Once upon a time, the King Of Fighters series was an annual affair. In more recent years however, the SNK/Playmore team took their time to revamp the game play and give the fighter a visual facelift, creating some of the most gorgeous 2D models we had seen at that point. Then… Nothing. Five years after KOF XIII hit arcades, we haven’t heard anything about the return of the long running franchise, which was odd considering the recent resurgence of 2D fighting games. At Tokyo Game Show however, we learned that we won’t have to wait much longer, because King Of Fighter XIV is on its way after the longest release gap in franchise history.
Headed to the PS4 in 2016, the reveal trailer showed off longtime rivals, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, battling it out yet again. Except this time, their models are in full 3D, scrapping those incredible sprites that we were introduced to just a few games ago. Outside of this reveal, details are slim, but we’ll be excited to learn more as its release date draws closer.
Personally, I’m REALLY disappointed to see the 2D sprites go, not just because of nostalgia, but because these new, 3D models look kind of bad. I’m getting the vibe of one of those KOF Maximum Impact titles from it, which isn’t a good thing. When games like Guilty Gear Xrd can blend 2D and 3D so seamlessly, or when titles like Mortal Kombat X and Street Fighter IV prove that 3D models in a 2D space can come off as gorgeous, this trailer makes it look a little cheap. Still, it’s a long ways away, and it can still surprise us. Plus, as long as the game play is solid, (and when hasn’t it been?), then all will be forgiven.
Who are you hoping to see make their return? And what type of costume will Athena wear this time around? Share your thoughts below!