IF I worked for a mainstream gaming magazine, I would give Smash a higher score than any traditional fighter. This is their job: reviewing games for the average reader. You want the real skinny on a game? Play it yourself.
It would be very sad if that were true. How many niche genres would never get any attention due to lack of mainstream appeal? So many of the games I love (many of them well-reviewed, actually!) lack any kind of mass appeal.
This is once again why multiple people who state their gaming preferences beforehand should review games.
True, and I never said I agreed with it, but that's the way it is for many gaming publications. And it makes sense in a way. But it's also the reason I don't read reviews anymore.
Play the game, make your own decision. I highly doubt that King of Fighter XII will be a 6.5 to me, but if you took a general survey of OXM readers I don't think 6.5 would be far off.
ChaosHatHop, hop, hop, HA!Trick of the lightRegistered Userregular
edited June 2009
I think assigning a number is a stupid idea. It lets people just post the number and just get angry or hold it up as a good game automatically (kinda like what we're doing).
I think the reviews should be numberless, and the content of the review should give you an impression of the game, with a super vague rating system like "Must have" or "Total crap" with a couple vague descriptors in between.
Yeah. When I do website reviews and stuff I steer clear of numbers or definite ratings (example: thumbs up, thumbs down, buy it, rent it, trash it, etc etc.) . I don't mind "if you like X then you'll probably like Y" reviews, but giving a game a "7" doesn't sit well with me. I know why they do it though.
I love casual play Smash. It's a lot more fun then playing more traditional fighting games with my friends. Why? Because most of my friends don't play fighting games. Its frustrating for them to play against me and its frustrating to me to try and dumb down my play. It's even worse to see my friends not having fun. So we break out the Smash, turn items on High and start playing Smash Shots. Every time you're taken out by an explosion, take a shot.
I'm off track now though.
IF I worked for a mainstream gaming magazine, I would give Smash a higher score than any traditional fighter. This is their job: reviewing games for the average reader. You want the real skinny on a game? Play it yourself.
I can get behind what you're saying in your first paragraph, about having to dumb down your style of play when you're the most experienced player in a room for a particular fighting game. God, I hated playing against my cousins who would visit who enjoy fighting games because it's the masculine game (out of the fuckton of RPGs and Strat/Sims I have) and having to tone down my game so as to keep them around, or I'd look like a dick (and get scolded by my folks) for not letting my cousins play.
Anyway, I see your point about mag reviews having to appeal to the average gamer, but I think reviewers (good reviewers) can still give a game the score it deserves without giving some of their "advanced" features a negative connotation.
To stay on topic, "busy backgrounds" - seriously? Seriously. You're going to cite that as one of the drawbacks of this game because it draws your attention away from the other beautifully rendered characters and action happening? If you can't keep your focus on tracking your opponents' movements and launching combos and counter attacks against them because you suffer from Oooh, shiny syndrome, then you should not be reviewing this game in the first place, let alone playing it. Game mags will be picked up by casual, average and hardcore gamers alike and you can't thrash a game because it appeals to one of your (smaller) readerships. "This game is too hardcore for the average gamer who's never played fighting games before" is not a reason to give it a low score. If anything, it's your caveat emptor disclaimer, which is an important point to make for a good, solid review to be understood by all types of gamers reading it.
I love casual play Smash. It's a lot more fun then playing more traditional fighting games with my friends. Why? Because most of my friends don't play fighting games. Its frustrating for them to play against me and its frustrating to me to try and dumb down my play. It's even worse to see my friends not having fun. So we break out the Smash, turn items on High and start playing Smash Shots. Every time you're taken out by an explosion, take a shot.
I'm off track now though.
IF I worked for a mainstream gaming magazine, I would give Smash a higher score than any traditional fighter. This is their job: reviewing games for the average reader. You want the real skinny on a game? Play it yourself.
I can get behind what you're saying in your first paragraph, about having to dumb down your style of play when you're the most experienced player in a room for a particular fighting game. God, I hated playing against my cousins who would visit who enjoy fighting games because it's the masculine game (out of the fuckton of RPGs and Strat/Sims I have) and having to tone down my game so as to keep them around, or I'd look like a dick (and get scolded by my folks) for not letting my cousins play.
Anyway, I see your point about mag reviews having to appeal to the average gamer, but I think reviewers (good reviewers) can still give a game the score it deserves without giving some of their "advanced" features a negative connotation.
To stay on topic, "busy backgrounds" - seriously? Seriously. You're going to cite that as one of the drawbacks of this game because it draws your attention away from the other beautifully rendered characters and action happening? If you can't keep your focus on tracking your opponents' movements and launching combos and counter attacks against them because you suffer from Oooh, shiny syndrome, then you should not be reviewing this game in the first place, let alone playing it. Game mags will be picked up by casual, average and hardcore gamers alike and you can't thrash a game because it appeals to one of your (smaller) readerships. "This game is too hardcore for the average gamer who's never played fighting games before" is not a reason to give it a low score. If anything, it's your caveat emptor disclaimer, which is an important point to make for a good, solid review to be understood by all types of gamers reading it.
I was trying not to come out and say this, but I guess I should clarify that I don't think all print magazines do this. Its just, well... I guess I'll say it:
Its OXM.
I'm not a fan. They're one of the magazines that seems to do the whole "review for the readers not the game" thing along with GI and a few others.
Here's a snipit of OXM's Review Scores Explained
8.0 or 8.5: Great
A great game and an A-list title, but either it either has niche appeal, suffers from minor technical or design issues, or has peripheral problems like a crummy interface.
What's that? Fantastic A-List game? But... oh, it has niche appeal... can't be a 9 then... 8 it is!
I was trying not to come out and say this, but I guess I should clarify that I don't think all print magazines do this. Its just, well... I guess I'll say it:
Its OXM.
I'm not a fan. They're one of the magazines that seems to do the whole "review for the readers not the game" thing along with GI and a few others.
There. Do you feel better now that you've said it? It's a good thing to get it off your chest.
Haha, yeah. I mean, if I was a reviewer at OXM I would do the same thing. Because it's my job and all that, and going off of their guidelines its what I would be expected to do. But I'm not a fan.
No character endings because XII isn't a story KOF. Presentation is similar to Capcom vs SNK 2 with the whole newscaster thing. Imagine going through CvS2 without facing Shin Akuma / Omega Rugal. That's KOF XII.
Luckily the two best fighting games of all time break the shit out of that mold.
Super Smash Bros.:Brawl:93%
Super Smash Bros.:Melee:92%
Don't make me laugh.
Those are horrifically not even CLOSE to the best fighting games. Sure they might be great games, but the best fighting games? I think you need to go have your Nintendo fix, Wii sports is calling.
I could have my 7 yr old cousin kick your ass at Melee, what does that say?
Luckily the two best fighting games of all time break the shit out of that mold.
Super Smash Bros.:Brawl:93%
Super Smash Bros.:Melee:92%
Don't make me laugh.
Those are horrifically not even CLOSE to the best fighting games. Sure they might be great games, but the best fighting games? I think you need to go have your Nintendo fix, Wii sports is calling.
I could have my 7 yr old cousin kick your ass at Melee, what does that say?
You could have a 7 year old kick someone's ass in a lot of fighting games.
Now, I'm not a pro in any fighting game, but I known some people who do the whole competitive smash thing, and hearing them talk about all the game within the game thing about that game convinces me that it takes skill to play at a higher level, just like any other fighting game.
Not saying it's the greatest fighting game ever, but dismissing it entirely is a diservice to it's community.
Luckily the two best fighting games of all time break the shit out of that mold.
Super Smash Bros.:Brawl:93%
Super Smash Bros.:Melee:92%
Don't make me laugh.
Those are horrifically not even CLOSE to the best fighting games. Sure they might be great games, but the best fighting games? I think you need to go have your Nintendo fix, Wii sports is calling.
I could have my 7 yr old cousin kick your ass at Melee, what does that say?
I don't think he's serious. I take it as he's making fun of them rating an inferior game (Smash), higher then a much better fighting game (KOF)
I always thought this was the Ash arc storyline, from the King of Fighters: Another Day Anime short.
Hence why the whole "NEST" team (K', whip, maxima) isn't involved in the game. Lots of main characters are missing as well. They did this for a while with Andy, didn't include him in a few games, just to keep the storyline alive and well. Andy's subordinate and friend from Garou: Mark of the Wolves was seriously injured and Andy wanted to train himself and his student more. That's the cool thing about Andy, he's very into bettering himself and his fighting skills. He is known to seclude himself and envelope himself into training. Not even his wife Mai knew where he went!
I thought for the story, Ash is the main nemesis in the game and Iori/Kyo are once again the protagonists. Iori has lost his powers and is searching for Ash and the mirror. Kyo and Iori both realize that they can't fight each other with all this shit going on... for now. Their undying rivalry will be settled another day.
I don't care if Iori had no powers, he's fucking badass anyway. Just look how he tools on Soiree.
The best is around 1:40 when Iori mutters, "Annoying Fly", as he grasps his hand up to muster the Yagami power, only to realize once again he had lost it.
I always thought this was the Ash arc storyline, from the King of Fighters: Another Day Anime short.
Hence why the whole "NEST" team (K', whip, maxima) isn't involved in the game. Lots of main characters are missing as well. They did this for a while with Andy, didn't include him in a few games, just to keep the storyline alive and well. Andy's subordinate and friend from Garou: Mark of the Wolves was seriously injured and Andy wanted to train himself and his student more. That's the cool thing about Andy, he's very into bettering himself and his fighting skills. He is known to seclude himself and envelope himself into training. Not even his wife Mai knew where he went!
I thought for the story, Ash is the main nemesis in the game and Iori/Kyo are once again the protagonists. Iori has lost his powers and is searching for Ash and the mirror. Kyo and Iori both realize that they can't fight each other with all this shit going on... for now. Their undying rivalry will be settled another day.
I don't care if Iori had no powers, he's fucking badass anyway. Just look how he tools on Soiree.
The best is around 1:40 when Iori mutters, "Annoying Fly", as he grasps his hand up to muster the Yagami power, only to realize once again he had lost it.
I was hoping someone else would explain this because its confusing as hell, but I guess I'll do it.
*deep breath*
Another Day basically didn't happen. Another Day links the two KOF timelines together. That is, the main timeline ('94-XI, excluding '98 and '02) and the Maximum Impact timeline. Maximum Impact exists outside the main KOF storyline. Kinda like a "What If" alternate dimension... thing. (I told you it was confusing.) Another Day takes place in the Maximum Impact universe (hence Soiree and Alba being present) but uses the KOF XI story as a "this also happened" backdrop (hence Iori not having powers and Ash being present) .
*another deep breath*
KOF XII takes place outside of all of this. Much like '98 and '02 being it KOF XII is a "Dream Match." It has no place in the story. None. HOWEVER, it does take into account the loss of Iori's powers and blah blah blah blah blah...
I love fighting games but I don't even try and pretend that there is some sort of real back story. Sometimes kicking ass is good enough for its own sake.
Let's pretend I'm gonna buy a ps3 OR 360 for this game. Which should I get?
Also, what is the current "best" fighting stick currently available?
Side note: Those who have the MadCatz TE stick, how is it holding up?
Hiryu02 on
Sev: Your gameplay is the most heavily yomi based around. Usually you look for characters that allow you to force guessing situations for big dmg. Even if the guess is mathematically nowhere near in your favor lol. You're happiest when you have either a 50/50, 33/33/33 or even a 75/25 situation to go crazy with. And you will take big risks to force those situations to come up.
The MadCatz TE stick is "the best" as far as premade store bought sticks go. Mine (that I gave to my friend as a going away present) has held up very well so far.
As for which version: whatever you have a stick for / prefer. PS3 has an exclusive online mode, 3v3 Clan Matches, but I get all my multiplat / online stuff on 360 because I've had bad experiences with PSN.
As the Figster wrote, Another Day was just a promo for KOF:MI2/06 and has nothing to do with either, really. Iori hadn't even lost his powers when it came out, since he loses them at the end of XI and has them in MI anyway, since it's a different timeline.
And last I checked, Andy did all his training because he still wants to kick Terry's ass. But I guess it doesn't really matter either way.
As the Figster wrote, Another Day was just a promo for KOF:MI2/06 and has nothing to do with either, really. Iori hadn't even lost his powers when it came out, since he loses them at the end of XI and has them in MI anyway, since it's a different timeline.
And last I checked, Andy did all his training because he still wants to kick Terry's ass. But I guess it doesn't really matter either way.
Oh no that's what I meant by training. His student was injured and he was going to train anyway, so he decided kill 2 birds with 1 stone. He had always had a friendly rivalry with his bro Terry.
All in all, he wanted to become stronger overall, if not mostly for his brother and in part with his subordinate.
They have a very different flow than the Arcade Infinity matches that have been uploaded so far. The players are much more cautious, and rely more on basic attack strings than on special moves. They're loads of fun (for me) to watch. Here's a personal favorite:
Yeah... because of how spotty Garou's netcode was, even though I was really looking forward to playing kof 98 UM online, I'm going to pass. It's too bad really...
I'm really hoping the netcode for XII is good.. like better than SF4.. please say it is.. Also.. anyone know if terry still has his buster wolf move? I really wished they would have used the garou costume like they did in 03..
I've got hopes that since KoFXII is a full retail offering, the netcode will be substantially better than their xbla outings. I suspect the release delay has something to do with that. BlazBlue also apparently has fantastic netcode, so it'd be suicide for them to try to release their flagship title so close to a direct competitor without having a comparable or better online experience.
I've got hopes that since KoFXII is a full retail offering, the netcode will be substantially better than their xbla outings. I suspect the release delay has something to do with that. BlazBlue also apparently has fantastic netcode, so it'd be suicide for them to try to release their flagship title so close to a direct competitor without having a comparable or better online experience.
I truly hope so. SNK isn't exactly known for polish or extras on their console releases
They are going to be fighting an uphill battle against the large number of fighters being released recently. This needs to be as solid as possible.
edit: Looks like early reports of KoF 98 is that the netcode is bad. Sorry SNK, I already own KoF on other systems, no more money from me.
I've got hopes that since KoFXII is a full retail offering, the netcode will be substantially better than their xbla outings. I suspect the release delay has something to do with that. BlazBlue also apparently has fantastic netcode, so it'd be suicide for them to try to release their flagship title so close to a direct competitor without having a comparable or better online experience.
I truly hope so. SNK isn't exactly known for polish or extras on their console releases
They are going to be fighting an uphill battle against the large number of fighters being released recently. This needs to be as solid as possible.
edit: Looks like early reports of KoF 98 is that the netcode is bad. Sorry SNK, I already own KoF on other systems, no more money from me.
KOF XI had a shit ton of console extras though. So there is hope.
I've got hopes that since KoFXII is a full retail offering, the netcode will be substantially better than their xbla outings. I suspect the release delay has something to do with that. BlazBlue also apparently has fantastic netcode, so it'd be a fucking terrible business decision for them to try to release their flagship title so close to a direct competitor without having a comparable or better online experience.
Ugh, the net code in those 2 xbl releases has got me worried
I wish they would announce something in regards to the quality of XII's code vs 98 and motw.
No middleware for the online code. [It] has been written from the ground up by SNK using new tech that they've been working on. (that is a good thing,
ggpo isn't the only thing that can have strong netcode.)
"I'm fairly sure that it's going to be pretty robust. It's gonna be really smooth gameplay. We're doing a lot of testing on it, worldwide actually, from Japan to America, America to Japan - America, Japan, and Europe - triangulating with each other, [getting] the online code as clean as possible."
No middleware for the online code. [It] has been written from the ground up by SNK using new tech that they've been working on. (that is a good thing,
ggpo isn't the only thing that can have strong netcode.)
"I'm fairly sure that it's going to be pretty robust. It's gonna be really smooth gameplay. We're doing a lot of testing on it, worldwide actually, from Japan to America, America to Japan - America, Japan, and Europe - triangulating with each other, [getting] the online code as clean as possible."
Well, XII is being built from the ground up with online in mind, the '98 release wasn't, really. I'm hoping to hell that 2k2 gets a proper treatment, though.
That said, I really hope everyone who decides to play this game actually finds local competition. Online is fine, but fighting games wont last like that, not competitively, and there's just no substitute for offline play. No matter what.
True. But the guys who play SFIV, KOF and BlazBlue in my area are the same guys you see in the Arcade Infinity videos. In other words, way fucking better than me.
Posts
True, and I never said I agreed with it, but that's the way it is for many gaming publications. And it makes sense in a way. But it's also the reason I don't read reviews anymore.
Play the game, make your own decision. I highly doubt that King of Fighter XII will be a 6.5 to me, but if you took a general survey of OXM readers I don't think 6.5 would be far off.
I think the reviews should be numberless, and the content of the review should give you an impression of the game, with a super vague rating system like "Must have" or "Total crap" with a couple vague descriptors in between.
I can get behind what you're saying in your first paragraph, about having to dumb down your style of play when you're the most experienced player in a room for a particular fighting game. God, I hated playing against my cousins who would visit who enjoy fighting games because it's the masculine game (out of the fuckton of RPGs and Strat/Sims I have) and having to tone down my game so as to keep them around, or I'd look like a dick (and get scolded by my folks) for not letting my cousins play.
Anyway, I see your point about mag reviews having to appeal to the average gamer, but I think reviewers (good reviewers) can still give a game the score it deserves without giving some of their "advanced" features a negative connotation.
To stay on topic, "busy backgrounds" - seriously? Seriously. You're going to cite that as one of the drawbacks of this game because it draws your attention away from the other beautifully rendered characters and action happening? If you can't keep your focus on tracking your opponents' movements and launching combos and counter attacks against them because you suffer from Oooh, shiny syndrome, then you should not be reviewing this game in the first place, let alone playing it. Game mags will be picked up by casual, average and hardcore gamers alike and you can't thrash a game because it appeals to one of your (smaller) readerships. "This game is too hardcore for the average gamer who's never played fighting games before" is not a reason to give it a low score. If anything, it's your caveat emptor disclaimer, which is an important point to make for a good, solid review to be understood by all types of gamers reading it.
Steam: TheArcadeBear
That's no problem. Give me onnnnnne second.
Lowered the quality some. Should fit.
Edit: wow that looks bad side by side.
I was trying not to come out and say this, but I guess I should clarify that I don't think all print magazines do this. Its just, well... I guess I'll say it:
Its OXM.
I'm not a fan. They're one of the magazines that seems to do the whole "review for the readers not the game" thing along with GI and a few others.
Here's a snipit of OXM's Review Scores Explained
What's that? Fantastic A-List game? But... oh, it has niche appeal... can't be a 9 then... 8 it is!
EDIT: Also, I did not add that typo. http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/review-scores-explained
There. Do you feel better now that you've said it?
Steam: TheArcadeBear
Not the best TOTP post, I admit.
Those are horrifically not even CLOSE to the best fighting games. Sure they might be great games, but the best fighting games? I think you need to go have your Nintendo fix, Wii sports is calling.
I could have my 7 yr old cousin kick your ass at Melee, what does that say?
You could have a 7 year old kick someone's ass in a lot of fighting games.
Now, I'm not a pro in any fighting game, but I known some people who do the whole competitive smash thing, and hearing them talk about all the game within the game thing about that game convinces me that it takes skill to play at a higher level, just like any other fighting game.
Not saying it's the greatest fighting game ever, but dismissing it entirely is a diservice to it's community.
I don't think he's serious. I take it as he's making fun of them rating an inferior game (Smash), higher then a much better fighting game (KOF)
Hence why the whole "NEST" team (K', whip, maxima) isn't involved in the game. Lots of main characters are missing as well. They did this for a while with Andy, didn't include him in a few games, just to keep the storyline alive and well. Andy's subordinate and friend from Garou: Mark of the Wolves was seriously injured and Andy wanted to train himself and his student more. That's the cool thing about Andy, he's very into bettering himself and his fighting skills. He is known to seclude himself and envelope himself into training. Not even his wife Mai knew where he went!
I thought for the story, Ash is the main nemesis in the game and Iori/Kyo are once again the protagonists. Iori has lost his powers and is searching for Ash and the mirror. Kyo and Iori both realize that they can't fight each other with all this shit going on... for now. Their undying rivalry will be settled another day.
I don't care if Iori had no powers, he's fucking badass anyway. Just look how he tools on Soiree.
The best is around 1:40 when Iori mutters, "Annoying Fly", as he grasps his hand up to muster the Yagami power, only to realize once again he had lost it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mge81quK1s
I was hoping someone else would explain this because its confusing as hell, but I guess I'll do it.
*deep breath*
Another Day basically didn't happen. Another Day links the two KOF timelines together. That is, the main timeline ('94-XI, excluding '98 and '02) and the Maximum Impact timeline. Maximum Impact exists outside the main KOF storyline. Kinda like a "What If" alternate dimension... thing. (I told you it was confusing.) Another Day takes place in the Maximum Impact universe (hence Soiree and Alba being present) but uses the KOF XI story as a "this also happened" backdrop (hence Iori not having powers and Ash being present) .
*another deep breath*
KOF XII takes place outside of all of this. Much like '98 and '02 being it KOF XII is a "Dream Match." It has no place in the story. None. HOWEVER, it does take into account the loss of Iori's powers and blah blah blah blah blah...
Its KOF folks. That's all I've gotta say.
Let's pretend I'm gonna buy a ps3 OR 360 for this game. Which should I get?
Also, what is the current "best" fighting stick currently available?
Side note: Those who have the MadCatz TE stick, how is it holding up?
As for which version: whatever you have a stick for / prefer. PS3 has an exclusive online mode, 3v3 Clan Matches, but I get all my multiplat / online stuff on 360 because I've had bad experiences with PSN.
As the Figster wrote, Another Day was just a promo for KOF:MI2/06 and has nothing to do with either, really. Iori hadn't even lost his powers when it came out, since he loses them at the end of XI and has them in MI anyway, since it's a different timeline.
And last I checked, Andy did all his training because he still wants to kick Terry's ass. But I guess it doesn't really matter either way.
Anyone want to beta read a paranormal mystery novella? Here's your chance.
stream
All in all, he wanted to become stronger overall, if not mostly for his brother and in part with his subordinate.
(I wish I still had my 360.
Also, tons of Japanese match videos for XII uploaded here:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DandyDLC&view=videos
They have a very different flow than the Arcade Infinity matches that have been uploaded so far. The players are much more cautious, and rely more on basic attack strings than on special moves. They're loads of fun (for me) to watch. Here's a personal favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpGunzsGlwc
edit: and I should be their target market.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye3KVgI1LvU
I truly hope so. SNK isn't exactly known for polish or extras on their console releases
They are going to be fighting an uphill battle against the large number of fighters being released recently. This needs to be as solid as possible.
edit: Looks like early reports of KoF 98 is that the netcode is bad. Sorry SNK, I already own KoF on other systems, no more money from me.
KOF XI had a shit ton of console extras though. So there is hope.
"SNK" and "suicide" should not be put in the same sentence.
Anyone want to beta read a paranormal mystery novella? Here's your chance.
stream
Better? :P
I wish they would announce something in regards to the quality of XII's code vs 98 and motw.
I have some bad news for you.... it was pushed back to July 28th.
edit:
HOPE!
yay.
edit: ugh, terrible totp
Ah really? ouch.. oh well.. it just means I'll get more shit done till then haha
That said, I really hope everyone who decides to play this game actually finds local competition. Online is fine, but fighting games wont last like that, not competitively, and there's just no substitute for offline play. No matter what.
Anyone want to beta read a paranormal mystery novella? Here's your chance.
stream
Anyone want to beta read a paranormal mystery novella? Here's your chance.
stream
That's true, to an extent. You need to find someone better but not so good that he basically controls the whole match forever.