Like the Street Fighter EX series, King of Fighters: Maximum Impact takes a classic two-dimensional fighting series and flings it haphazardly into the third dimension. Fortunately, this one is a lot more enjoyable the EX series and is a pretty fun game in its own right. Typically, I’m not a big fan of classic 2D franchises moving into 3D, but SNK’s moderate success with this one proves that it can be done. Maximum Impact is a fine game, although it’s not quite on the same level as the originals.

While the game is fully rendered in 3D, the fighting action is still basically confined to two dimensions. Fighters mostly just move left and right, as if it was a regular KoF game. There is a quick side-step move, which is useful for dodging oncoming attacks. Other than that, though, the game plays in two dimensions, which is perhaps for the better. This way it doesn’t stray too far from its roots. Fans of the original games will be able to jump right in, executing special and super moves without any trouble.

Even KoF newbies will be able to pull off some powerful combos with some button mashing. Maximum Impact is accessible to new players, while still offering a little depth for advanced players. I was initially a little annoyed by the relative lack of depth, but in the end, this accessibility works to its favor. Any of your buddies can grab a controller and put up a decent fight without a great deal of practice. The fighting action here is extremely fast paced, and while it may not be all that deep, it is a lot of fun.

The cast of characters isn’t quite as large as the average 2D fighter, but there’s about 20 pugilists to choose from, and each one handles differently enough. All the classic characters have made the transition to 3D intact, and it’s a treat to see some of my favorite characters fully rendered for the first time. Each has both a classic outfit and a new redesigned one. Most of the alternate costumes look great, although some of them don’t seem to quite fit the character. Some of the fighters are more than a little unbalanced, which is a shame, but the cast is pretty well rounded for the most part. I can’t say I’m too crazy about the new characters, though. Some of them just don’t feel like they belong.

There aren’t a whole lot of extra modes in this one. Story is your basic “fight a bunch of characters and then a boss” deal, without much of a story at all. In typical SNK style, the final boss is maddeningly unfair. I realize it’s tradition at this point, but it’s one I wouldn’t mind see put to rest. Versus should be self explanatory. Mission mode is an attempt to give solo players something to do, and it works for a while. These are a series of special condition fights, some of which get very difficult. Sometimes you’ll have to defeat the enemy without blocking, or without using special moves. These are fun while they last, and serve as a means to unlock some of the game’s hidden content – mostly alternate costume colors. Online play, something that could’ve given the game some serious staying power, is noticeably absent.

Maximum Impact’s visuals are hit and miss. The environments are bland and devoid of life. Most special moves don’t look too spectacular, but can still cause some brief slowdown. The saving grace here is the characters, whose animations mimic their 2D cousins with surprising accuracy. The audio is a nightmare, with an English dub that will make your ears bleed. An option to turn on the original Japanese voices would have been much appreciated. The music has a few acceptable tunes, but it’s all very forgettable.



Article By: Joe Mackie