The only easily
noticeable tweak is the advantage system, giving losing players a small strength boost for
the next round. It doesn't seem to make a major difference, so die-hards who feel this is
for newcomers have little to complain about. There are still two choices for power meters
(advanced/extra), and plenty of characters around.As is the norm, the bosses from the previous year are now playable. The Orochi team is brutal, though nowhere near what they were. The USA squad is back (including Heavy D), redrawn and animated. That doesn't go much further, as the sprites remain the same otherwise. There are a few more animations between characters before the fights, and that does little else other than put a smirk on player's faces if they know the story.
There are few balance
problems, though the new version of Rugal that presides over this tournament is
ridiculous. There's little the almost defenseless gamer can do other than get lucky. Even
on the easiest setting, he's one move ahead, predicting anything thrown at him.The fight happens in front of a great backdrop, as does most of this installment. The stage under a tunnel, complete with moving traffic, is incredible. It remains one of the best in the series, even if it makes no sense logically. The re-done USA stage now features characters that have been seemingly forgotten, including Duck King (Fatal Fury) and Todo (Art of Fighting).
Those lost souls must have brought a mix tape, since the music tracks are recycled. There are new ones of course, but besides some minor tweaks, some of these themes were four years old. There's little excuse for that, and any advantages over the '97 edition are compromised by the material we've already been exposed to.
That makes this an easily skipped entry. However, like the Madden series, it still plays great, regardless of new additions. The engine is still strong, and the appeal of the hardware is always here. Considering the cost of these carts, it's best to just go right for King of Fighters '99, with the game changing Striker system.
