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The King of Fighters series returns after a six-year hiatus with The King of Fighters XV. This latest entry marks a significant investment from developer SNK Playmore, showcasing their commitment to revitalizing the franchise. With a considerably larger development team than its predecessor, KOF XIV, expectations were high. Does KOF XV deliver on its promise, or does it fall short?

A Robust Roster of Fighters

One of the enduring appeals of the King of Fighters series is its extensive character roster. KOF XV boasts 39 fighters, including 35 returning veterans and 4 newcomers. While this is slightly less than KOF XIV’s initial 50 characters, the roster in XV feels more polished and distinct. The improved graphics, voice acting, and character animations contribute significantly to this impression.

alt text describing the character select screen. This shows the diverse roster available in KOF XV

Classic characters return with updated designs and animations, feeling fresh and dynamic. The new characters add to the narrative and showcase SNK Playmore’s continued ability to create unique and memorable fighters. The diversity and depth of the roster provide ample opportunities for players to experiment and find their preferred fighting style.

Classic 3v3 Gameplay with Modern Online Features

KOF XV retains the classic 3v3 team-based gameplay that has been a hallmark of the series since its inception. With such a large and varied roster, strategically assembling a team of three fighters is a key element of the KOF experience.

The game also continues the series’ tradition of emphasizing the “rock-paper-scissors” dynamic of fighting game matchups. Character matchups and move interactions are crucial, particularly in neutral situations. The game provides various tools for players to navigate these neutral exchanges, from hops to throws and guard cancels.

alt text describing the image, for example, two characters clashing mid-fight, demonstrating the fast-paced action

A notable addition is the Shatter Strike mechanic, similar to Street Fighter IV’s Focus Attack. Shatter Strike allows players to absorb an attack and counter, leaving the opponent vulnerable. However, it requires precise timing and resource management, adding another layer of depth to the combat system.

Furthermore, KOF XV features improved online play with rollback netcode. This addresses a common issue in online fighting games, significantly reducing lag and providing a smoother, more responsive experience. This is a welcome addition, particularly for a game with a smaller player base than some of its competitors.

A Disappointing Narrative and Stiff Animations

Despite the improvements in gameplay and visuals, KOF XV falters in its narrative. The storyline feels underdeveloped and lacks the complexity and intrigue of previous entries. The character interactions are shallow, and the overall plot feels disjointed.

alt text describing the image. For example, a character performing a special move

While the game boasts a new engine and updated visuals, the character animations still feel somewhat stiff and lack the fluidity of modern fighting games like Street Fighter V or Guilty Gear -Strive-. Certain animations, particularly throws and Climax moves, appear disjointed and lack a sense of impact.

alt text describing the image. For example, a close-up of a character's face, highlighting the graphical detail

Conclusion

The King of Fighters XV delivers a solid fighting game experience with a robust roster, engaging gameplay, and improved online features. However, the underwhelming narrative and somewhat stiff animations hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the core gameplay is strong, addressing these shortcomings would elevate the game to a true contender in the modern fighting game landscape.