Summary

Release Year: 1994
Genres: Arcade, Fighting
Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Wii
Publishers: D4 Enterprise, SNK

Art of Fighting 2: A Legendary Fighting Game with Unforgettable Characters and a Challenging AI

Introduction

Released in 1994, Art of Fighting 2 is a classic fighting game that left an indelible mark on the genre. Developed by SNK, the game is the second installment in the Art of Fighting series and features a roster of 10 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and special moves.

Story

The story of Art of Fighting 2 takes place a year after the events of the original game. Geese Howard, a rising star in South Town’s criminal underworld, has called fighters to the city for a new tournament, “The King of Fighters.” Howard, who was the final boss and series villain of SNK’s other fighting game franchise Fatal Fury, seeks to use the tournament to further his own nefarious ambitions.

The player takes control of one of 10 fighters, each with their own reasons for entering the tournament. Some seek revenge against Geese Howard, while others simply wish to prove their strength. As the player progresses through the tournament, they will encounter a variety of opponents, including former allies and even members of their own family.

Gameplay

Art of Fighting 2 is a 2D fighting game with a unique gameplay system that sets it apart from other games in the genre. The game’s most notable feature is its “rage gauge,” which limits the use and effectiveness of special attacks. As the player takes damage, their rage gauge will fill up. Once the gauge is full, the player can unleash a powerful super move that can deal devastating damage to their opponent. However, using super moves too often will cause the player to become fatigued, making them more vulnerable to attack.

In addition to the rage gauge, Art of Fighting 2 also features a number of other unique gameplay mechanics. These include the ability to parry attacks, the ability to perform chain combos, and the ability to use environmental hazards to damage opponents.

Characters

Art of Fighting 2 features a roster of 10 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and special moves. The characters include:

Ryo Sakazaki: The protagonist of the Art of Fighting series, Ryo is a skilled martial artist who seeks revenge against Geese Howard for the death of his father.
Robert Garcia: Ryo’s best friend and fellow martial artist, Robert is a skilled boxer who is also seeking revenge against Geese Howard.
Takuma Sakazaki: Ryo’s father and the founder of the Kyokugenryu karate style, Takuma is a powerful fighter who has retired from fighting but is drawn back into the tournament by Geese Howard.
Yuri Sakazaki: Ryo’s younger sister, Yuri is a skilled martial artist who is also seeking revenge against Geese Howard for the death of her father.
King: A former professional wrestler, King is a powerful fighter who is seeking to prove his strength in the tournament.
Mr. Big: A large and powerful fighter, Mr. Big is the final boss of the game.
Eiji Kisaragi: A skilled swordsman, Eiji is seeking revenge against Geese Howard for the death of his father.
Ryuhaku Todo: The first boss in the original Art of Fighting game, Todo is a powerful fighter who is seeking to prove his strength in the tournament.
Geese Howard: The main antagonist of the game, Geese Howard is a powerful fighter and the leader of the Howard Connection crime syndicate.
Wolfgang Krauser: A powerful fighter and Geese Howard’s right-hand man, Krauser is a secret boss who can be unlocked by fulfilling certain conditions.

Difficulty

Art of Fighting 2 is notorious for its difficulty, with many considering it to have some of the toughest opponent AI in any fighting game. The game’s AI is particularly adept at blocking and countering attacks, and it will often punish players for making mistakes. As a result, Art of Fighting 2 is a challenging but rewarding game that will test the skills of even the most experienced fighting game players.

Legacy

Art of Fighting 2 is considered to be one of the best fighting games of its era. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, challenging AI, and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite for decades. Art of Fighting 2 has also been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Neo Geo, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

Conclusion

Art of Fighting 2 is a classic fighting game that deserves its place among the greats of the genre. With its unique gameplay mechanics, challenging AI, and memorable characters, Art of Fighting 2 is a game that will provide hours of enjoyment for fighting game fans of all skill levels.