

Ryo Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cub--0zXs1s

They've added effects for Tenchi Haohken NeoMax

Robert Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1U_5rCax8Y

Athena Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibSZvON1U2M

Sie Kensou & Chin Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H73NEY7sfQ

Good to see kensou's air attack is back

Ralf Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVSOO7o3nZA

Clark & Leona Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6UC-91WLYI

Clark's combo is Restored that's for sure, I miss leona's kicks... i like her old outfit more

Mature Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6jUFGdtXQ

Vice Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEJmraZMWXM

Iori Super + Neomax:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIl-_Li-yZg

They added blood backdrops for his neomax

I have several opinions behind Kyo's change:

- The current SNKP didn't have enough time or expertise to make his fire punching combo animations. XIII was more focused on new characters, so previous characters only have minor graphic adjustments excluding Combos & Neomax.

- Since the main enemy now (ash) is a projectile user, maybe they want to suit kyo in-line with his current nemesis?

- Since SFIV comeback, many fighting games have taken the approach of returning back to "Roots". Including KOF. Since SNKP staff are mostly new people they're afraid of screwing the franchise. So returning to old roots is better than giving the characters unsuitable extensions. Hence why they're mixing classic & new elements on the current installment. In short, the new team is taking time to restudy KOF.

- Kyo's Oboro Guruma (the triple kick) is actually more similar to Shingo's version than to his own original in 94/95. SNKP knew too well changing kyo back to a projectile user has it's weaknesses so they had to add something. Yeah, R.E.D kick is almost useless i'm glad they changed to this.

Ryo back to his Art of Fighting, bulky self. Terry seems updated with his Buster Wolf given back. Andy looks like his old Fatal Fury 1-2 look. I prefer his FF3 or Real Bout outfit. Even Mai is currently portrayed using her Real Bout look where the cloth behind her back is different. King is back to her AOF styling, without jacket. I think those decisions were made to suit each character with the current Anime Graphics Styling. Unlike previous titles which has more mature/realism design.

If i had to blame someone, it's gotta be the guy who designs the sprite/in-game character graphic. On the other hand i am mostly satisfied with the new illustrator because he is able to capture the essence the character he drew.

Take this picture of the Kyoukugen Team for example. At a glance you're reminded Art of Fighting 3 Ryo if you played it before. Which is good.

But in-game appearance? It's another matter of mixed feelings..

The transition to new sprite/in-game designers have both good & bad implications. Some characters look bad, some others look very good. Have u seen K' Dash XIII sprite? It's AWESOME! However looking back at King, Ralf or Athena. You'll have some regrets.

In XIII, each character has 2 DM/SDM. But only 1 NeoMAX. Almost every skill has an EX version, not just supers. You can see a blue-ish aura when EX are used for specials. For EX supers, it will display red-ish aura.

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 5 2010, 03:49 AM

Kyo's mid-air orochinagi is considered as his 2nd DM/SDM, although it's not really a new move. Yeah i missed his old mu-shiki 2000 version where he punches in ultra-fast motion. But i think that resembles his fire punching self too much so they didn't include it coz it would not suit his current playstyle. But they did use the same phrase "Kore de, Kimeru Ze!" for it.

About the short range projectile issue, i'm not sure maybe they just want to differ him from Robert. Well, they did maintain his newer moves from KOF like the Hien Shippu Kyaku & Tenchi Haohken Fist.

Kim Kaphwan Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMr2rFeQ77o

Damn, so powerfull The Phoenix Kick of Justice!

Hwa Jai Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpEQcZ1mBwk

This is what happens when you mix Adon with Joe Higashi..

Raiden Combo Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVIODHyfTB0

Clothsline from Hell/Super Lariat anyone?? Also a character from FF2.

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 12 2010, 06:01 PM

You won't know about the new iori if you haven't played him. Iori in XII was the worst. Yeah they wanna pull the same thing they did to Kyo back in 99 where he dominates in close range. But due to the less-experienced new production team, XII Iori was short of "connecting skills" and slow in speed compared to other character. His XII form couldn't even face Chin Gentsai. Let alone fight Joe, Robert or even Kyo. It's a death sentence i tell u. Only recently in XIII, Iori has been given the proper speed and skills. Hopefully he'll rise again as top tier.

Actually, i have read Translations of Pre-KOF XIII Story from various forums. They said Kagura Chizuru was only weakened since she was attacked when guarding the orochi seal. She's not crippled, it's just that she doesn't have her powers anymore so she couldn't suppress orochi's influence. Although the seal barrier was broken. Orochi did not come out as it takes time for a full revival. But the seal breakage has exposed the orochi power to the villains Ash & Co. This has also lead to the resurrection of Mature & Vice as their serpent souls came out to re-aid Iori Yagami. All pre-story available on official web but in Japanese.

As for why iori is still able to fight without his flames. I think he's too popular to not show up in KOF. Too Risky for the developers regarding sales. So they made up a reason on how he can still use his claw/murder technique. Fans are still hoping for iori to regain his powers in XIII Ending. Respectively, Kyo Kusanagi also lost a large portion of his powers back in 99-2000 after the fight with orochi and being experimented by N.E.S.T.S cartel. In 2001 he regained his powers through the use of forbidden technique the "524 Mu-Shiki Kamijiri" (God's Dust). But in XI+ he's back to normal with Benimaru & Goro supporting him.

Favourite Boss? hmm.. i dunno, maybe Krizalid coz he's cool and one of the KOF bosses that give most of the "intimidation" feeling other of Rugal & Goenitz . If only he doesn't spam "Typhoon Rage" so much.

It's not announced yet, but for sure KOF XIII will come to the consoles some time later. Those damaging combos are the result of HyperDrive Mode (Skill Cancelling), 1 Level Super & NeoMAX (3 Level Supers) fitting for a reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j076z-NHYW8
Side Topic: Fans love the old Iori Yagami =D

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 6 2010, 06:38 PM

http://www.89890.com/comic/8677/4/?5

The comics explained it that way so i'll just believe it. I didn't say XI Kyo was his strongest form, it's just that he's back to being a cheery/bright hero like he used to be. Unlike in 99-2001 he was consumed with vengeance.

New Tech Vids of Yagami Team & Kyokugen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCabeLhO2_o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6pULuOck8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C299OL3EB8k

If you're looking for KOF with multiple boss, you should really try KOF 2002 Unlimited Match for the PS2. It's not the original 2002 but a Remake. Fight Bosses from 99 to 2001.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrtmVbCKywc

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 7 2010, 06:36 PM

http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/neogeo/b/kof99sp.htm
http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/neogeo/b/kof2ksp.htm

i know KOF comics tends to exaggerate more than it's original in-game story. But it's still an official licensed material so i'd say it's partly true. Even in the original game ending in 99 kyo did have a vengefull dialog with nests cartel. 2000 also featured the same thing with Kyo & Iori mocking Clone Zero after winning. It's just that 2001 didn't have a proper ending due to playmore's hasty takeover. Hence why they did a remake for 2002UM which includes bosses from 99 to 2002. 02UM managed to beat Star Ocean 4 early sales. They even made 02UM Tougeki Edition (Super Battle Opera) due to high demand.

Capcom's SF license is currently owned by it's US Dept. So most of SF merchandise is in the form of american goods. Only some materials like Artbook and The Game itself were made from Japan. Unlike SNK they have long sticked with HK Comic Artists since 96. Since Playmore takeover, now KOF is being largely distributed in Korea but still not as popular as Tekken though.

Yeah 2002UM is Japanese but screw that it's dream match anyway. I mean even tho it doesn't have story 02UM did justice for what 2001 lacked hard. Menu's are in English so it's not a problem.

NeoMAX requires 3 level so that people won't spam since it has 50-60% damage (without cancel combo). 3 level supers aren't a big issue since it was already done back in 2000. U only need 4-5 levels if u want to cancel-combo with other skills before connecting with SDM or NEO or BOTH. NeoMAX is doable with only 3 Levels, but it's not cancellable that way.

Maybe you're worried if NEO's need 3 level then you won't have sufficient time to charge power in a fight. I understand that, in actual KOF XIII fight vids.. u can see the power meter fills up moderately. Life damage in XIII is slightly lower/more balanced so you won't die so fast. But i think people will do EX, DM & SDM more than NeoMAX itself in this game. Maybe SNKP wanted the NeoMAX to be a Last Resort for players. The fastest 3 level i've seen is on the end of 1st round, so players will most likely save it for the 2nd round or later. Unlike SF4 some players will spam Ultra's when they fill up very quickly.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ReXXXSoprano#p/u/7/h3jsaU8WuXQ

The announcer voice in this video is so classy!

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 8 2010, 02:28 AM

If you're THAT level already then i see no point for you to get 02UM. It's been some time i haven't played it since i sold away my PS2 in return for my PS3 now. I think the A.I is only slightly better so no point getting it if you want challenge. But you may want to test Nameless, a remake of K9999 character and those selectable bosses.

Finally, the long awaited Team K' NeoMAX vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVZFk9pUCK8

K' Dash NeoMAX looks almost the same as Nameless from 02UM. Only there is no girl image and his fire igniting stance is downwards. Still cool though..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDy5Xrk5W8o

Hell Drag + Proton Cannon, 95% Damage! Somebody is Bound to be Pissed Off~ It'd be nice to see someone having the will to survive after being hit with this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmD0cQPIucw

Damage at the last part seems meh

Team Kim Tech Vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk1GSnHwA-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bUwnGP_HGQ

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 8 2010, 06:45 PM

Yeah i did play SFIV and Super SFIV but had sold it to fund for newer PS3 games.

KOF XIII - Aim for Tougeki Episode 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ptsyT-_vl8

They really need to add delay time for Athena's Psycho Ball... it's so unfair!

I'm not sure wether they will add anime cutscenes for XIII ending. As far as i know, their ending graphics will most likely be similar to the one u see on XIII intro. It's anime style but not a video like SFIV. Well, i'm not surpised since SNKP isn't a big company like Capcom, hiring anime studios does have cost.

K Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86jHgHypau0

Maxima & Kula Tech Vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sBJCsCsBIY

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 9 2010, 06:16 PM

I'll reply to that later in PM, better not disturb other game fans.. Tougeki means Super Battle Opera, it's a fighting game championship in Japan. Only games that are considered worthy will be featured in the event. Aiming KOF XIII for Tougeki means SNKP is serious to revive the franchise.

This post has been edited by man3k: Jul 10 2010, 01:49 PM