The King of Fighters XIII Review

King of Fighters XIII Review
Release date: 11/22/11 Worldwide
Dev and Publishers: SNK Playmore and Atlus USA
Online capable
PS3 and XBOX360

Let’s Get Started! -
Welcome to a new installment of KOF fellow gamer. This review will be covering many different aspects of the newest chapter in the long running series. From mode: to changes, and a comparison towards another series.


Show me your moves! -
KOFXIII brings in series regulars from Team Japan, to Team Iori (with two fellow ladies whom many fans will recognize). Taking a page from where XII missed its mark, XIII makes up for its losses and delivers an entirely different experience than past games. Featuring several bonus EX modes, including NeoMax, and Hyperdrive. In fact a lot of these concepts were adapted from Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting.


For the newbies, this means that whatever move you use (as in special attacks) can double cancel, and include a secondary or third attack making it more powerful. In fact, some of the classic Desperation moves are now remixed into the Neomax (or Berserk!) moves. When used these attacks fill up the screen with colors that nullify an opponent’s ability to counterattack. (There are in fact, more than 4 different types of attacks, practice learning everyone’s skills) Plus it appears that the team member “switch on the fly’ option has been taken away. This was from KOF2k3, so at will you could change partner’s mid-fight. Now it’s back to the original setup of one-on-one until your opponent drops to the ground.


Press Start! –
There is a helpful tutorial available for newcomers, or classic players. At first the “jump” takes some getting used to, even the EX moves require you to take them to mid-air cancels. Keep trying, and you’ll get the hang of it. Within KOFXIII, every character has adapted with the new setup, but its also faster and no longer lags input. So every button press goes along with the players timing. For those button mashers out there, you’ve met your match!


Arcade – select your team, and get going!
Story – Find out why Ash took on this dark quest (includes the option of playing any team, and taking on all challengers throughout the in-game story).
Mission – Time Attack (obtain the best time while taking on opponents) , Survival, and Trial (master different move lists, and learn some new combos)
Gallery – Play through each mode to unlock some bonus goodies, from artwork, movies, and music.

Online – According to friends on the lovely interwebs, many have said mixed things about the online play. Some may experience good bouts with other players, or sometimes unplayable match ups. It all depends on players’ internet connection. Btw you can also setup a team ready to go for online matches.
And setup custom colors for your favorite characters. (you can also unlock more color palettes, the more you play that specific character)


Music to my Ears – The in-game soundtrack is a electric romp of sounds that KOF is known for. Plus some tunes contain remixes of past tunes, giving them a new spin. For those who pre-ordered the game, we were treated to a collection of four cd’s that contain tracks from past games. Featuring tunes in their original arcade sound format, and some with arrange mixes. The fourth cd is the track list from KOFXIII, and it is something definitely worth listening to. You won’t be disappointed with this awesome assortment of tunes.


The Long Road Ahead -
Overall, KOFXIII is an awesome game that must not be missed. Although it has some tough competition, anyone who enjoys 2D fighters should pick this one up right away. On the plus side, this is KOF in its finest form, challenging, fun, and engaging. You will not be disappointed.


Websites of knowledge!
http://www.atlus.com/
http://www.atlus.com/kofxiii/
http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com/

Rhythmic Harmonies

For awhile I have been visiting Hardcore Gaming 101, a site which catalogs every title in existence that has been a pivotal (and some titles that we want to forget). But what makes it worth visiting, and reading any article is the writing style. Something I find myself lacking, and I strive to push myself to improve on. Because I would love to send a few articles, and it could be fun to see them highlighted on a well known site. I did some collaborations in the past with Castlevania Dungeon, and OCRemix some time ago. Its been so long I feel out of touch.

In that regard, my new push in writing would be to emphasize or wax poetically about Bayonetta. An underdog in the gaming market, made by talented group that produced some fantastic pieces of visual storytelling and music.

I have been giving it some thought as to how I could pursue writing about a vast title. Its not one subject, but it covers a bit of gaming history. Both in design, and ideas (where it borrowed tons, and gave kind regards to its humble past).

Right now, my college classes are winding down. So I might get started on this project very soon. Just thought I'd share the idea here.

Sonic Generations - 24 hours later

Sonic Generations – 24 Hours after review

Many years ago, I was one of the millions of fans who grew up with a blue hedgehog. Sure all the rage was about Sonic vs the Plumber, who could outdo the other was all the talk back in kindergarten all the way to high school. I never thought it would carry over in my adult life, but it has and that is something worth sharing. But enough about the past, actually that’s what Generations is built off of. Sonic past meets Sonic from the future in a cross-over no one thought possible. (But I will hint this lovely gem was being planned nearly ten years ago, but the team wasn’t 100% sure the hardware could keep up.) After years of waiting, a little dream has finally come true.


Press Start -
Here I am listening to the “Green Hill Zone” theme from the in-game music library. I remember first hearing this tune from the original Sonic game. Here’s the honest truth, everything fans have ever wanted, or loved is within this game. I remember meeting a few friends that actually played a part in this soundtrack, one of them happens to be Jun Senoue, a long time musician who in the past stepped in for another composer. Only to take a chance at actually being at the helm of a game like no other.

One major thing this game contains in a great way is energy, there is no denying that Sonic Team recognized what fans wanted to play, a mixture of old and new ideas. From the get-go, you get to explore Green Hill Zone as Classic Sonic, braving pitfalls, speed traps and a ton of badniks all over a retouched map of the original stage. Then right after, you take control of Modern Sonic flying across the same level, only to take over in a blaze of speed daring the sound barrier. One word = Wow!

*Extra easter egg note: GHZ was the unlockable level in Sonic Adventure 2 once you obtained all A ranks in the stages. What made it unique was the freedom of bopping around GHZ in a different perspective. Flashback to now..


Listen to the Music – One can never forget every harmony they’ve listened to. Once we hear it, its stuck with us forever. Within the Generations music library, or stage are retouched and original tunes from past entries (with various surprises). What’s even more fun, is that once you unlock more tunes in the music library, you can also change the bgm track in the stage you decide to play.

*Bonus goodie! Songs are also collectible once you’ve completed a challenge stage.

D-Pad – Movement within a 2D or 3D world has always been tricky with the Sonic series. But it wasn’t the case with the original series. Ever since we’ve hit the 3D plane, being able to fly across a level was never easy. (Sonic 06 is a perfect example of how not to collide with every obstacle) Here in Generations, Sonic Team has taken the fans battle cry, and accepted what they’ve done wrong. Controls are smooth like butter, with whichever version of Sonic you are playing. There all done.

Where did my rings go? – All of the classic gaming mechanics we know or loathe are also brought back. From the simple jump, homing attack, spin dash, drift, and ring dash. (*Bonus maneuvers are also buyable from the upgrade shop)  And the scariest sound you never wanted to hear.. “drowning”. Yup its back.


Where’s the goodies? – Once you explore every nook and cranny, you can unlock many more items throughout the game. From art, to music, movies, and many more trinkets. Plus you can upgrade either Sonic with new techniques. And a game that started it all.
Challenges are playable once you’ve played through a specific stage. From time attacks, rival fights, and so much more.  Boss fights = a chaos emerald


Sonic Generations is an amazing game. Fans of the past, or present will want this in their gaming library.

One More Ring

Here I am, in the college library listening to the OST that seems to have found itself within youtube.
That aside, I love the music I will get to hear once I get home. Sadly it won't be for another 4 hours.
Waiting is always worth it. Generations looks to be a fun little treasure.

*I can't say much more about that, because well that would spoil more fun surprises.
Seeing the music being shared like wildfire is something. But hey there is more to the story. More to share next time, and a review.

Generations - Day 0

Sonic Generations is one of the best kept secrets for the past ten years. To be honest, many fans knew of some surprise that could happen yet not exactly how it would unfold. There were some rumors if both the original and the newer Sonic could ever originate in the same universe. Like Doctor Who (whom was able to interact with his former selves) the idea came to mind. And thus Generations was born. How long ago? Ten years.. this actually was said to be Adventure 3, but it was meant to be locked away for ten years, the time wasn't quite right.

Sonic CD was one of the most scrutinized titles to date. If a parallel world could co-exist, how could the original converge a journey with the present? Thus the question is answered, Generations is that exact tale. The aftermath of the Time Stones unlocked the Little Planet's polarity setting things right. However Colors journey was the exact opposite, those creatures were the basis of the stones in elements of said colors (now the unveiled Dimensions) title to be part of WiiU's library.

Now for the music of the past.. that was by far the toughest obstacle for Sega to get over. For a long time many of the rights were lost after Sega folded as a third party. Just like a music producing company, they would need to buy all the rights, titles, and tracks to create a full release. (which many fans have demanded ever since the original CD was released) versus the European to Japanese soundtrack. At present we have a new rendition on arrival which makes me wonder how it may be loved or disliked.

Awhile back many of us fans received a fun bundle of goodies for the tenth anniversary. A blue box with a booklet, etched coin, and embossed cd. I have yet to actually play that cd again sometime soon. But within that booklet was a revised tale of how the character came to be. It was a welcome gift to what's next tomorrow (or today for our overseas friends).

Happy birthday Blue Buddy!

Replay - Sonic the Hedgehog 06

In celebration of the "True Blue's" birthday, I thought about replaying 2k6, not only to refresh myself. But gain a better understanding why so many dislike its finished input.

1) Glitches = There are plenty, but they can be overcome with enough patience.
But it doesn't break the game for me, which I never felt like it made the game unplayable.
Its what reminds me of Tomb Raider, it just needed more polish. Yet it is as awesome experience.

2) Music = Quite possibly the most ethereal soundtracks within the entire series
After playing through Sonic's chapter, I have been listening to a variety of stage BGM's.
Honestly I never listened to the music through headphones before. Wow.

3) How it ends = Every character holds their own, even in the final segment.
Actually I think 2k6 got this strange "time" ball rolling. And here we are again in 2011, revisiting the "time" aspect. With a variety of game titles using it as a gameplay mechanism all over again.

Just felt like writing after a crazy week. My mom was in the hospital due to a drug reaction for pain beta blockers. Thankfully she is doing way better and @ home. ^_^

The next route ahead

Greetings if anyone reads this blog much. Just thought I'd share a mini update.
Currently waiting on King of Fighters XIII, and Sonic Generations

I haven't played KOF since 2k3, so I have some catching up to do. Heard XII was so-so.
I have faith that thirteen may be a driving force again.

Sonic Generations looks insanely promising, mixing the old with the new. Including the timeline paradigm shift, so anything that can, will happen. Worlds crossing over, and its a race to save time itself.
Sorta feels like Doctor Who all of a sudden. ^^;