Reviewed
06.16.2000
Publisher
SNK
Developer
SNK
Format
16
Megs
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1999
(Japan)
1999
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Fighter
Players
1-2
Options
Backup
Color
DC
Link
NGP
Link
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
INTRO:
> King of Fighters R-2 is the color sequel to King
of Fighters R-1, a black and white game that was one of the first available
for the NeoGeo Pocket. While R-1 was based on KOF '97, R-2 is based
on KOF '98. Kasumi Todo, a character from KOF '96, is included in
the roster, while Kim Kaphwan and Chizuru Kagura have been axed.
This game excels over its predecessor in more ways than just its color
graphics.
GRAPHICS:
> Color! Well, it's not that big of a deal, but it is an improvement
over R-1. The sprites are the same despite their prettier look and
are just as well animated as before. Still no blur evident.
The backgrounds, on the other hand, benefit greatly from the color graphics,
looking deeper and more well defined.
CONTROL:
> Some of the control problems in KOF R-1 seem to have been addressed as
movements that were annoying to pull off before are much easier now.
The amount of time the attack buttons need to be held down to perform a
strong attack also seems to have been increased, making weak attacks much
easier to perform.
SOUND:
> Music is good, but standard tunes get old after a while. Considering
everything is being pumped through one speaker, the sounds and music are
easy to discern from each other.
FUN:
> This is where this game really shines. Not only is it King of Fighters
on the go, but the Making mode gives it definite replay value. Sort
of like a pseudo-RPG, this mode involves fighting battles against increasingly
more difficult opponents in order to earn skills that can then be used
in the Making mode itself or in versus battles against another player.
The Making mode quest itself is basically a variation on the main game,
adding conditions such as not being able to charge your special meter,
or taking more damage from attacks. The DC mode allows you to exchange
data between King of Fighters '99 Dream Match and R-2, adding points to
your total in the DC game and unlocking extra Making mode skills in R-2.
Both of these options combined add to the replay value of not only King
of Fighters R-2, but '99 Dream Match as well.
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