Thu 21 Feb 2008
1:31 am
SNK's upcoming KOF installment shows the competition how it's done.
Is it so wrong of me to feel drawn to the upcoming King of Fighters XII? I don't think so. In my opinion, the video showcased at AOU 2008 represents everything that SF4 should be. True 2D high-res bliss. Don't get me wrong, in the right hands, a 2D engine meshed with 3D elements sounds ideal and innovative. This my friends is a truly BEAUTIFUL game.
Sorry, but I am just not totally sold on what Ono and his team have been working on. The latest videos showcase a very floaty flow. It doesn't look intense enough in spite of the fact interviews suggest this will be the most offensive fighter in the franchise. I also don't get why the classic characters couldn't sport some new outfits. After all these years, I am supposed to believe that Ryu and company never felt a design to change their wardrobe?!? C'mon. Namco, Sega, and SNK have done it - why does Capcom insist on being so non-creative with what should be the turning point for the series? Where's the bold charge to be try out some new ideas? I can't be the only person who's been pondering this. In fact, I know that I am not. Ever since this trailer of KOFXII has hit the web, I know a lot of people went back and looked at SF4 with great skepticism.
This is a sign to head back to the drawing board and start of with something fresh. Something that's really going to resonate with the fans, appeal to newcomers and ultimately make that fourth moniker represent more than just another number slapped on the title. Of course, we know the reality of Street Fighter 4. It's going to continue as planned; and that actually disappoints me because I want to really love what Capcom is planning to roll out, but somehow I think that over time that I'll lose interest and look elsewhere for entertainment. Somewhere like where many 2D enthusiasts will flock to later this year: to King of Fighters XII!!!! Woo!
This blog article should be recognized as the sole opinion of the editor and does not necessarily reflect GotNext's official position on the subject.
Leave a Reply
February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 am
I totally agree with you. I never liked the comment that 3rd Strike maxed out Capcom’s 2D abilities. Come on — you’re telling me it can’t be hi-res 2D and even cleaner? I just don’t see what moving to 3D is going to satisfy. It will still be played like classic Street Fighter, so I don’t expect newbies to want to deal with that level of technicality. aThey can turn to Soul Calibur or Tekken for more accessible 3D options… I am afraid that the increase in frames will make the game way to floaty… Let’s hope they tread carefully from here on out…
February 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
They seem to be going the same route that Battle Fantasia did, incorporating 3D models with a mesh of 2D overlayed art. It’s all quite delicious and to be honest, I didn’t think you would like KOF XII’s visuals over SFIV’s (being the great SF fan you are!). Awesome news for all of us. Hopefully it hits the inevitable 360 or PS3 in the end of ‘08.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
..and then, we can play together and you can beat ME up! >:)