Exposed: King of Fighters: Max Impact

We offer up the first details, screens and first ever video footage of the latest KOF for PS2, the first in the series designed purely for the home console - in 3D.

SNK NeoGeo has officially announced it is developing the first original The King of Fighters title for the PS2 - The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact. The PS2 rendition of the most popular hardcore 2D fighting franchise will be old news to followers of the series, but as the first KOF to be designed specifically for console instead of ported from the arcades, Maximum Impact is an interesting entry that you can check out in the new video footage we have below.

KOF:MI will feature the most popular KOF characters such as Terry Bogard and Kyo Kusanagi all rendered in 3D. The game will also feature several brand new characters to the franchise and a wide assortment of detailed battlegrounds and fighting maneuvers.

In terms of story, the turf war between street gangs intensifies downtown, and until now there have always been skirmishes, but as a result of the incident that occurred six months ago, things have taken a turn for the worse...

To restore order to the chaotic downtown scene, Alba - regarded as a traitor - attempts to contact Duke. Hyena, assuming the role of mediator, relays the conditions for a meeting with Duke:"If you want a meeting, first you must battle and defeat all those whom I designate."

The annual King of Fighters tournament is set to begin in one week. As the gala festivities begin, turf wars are breaking out among the underworld street gangs. The conflict is so severe that it threatens to drag the participants of the KOF tournament into the fray. The honor and tradition of the tournament is at stake. The gangs must be stopped at all costs.

Sounds thrilling! Well, at least they bother trying which is more than can be said for some other beat-em-ups.

So you'll finally be able to finally play as your favorite SNK character in full 3D with rendered backgrounds and full flowing animation.

The game will include five exciting modes of play featuring Story Mode, VS Battle, Survival, Practice and Training, a total of 24 incredible SNK characters featuring 14 returning favorites mixed with 6 all new to the franchise and 4 hidden bonus characters.

Enhanced character movement is promised, including the all new sideways feature and 4 different jump moves, along with spectacular combo moves specific to each character to inflict massive damage. And finally, you can attack your opponent and send them airborne with the new Knock Back Attach feature.

Stay tuned for more as the game approaches a planned Autumn release.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com