Summary

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Fighting
Platforms: Arcade, Dreamcast, Linux, Mac, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo MVS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developers: SNK
Publishers: Eolith, Playmore

The King of Fighters 2002: A Revolutionary Fighting Game

Released in 2002, The King of Fighters 2002 (KOF2002) is a 2D fighting game developed and published by SNK Playmore. It is the ninth installment in the King of Fighters series, and is notable for its innovative gameplay systems and large roster of characters.

Gameplay

KOF2002 brought back the traditional team-based gameplay of previous King of Fighters games, with each team consisting of three characters. However, it also introduced several new gameplay systems that would become staples of the series.

One of the most significant new additions was the “Free Cancel System.” This system allowed players to cancel certain moves into other moves, creating new and more complex combos. The “Max Mode System” was another new addition, which allowed players to power up their characters by sacrificing some of their lifeゲージ. Max Mode increased the damage and speed of a character’s moves, and also allowed them to use new and more powerful special moves.

In addition to these new systems, KOF2002 also featured a number of other gameplay changes, such as the “Quick Emergency Evasion” and “Quick MAX Mode Activation” techniques. These techniques made the game faster and more fluid, and gave players more options for dealing with their opponents.

Characters

KOF2002 features a roster of 50 characters, including both returning favorites and new additions. The game’s roster is divided into several teams, including the Hero Team, the Fatal Fury Team, the Art of Fighting Team, and the Psycho Soldier Team.

Some of the most popular characters in KOF2002 include Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, and Mai Shiranui. These characters are all well-rounded and have a variety of powerful moves, making them good choices for both beginners and experienced players.

Graphics and Sound

KOF2002’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s character sprites are some of the best in the series. The game’s backgrounds are also well-designed, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, and it features a mix of rock, electronic, and traditional Japanese music. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, and it helps to get players pumped up for battle.

Legacy

KOF2002 was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best fighting games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay systems and large roster of characters have made it a favorite among fans of the genre, and it continues to be played competitively today.

KOF2002 has also had a significant impact on the fighting game genre as a whole. The game’s Free Cancel System and Max Mode System have been adopted by other fighting games, and they have become standard features in the genre. KOF2002’s large roster of characters has also inspired other fighting games to feature more diverse and inclusive rosters.

Conclusion

The King of Fighters 2002 is a landmark fighting game that revolutionized the genre. Its innovative gameplay systems, large roster of characters, and beautiful graphics and sound have made it a favorite among fans of the genre for over two decades. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding fighting game to play, then KOF2002 is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Summary

Metal Slug 4 is a run-and-gun arcade game where players battle the terrorist organization Amadeus to prevent a cyber virus from destroying the world’s military computer systems. Featuring fast-paced gameplay and a humorous art style, it’s a worthy addition to the Metal Slug series.

Synopsis

“Metal Slug 4” is a run-and-gun video game that was released in 2002 for the Neo-Geo console/arcade platform. Developed by Mega Enterprise, Noise Factory, and Playmore, it is the fourth installment in the popular “Metal Slug” series.

The game retains the same gameplay as its predecessors, with the addition of new enemies, bosses, weapons, several vehicles, and a bonus combo system. A unique feature of “Metal Slug 4” is the bonus scoring system, which rewards players based on the number of enemies killed within a given time. The time allotted is determined by the type of emblem picked up by the player.

The plot of “Metal Slug 4” is set one year after the events of “Metal Slug 3” and “Metal Slug 6”. The world is under the threat of a mysterious and deadly cyber virus that threatens to attack and destroy any nation’s military computer system. With Tarma Roving and Eri Kasamoto unable to help due to their own assignments, Marco Rossi and Fiolina Germi are called in to investigate the situation.

They are joined by two newcomers, Nadia Cassel and Trevor Spacey. During their investigation, the group discovers that a rich terrorist organization known as the Amadeus Syndicate is behind the plot and has allied with General Morden’s Rebel Army. They head into battle against Amadeus’ forces, hoping to destroy the cyber virus before it gets the chance to wipe out the entire world’s military computer system.

“Metal Slug 4” was later ported to Xbox and PlayStation 2 as a stand-alone game in Japan and Europe, and along with “Metal Slug 5” as a compilation in North America and South Korea. The Nintendo Switch version was released in 2018.