Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: SNK Playmore
- Publishers: Atlus, Rising Star Games, SNK Playmore
The King of Fighters XIII: A Return to Form for the Legendary Fighting Game Series
Released in 2010, The King of Fighters XIII (KOF XIII) is a fighting game developed by SNK Playmore and the thirteenth installment in the long-running The King of Fighters series. The game was a critical and commercial success, praised for its gorgeous graphics, intense gameplay, and deep story.
Story
The story of KOF XIII takes place after the events of The King of Fighters XI and concludes the Ash Crimson story arc that began in The King of Fighters 2003. The game follows another King of Fighters tournament secretly hosted by Those From the Distance Land, the organization behind the events from the two prior games that are trying to break the seal of the demon Orochi and take its power.
The tournament attracts a diverse cast of fighters, including returning favorites like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and Terry Bogard, as well as new characters like Ash Crimson, Elisabeth Blanctorche, and Duo Lon. Each character has their own unique motivations for entering the tournament, and their stories intertwine in a complex and engaging narrative.
Gameplay
KOF XIII is a 2D fighting game played on a 3D plane. The game features a traditional six-button control scheme, with light, medium, and heavy punches and kicks. Players can also use a variety of special moves, super moves, and Climax Cancels to pull off devastating combos.
One of the most unique features of KOF XIII is the “Drive” system. The Drive system allows players to build up a meter that can be used to power special moves, super moves, or Climax Cancels. The Drive system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully manage their Drive meter in order to maximize their damage output.
Characters
KOF XIII features a roster of 36 characters, including 28 returning characters and 8 new characters. The returning characters include fan favorites like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, and Mai Shiranui. The new characters include Ash Crimson, Elisabeth Blanctorche, Duo Lon, and Saiki.
Each character in KOF XIII has their own unique playstyle and abilities. Kyo Kusanagi is a well-rounded character with a variety of powerful moves. Iori Yagami is a fast and aggressive character with a focus on close-range combat. Terry Bogard is a powerful character with a variety of zoning tools. Mai Shiranui is a speedy character with a focus on projectile attacks.
Graphics and Sound
KOF XIII is one of the most visually stunning fighting games ever made. The game’s 3D graphics are incredibly detailed and fluid, and the character models are some of the best in the industry. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of rock, electronic, and traditional Japanese music.
Overall
The King of Fighters XIII is an incredible fighting game that is a must-play for any fan of the genre. The game’s beautiful graphics, intense gameplay, and deep story make it one of the best fighting games of all time.
Review
Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Gorgeous graphics
- Intense gameplay
- Deep story
- Diverse cast of characters
Cons:
- Some characters are overpowered
- Online multiplayer can be laggy
Overall:
The King of Fighters XIII is a return to form for the legendary fighting game series. The game’s beautiful graphics, intense gameplay, and deep story make it one of the best fighting games of all time.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
