Gamertell Review: The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match for PS2
by at March 5, 2009 11:09 am
Sections: 2D, Consoles, Developers, Exclusives, Fighting, Game-Companies, Genres, Originals, PS2, Publishers, Reviews
|
Sign up for the FREE Tell Membership and receive benefits that include the digital edition of Tell Magazine sent straight to your inbox, product giveaways, coupons and much more!
When checking through the GameStop shelves, you may overlook The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match. If you do and you’re a fighting game afficianado, or a fan of the SNK series, you’re missing out. Don’t be mislead by the ’98 in the title. It’s a new game.
Well, new to North America, at least. Ten years ago, The King of Fighters ’98 debuted in Japan in arcades and on the Neo Geo. In 1999, it made it’s only appearance outside Japan on the Dreamcast as The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999.
Now 10 years later, in 2008, one of the best King of Fighters games has been revamped and rereleased as King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match (KOF 98 UM).
64 Famous fighters all want to be the “King.”
If you’re looking for a fighting game that continues the epic KOF storyline, I’m sorry – this isn’t it. For the most part, this is a straight forward, arcade style brawler. It’s about the fighting, and offers plenty of modes and options to customize your experience. The fighting modes include a 3 on 3 Arcade Play, one on one Single Play, one on one Endless mode and a mission based Challenge mode.
There are two neat additions to the PS2 release. First is a Gallery, where you can see game movies and watch ending illustrations. Second is a NeoGeo mode, which shifts the game over to the NeoGeo version of the original KOF 98. It’s an appropriate touch of nostalgia – fitting for a 10th anniversary edition of a game.
A 2D fighter champion.
SNK fighters are generally heralded for the attention to detail, character individuality and overall gameplay. KOF 98 UM is no exception. If you pick up this game, you know you’re going to be enjoying a quality entry in the franchise, and should prepare to be blown away by some of the most intricate character sprites you’ll see in a fighting game.
One thing I absolutely loved is that practically all the characters are available to play right at the start. Nothing is more frustrating than picking up a fighting game and wanting to play as your favorite character, only to discover that he or she must first be unlocked. Chances are, that isn’t going to happen here.
It’s a great port. However, it is a 10 year old game and, while the sprites are gorgeous, the gameplay is challenging and there are plenty of options, it doesn’t have the same luster as the recent Street Fighter IV or forthcoming The King of Fighters XII. Younger gamers may not appreciate the nostalgic approach or history that comes with a game like KOF 98 UM. They also may not appreciate the challenge that the game presents – if you give KOF 98 UM the chance, it will make humiliate you. Repeatedly. There may even be crying, or a damaged controller.
A wonderful way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of King of Fighters ’98.
Street Fighter IV is expensive – $59.99 for the PS3 or Xbox 360. Meanwhile The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match, with 64 fighters and tons of gameplay modes, only costs $19.99. On top of that, you’re getting the chance to play a historical game which didn’t get the respect or release it deserved in North America when it was originally released. Not to mention it has retro charm, especially with the NeoGeo The King of Fighters ’98 ROM built in.
Just because something is old, doesn’t make it bad. The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match is a classic fighter. It is going to challenge you and make you appreciate how wonderfully hard-core the original game was. It may not be as flashy as current fighting games, and the computer controlled opponents may be unforgiving, but fighting fans would be remiss if they let this release pass them by.
Site [The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match]
Related Posts