The King of Fighters-i Review: Deserving of the Crown

App Name:	King of Fighters-i
Platforms:	iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
Publisher(s):	SNK Playmore
Version Reviewed:	1.0.0
Genre(s):	fighting
Release Date:	July 7, 2011
Price:	$6.99
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It once seemed that Capcom would never be in danger of relinquishing the throne when it comes to iOS fighters—but the public has spoken. By doing all the same things slightly better with The King of Fighters , SNK Playmore has offered a similar fighting experience that ultimately holds greater appeal than Street Fighter IV due to its polish and depth. So those who consider themselves on the forefront of iPhone fighting will want to step into this ring and start training right away, because this is the future.

If you’ve played Street Fighter IV on an iOS device, then you can expect this game’s controls to feel familiar. As we’ve grown accustomed to doing, users control the fighter’s footwork using a virtual stick on the left, and on the right portion of the screen are the icons for punch, kick, special, and evade. The combinations of these controls are endless, and when combined with the drive and power meters (which open up new sets of moves when filled), they provide enough variety that you can expect to never master a fighter’s catalogue—but rather be continually learning.

You’d be correct in thinking that none of that sounds much different than what we’re used to getting from Street Fighter IV, so it’s time to talk about what The King of Fighters does better than Capcom’s franchise.

The first noticeable improvement is in the visuals. The backdrops—though static—are greatly varied and provide vivid settings for these visceral brawls. I know it’s becoming a theme, but this is another time to note that KOF doesn’t do things much different that SFIV—just with a higher level of polish and shine.

… Looking pretty is great and all, but it wouldn’t be worth much if the gameplay of KOF was a letdown. Luckily, you can expect to enjoy an unprecedented smoothness and speed to characterize all of your battles. Somehow, SNK Playmore has succeeded in making us forget that we’re working with touchscreen controls. Everything unfolds at such a frenetic pace—and with such an absence of glitches—that all your attention will be focused on the task at hand. Primarily, shredding your opponent.

The topic of opponents (and the shredding of them) brings up the most glaring drawback of KOF. A lack of online multiplayer. Unless you are in Bluetooth distance of a friend who is also packing the game on a device, your fights will have to unfold in one of the single-player modes. The gameplay modes include team battles, single battles, endless, and training—all of which are enjoyable options, though online multiplayer would act as a deathblow capable of completely vanquishing SFIV Volt and its marquee feature.

It’s a drawback that we expect to be addressed in an update, and let’s just hope that SNK doesn’t wait as long as Capcom did to unleash the online mayhem. Because once that happens, there will be precious little separating this fighter from perfection. With 14 characters and at least six more on the way in the next few months, there is plenty to work with in the meantime. Whether you already own SFIV or are just looking to get started with your first fighter, don’t be put off by the game’s $7.99 price tag. At just one dollar more than SFIV Volt, this king among fighting games tramples the street urchins and wears it crown proudly.

Our Score: 4.5 Out 5

About the Author

Devin Wieland

 

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