REVIEW:  The 11th installment of SNK's trademark series reintroduces the 3-on-3 tag team gameplay and Tactical Shift system from the last 2D prequel. This version introduces a variety of new gameplay enhancements, including: an enhanced "tag combo" system, canceling system, and counter system. Among these are the Quick Shift (switch characters during combo), Saving Shift (tag out a character while they are being hit), and Dream Cancels (allowing players to use stocks to interrupt a move in the midst of its execution with a more powerful move, opening the door to devastating combos).
   

  
The home (PS2) version of King of Fighters XI includes a classic 3-on-3 Team Mode (if tag just isn't your thing) and even a traditional 1-on-1 mode. The console version presents the most characters ever to appear in a KOF game to date... including several PS2 exclusive characters which were taken straight from Neo Geo Battle Coliseum (Mr. Big, Geese Howard, Tung Fu Rue, Robert Garcia, Hotaru Futaba, Mai Shiranui and EX Kyo Kusanagi). The PS2 version also includes playable boss characters, Color Edit Mode, 4 new stages, and 10 new BGMs. As far as presentation goes... the intro isn't as flashy or as exciting as one might hope, and the end boss of the game is really REALLY cheap. Those flaws are easily overlooked, however, because the VS mode is where it's really at, as usual.

Overall, KOF XI's gameplay is faster and smoother than ever before. The new characters add great variety to the roster. Most of which are unquestionably cool and fun to use as well! The important thing is... it still feels like KOF. Whether you're a long time fan of the series or just a fan of 2D fighting games in general, you'll find something to like about this installment. The animation and graphics impress for a KOF title... yes, the 2D sprites still look dated, but strut their stuff on some impressively sharp backgrounds. Some backdrops are done in high-res 2D, others in 3D, and the 2D sprites manage to look decent in both. The home version also has several graphical options, including different levels of "sprite blurring" to best suit your TV and screen size.
   

  
The extras & options in the home version of KOF XI are easily the best found in a console KOF game to date. There's a nice selection artwork and endings to unlock (not to mention all of the unlockable Battle Coliseum characters), and about 50 or so "challenges" to take on. There are a ton of options, and the new Color Edit Mode is loads of fun if you're a 2D sprite fanatic like myself. Not only can you change your characters colors to your artistic liking, but you can actually change their "fire" or "effect" colors... which makes for literally infinite possibilities. Want a K' in all black, with black hair, and have him use black flames? (I did... and I made him. He's badass. Color Edit Mode is sick.)
 

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Page Updated: March 12th, 2024 Developer(s): SNK Playmore Publisher(s): SNK Playmore Artwork by: Hiroaki Platform(s): Arcade, PlayStation 2, PSN  Release Date(s): Oct. 26th, 2005            Arcade Dec. 2005                       Arcade June 22nd, 2006          PS2 July 6th, 2007               PS2 Nov. 13th, 2007           PS2 Characters:  Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Gai Tendo, Ash Crimson, K', Malin, Duo Lon, Momoko, Eiji Kisaragi, Adelheid, Kula Diamond, Maxima, Terry Bogard, Duck King, Kim Kaphwan, Shen Woo, Oswald, Gato, Tizoc, Blue Mary, Ramon, Kasumi Todoh, Vanessa, Ralf Jones, Whip, Hayate, Clark Still, Ryo Sakazaki, Yuri Sakazaki, King, Athena Asamiya, B. Jenet, Shingo Yabuki, Benimaru Nikaido, Elizabeth, Magaki, Shion, Silber, Jyazu, Hayate (PS2), Mr. Big (PS2), Geese Howard (PS2), Tung Fu Rue (PS2), Robert Garcia (PS2), Hotaru Futaba (PS2), Mai Shiranui (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 XII, KOF XIII, KOF XIV, KOF XV, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF: Neowave, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga , Neo Geo Battle Coliseum    Gameplay Engine  9.0 / 10 Story / Theme  8.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  8.0 / 10 Animation  8.0 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.0 / 10 Innovation  8.0 / 10 Art Direction  9.0 / 10 Customization  9.0 / 10 Options / Extras  9.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  6.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  8.5 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  8.5 / 10 Characters  9.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  8.8 / 10  Review based on PS2 version        Final Words: If you've read my previous KOF reviews, you'd know that I really enjoyed KOF 2000 and 2003... but now I have a new favorite. KOF XI's roster is easily one of the best in the entire series (and that's saying a lot). The gameplay has evolved significantly, but still offers that classic KOF gameplay that defines the serious. I definitely dig this edition's roster (even though Yamazaki is on vacation, yet again).  KOF XI's Color Edit Mode is a brilliant toy as well... I must've spent countless hours in this mode just toying around (then I remembered the game is actually pretty fun too)! KOF XI is the KOF I'd recommend to fans of 2D fighting games who maybe don't play much KOF. It still shows its age in many ways, but KOF XI is a solid and interesting 2D fighting game with deep roots in fundamentals and tradition. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen      Click Here for all Posters / Box Artwork / Etc. Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES