SNK’s trios fighter series makes its big return on the PlayStation 4.

Do Kyo’s flames make this well done or burnt beyond recognition?

And so,King of Fighters 94was created.

King of Fighterswas like theMaddenof fighting games.

For a time, they came out annually with just enough changes to keep peoples interest.

At the same time, a couple of 3D-style spinoffs calledKing of Fighters: Maximum Impactwere released for consoles.

Rather than build on another sequel with the same look, SNK instead went quiet for a while.

ThenKing of Fighters XIVwas announced in September 2015 to…well, mostly laughter.

Many even made comparisons to how close it looked to the decade-oldMaximum Impactgames.

ConsideringStreet Fighter Vwas on the cusp of release, the comparison didnt do them any favors.

At the very least, the feel of schadenfreude died down.

One thing that couldnt be looked down upon was the massive roster.

There are plenty of returning names mixed with a whole bevy of new characters mixed in.

coming from the past or a world where people live in the sky).

The absolute best character in the game is Antonov, the games penultimate boss and tournament host.

Usually, King of Fighters is a front for some megalomaniac out to rule or enslave the world.

Antonov is no villain.

Instead of M. Bison, his personality is a lot more comparable toBrave and the BoldAquaman.

He rules so much.

WhileKing of Fighters gameplay has changed over the years (four-on-four, tag-based, etc.

),King of Fighters XIVgoes with the more iconic approach.

Its three-on-three and order-based.

Still, there are some minor changes.

Each player starts with the ability to build up to three bars for supers and such.

You have some options with your super bar.

Theres an arcade mode, telling the story of Antonovs tournament and the hidden threat lurking in the background.

Oh, quick tangent.

The two bosses are unlocked after the first time you finish the game.

(SNK used to make the end bosses unfairly difficult.)

This is the most refreshing thing.

(Screw you, Goenitz.)

Anyway, back to arcade mode.

Each team and the two bosses have their own 2D endings which are for the most part great.

Definitely play through as Team Mexico for a good laugh.

Theres also a gallery thats fun for longtime fans.

While the soundtrack is great as is, there are some Easter egg tracks mixed in there.

Like if Terry Bogard fights his rival Geese Howard, Geeses boss theme kicks in.

If Kim Kaphwan meets up with his former teammates Chang and Choi, theirKing of Fighters 96theme starts playing.

Some characters look fine.

Then again,XIIandXIIIaside, its pretty much on-brand forKing of Fightersgraphics to look dated.

What is important about the graphics is that they simply incorporated it into the style of old.

This isnt likeMaximum Impact,Street Fighter EX, orMortal Kombat 4.

And thats ultimately whatKing of Fighters XIVis.

Its a much-needed return to form in a new package, even if that package is wrapped in newspaper.

One of the best things is that its the first step in this 3D series.

Rating:

4 out of 5