King of Fighters '96 (Neo Geo)
Okay, let me start by telling you this is one of my personal favorites this is the third installment of the KOF series, while many argue which is best I like them all regardless. OK! KOF 96' in my opinion was the pinnacle of the series in that year and I liked the character lineup the best, this game got me into KOF and it should do it for you too.

FIRST lets talk gameplay, the characters are greatly balanced in 96,the engine feels more solid than 95 I liked the roll in and roll out system, a good way to avoid an oncoming attack, and a better way to set up for a counter. As far as character animation goes this game delivers.

SOUND- One of the many kill scenarios on the Neo but not in 96 NO WAY the sound is darn good you'll know when you get to Iori's stage but I wont spoil it for newcomers, all around this game has cool jazzy tunes from drums, and opera music ......Did I leave out cool electric guitar... It's THERE TO!

REPLAYABILITY- Here is what will make or break a review (keep in mind that this game was released in 1996) as far as replay goes this is a good title, because you cant stop coming back for more (I SEVERELY RECOMMEND PLAYING ON EXPERT FOR NEWCOMERS SO YOU CAN ENJOY IT FULLY)

LINEUP- This is the good part,....27 characters all with unique moves no palette swaps here! This game delivers, typical Neo:)

Gameplay- 9.0 I loved the previous KOF's and this is no different, the gameplay has a rock solid feel to it and it responds great, attacks are fluid. My only gripe is the tiny slow down I.E. when Krauser throws a blitz ball......

Difficulty-10 Some have complained that KOF is too hard, well this series was not meant to be child's play if you got the skills put it on 8-EXPERT! The reason being KOF invites all areas of gamers.

Graphics- 9.5 The Neo delivered characters that had never looked so damn cool, (well in 96' anyway). Animation is great, backgrounds look real clean and are in that emotional Neo-style we all love.

Sound-10 From the jazzy Iori them to Krauser's operatic theme, this has some great music

Originality 7.0 Hmmm, well to be honest this category sucks but I think the originality has no use anyway just don't wanna hold anything back anything.

Story- 9.0 Great story with perquisites to the previous KOF's Goenitz and Kagura make an appearance to open the Orochi story line up!
What's new?????? Well characters, more solid gameplay, and a whole new line of stuff to master such as roll in roll out and counter arts but that all depends on your skill!

OVER ALL 9.75 Great, another Neo title you cant live without. A great game for all walks of fighter fans AS LONG AS THE NEO FANS ARE ALIVE THE NEO IS AS WELL, thanks for reading!

-LWK-