Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment THE KING OF FIGHTERS fans have been waiting for… IIIIIIT’S TIMEEEEEEE! THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV, the newest entry of SNK’s illustrious team fighting game series, is now available for PS4 in the Americas!
KOF XIV is an evolution of the series because it introduces series-first 3D graphics and numerous improvements to the fighting gameplay. With 50 characters (all available at launch), streamlined controls, updated Combo/Max Mode mechanics, a robust single-player storyline, vastly improved netcode, new multiplayer features such as “Party Battle,” and more, the developers at SNK pulled out all the stops to make the game the start of a new era for the series. Seriously. KOF XIV producer Yasuyuki Oda was able to shed some insight on the development process that we’ve summarized below.
After focusing on Pachinko-slot machines and mobile apps for a few years, former SNK chairman Mr. Kawasaki decided to revive its internal console game development. He asked lead artist Eisuke Ogura to reunite some former SNK devs to work with new staff in order to resurrect this flagship title. After everything was said and done, development of THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV officially started in April 2014. Besides all of the precise gameplay refinements, the biggest change that Oda-san enjoys the most in this installment is the high number of new characters. The team was heavily inspired by regions such as Mexico, South America, and China (where KOF has a large steady following), and the new characters certainly show it. The devs even made sure to pay tribute to SNK’s popular Japanese Pachi-Slot characters in the lineup! SNK came together and worked very hard to create a KOF installment that appeals to both hardcore fans/newcomers alike, and in the words of Oda-san himself, “I hope you, your friends, and all your rival players truly have a blast playing KOF XIV. READY… GO!”
The game is now available on PS4 for $59.99/CA$79.99 in the Americas. Pre-orders and a limited number of launch editions will arrive in this special SteelBook® case. Plus, for the week following launch, the Classic Kyo costume DLC will be free to all players!
The King of Fighters XIV “Burn to Fight” Premium Edition includes the following for $79.99/CA$99.99:
•SteelBook® – The game disc will be encased in a collectible SteelBook® emblazoned with the series’ fiery mainstay, Kyo Kusanagi, literally burning to fight.
•Art book – This 144-page art book will be filled with original character/stage drawings from throughout the series.
•3-Disc Soundtrack – Those looking for an audio fix will be able to enjoy a three-disc soundtrack (housed in a gorgeous Mai Shiranui illustrated case) comprised of 60+ electric songs worthy of the greatest fighting tournament in the world.
•Collector’s Box – All the above items will be packaged in a scorching box adorned with familiar characters.