Rev12-3-10#2

Posted by Jacob H. on 4th Dec 2010

KoF XI still retains the tag battle feature introduced in KoF 2003; so matches are still fast paced but now tagging in and out is not as constricting as it was in KoF 2003, since you can tag out anytime and even immediately after the new fighter comes in. A new feature in the game is that you can even tag out the moment you're hit (Saving Shift) or during a combo (Quick Shift) to extend the combo. The all new skill gauge dictates Super Cancels, Dream Cancels, Quick Shift and Saving Shift etc. A fifth button has been added which is the "Blown Off" Attack, which basically is the CD/Hard Attack/Blowback Attack in previous KoF games, it is also the button to push when you're using Leader Desperation Moves. A stun meter is now added so that you can keep track when the active character is about to be dizzied. Although there's no Guard Crush meter, the lifebar will blink to indicate that a Guard Crush is imminent. Regarding timeouts, the team with the most health won't necessarily win the match. There's a Judgment Counter which points to the team which is actually doing better offensively, defensively and how many team members are left. So, whichever team it's pointed once time expires, that team wins, regardless of the health. All in all, with running, quick jumps, rolls, fallbreaker rolls, Guard Cancel Roll, Guard Cancel Counter Attack still present, and add to that the new features, make this a solid KoF game.

The large roster provides a lot of team variations. The Challenge Mode included is 40 stages of fighting under different conditions which will unlock the hidden characters. The gameplay rewards skilled players who utilize Quick Shift for flashier and damaging combos.