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.

 

 

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.

 

  
In addition, the PS2 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 an interesting title for old school fans of the series.

 

Page Updated: February 5th, 2022 Developer(s): SNK Playmore Publisher(s): SNK Playmore Artwork by: Nakano Tomokazu Platform(s): Arcade, PlayStation 2, Xbox Release Date(s): July 21st, 2005              PS2 Mar. 30th, 2006           Xbox Apr. 18th, 2006            Xbox Oct. 13th, 2006            PS2 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) Featured Video: 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: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga , SoulCalibur 3, TEKKEN 5    Gameplay Engine  6.5 / 10 Story / Theme  7.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  6.5 / 10 Animation  6.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  6.0 / 10 Innovation  6.5 / 10 Art Direction  7.5 / 10 Customization  7.0 / 10 Options / Extras  6.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  7.0 / 10 Replayability / Fun  4.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  6.0 / 10 Characters  6.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  5.0 / 10  Review based on PS2 version        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      Click here for all box artwork!