The
King of Fighters: Neowave
REVIEW: SNK Playmore's
first Atomiswave.net (AW-NET) fighting game, KOF: Neowave, reverts back to the classic 3-on-3
gameplay that the series became known for in the very beginning, neglecting the newest gameplay
additions from modern installment such as the Tag System and Strikers. Like KOF
'98 and KOF 2002, Neowave has no storyline, but is
instead a "Dream Match" bringing together numerous characters from
past installments.
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KOF:
Neowave character selection screen.
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In addition to the
standard 4-button layout, a fifth command button has been added, which activates
the new "Heat Mode" (sacrificing health for attack power). Players can select
their own playing style similar to (KOF '97 and KOF '98) from three
different styles (Super Cancel Mode, Guard Break Mode, and MAX2 mode). This
effects the techniques available to the player and the length of their Power
Gauge.
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"Subtle"
Atomiswave signage.
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KOF
looks pretty sharp on Sammy's Atomiswave hardware... Neowave features some fully 3D backgrounds, less "jaggy" character sprites than some past console iterations, and updated hit sparks. The character roster is a mix of old
and new faces. The home version features bonus characters such as: Kusanagi (clone), Seth,
and Omega Rugal.
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Joe
Higashi and Yamazaki having a taunt-off.
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The PlayStation 2 version includes 2 additional bonus characters not found
in the arcade or Xbox version (Angel & May Lee). Neowave gives KOF
players a chance to use some of the newer KOF characters in the "old
style" gameplay, which makes it a fairly interesting title for old school fans of the
series.
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| Page Updated: |
July
12th, 2023 |
| Developer(s): |
SNK Playmore |
| Publisher(s): |
SNK
Playmore |
| Artwork
by: |
Nakano
Tomokazu
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| Platform(s): |
Arcade,
PlayStation 2,
Xbox
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| Release Date(s): |
July 21st, 2005  PS2
Mar. 30th, 2006 Xbox
Apr.
18th, 2006  Xbox
Oct. 13th, 2006  PS2
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| Characters: |
Kyo,
Benimaru,
Daimon,
Terry,
Andy, Joe,
Leona,
Ralf,
Clark,
Chang,
Choi,
Jhun,
Ryo,
Robert,
Takuma,
Athena,
Kensou,
Chin,
Mai,
Yuri,
Iori,
Mature,
Vice,
Yamazaki,
Mary,
Billy,
Yashiro,
Shermie,
Chris,
K', Maxima,
Whip,
Ramon,
Kula,
Saisyu,
Shingo,
Geese,
Vanessa,
Seth, Omega
Rugal, Orochi
Chris, Orochi Shermie, Orochi
Yashiro, May
Lee (PS2), Angel
(PS2) |
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Featured Video:
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| Related Games: |
KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout,
KOF '95,
KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '98
Ultimate Match, KOF '99, KOF
2000, KOF 2001,
KOF 2002, KOF 2002
Unlimited Match, KOF 2003,
KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII,
KOF XIV,
KOF XV, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF
2006, KOF: MI Regulation A, KOF
EX: Neo Blood,
KOF EX2: Howling Blood,
KOF R1, KOF R2, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga,
SoulCalibur 3,
TEKKEN 5 |
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Gameplay
Engine
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6.5 / 10
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Story
/ Theme
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7.0 / 10
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Overall
Graphics
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6.5 / 10
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Animation
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6.5 / 10
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Music
/ Sound Effects
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6.0 / 10
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Innovation
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6.5 / 10
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Art Direction
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7.5 / 10
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Customization
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7.0 / 10
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Options / Extras
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6.0 / 10
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Intro / Presentation
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7.0 / 10
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Replayability / Fun
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4.0 / 10
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"Ouch" Factor
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6.0 / 10
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Characters
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6.5 / 10
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BOTTOM LINE
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5.0
/
10
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Review based on PS2 version
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| Final
Words: |
KOF Neowave is a 2D fighting game with a classic feel while attempting to stay modern. The new art style and presentation is something different for the series but mostly refreshing. While Neowave stays close to its roots, it doesn't offer very much in the way of new. The traditional 1-on-1 gameplay is
definitely old fashioned and dated in 2005,
especially when considering KOF itself has incorporated tag-team
mechanics in recent past installments (which I personally
think are more fun).
Probably the biggest downside of KOF Neowave is the roster. There are NO new characters (besides "young" / AOF2 Geese Howard, who does get a new sprite)! Sadly, the Xbox version features two less characters from
the PS2 version, and those two characters (May Lee and Angel) happen to be the newest additions to KOF (and perhaps the most exciting newcomers in a while). So if you're going to play Neowave, go for the PS2 version.
In short, Neowave feels "old" and recycled... especially when put up against the latest and greatest fighting games of 2005 / 2006. To me, it seems like Neowave
was made for new fighting game players who have no idea what KOF is. To a completely new
audience, perhaps KOF Neowave isn't that bad... but a veteran SNK player would probably tell those fans there are far better installments of KOF (and far more innovative and impressive fighting games to be playing in 2005).
~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen
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