By Kevin "Berserker" Hall
Player(s): 1-2
Memory: 320 KB
If you went to the arcades in the mid '90s then you most likely remember
SNK's King of Fighters (KoF) series. For each year another King of Fighters game
is now made which started back with King of Fighters '94. The KoF series has
always distinguished itself with its three-on-three matches and multitude of
characters to choose from. Each game in the series has brought in quite a few
characters from other SNK games and has managed to bring in several new faces as
well that are exclusive to the KoF series.
The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga actually contains more KoF
games than just those dealing with the Orochi Saga ('95, '96, '97). This
compilation actually contains KoF '94, '95, '96, '97, and '98 for a total of
five complete fighting games in the KoF series. Previously only KoF '94 has been
released in North America in the SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1 compilation, so
KoF Collection is a much-needed bundle of fighting games for the KoF fans out
there but one that is much better enjoyed on PS2 - scroll further down for the
major differences between the two versions.
Upon first turning on the game and watching the full motion video opening
sequence to the collection, you'll be welcomed to a screen with a dial that can
be used to easily select from the different KoF games in the compilation. After
starting each one, you'll have the option to enter a training mode or simply
play the original game via the arcade mode. While playing in either mode a menu
can be pulled up by pressing select that will allow you to easily bring up your
current fighter's move set, manage controls, or exit the game. In training mode,
you can simply press the start button to have easy access to your current
fighter's move set, which is a very handy little feature for a training mode;
too bad there is no way to reset the playing field however, instead of having to
throw opponents out of corner.
The PSP version greatly amplifies every single loading and sound glitch error
that is found in the PS2 version. Before a match, the game must load for a very
lengthy 20-30 seconds each time. Once a round has begun, the game will struggle
to get out whatever opening sound effects might play and it will often pause
shortly after the round begins for a slight reading of the UMD. The game will
sometimes continue to delay sounds of special moves well into the various
rounds. Slight loading times are also present during rounds as well as matches
for the PSP version. The only real advantage that the PSP version has is that
the overall appearance of each game is much sharper thanks to the PSP screen.
The game can also be played multiplayer through Ad Hoc wireless play.
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