Fighting Games Make a Triumphant Return This Fall

(And I couldn’t be happier about it)

norm@904skate.com

So the media is abuzz with all of the new fangled gaming machines and the herds of software titles bombarding retailers this holiday season, and for good reason. These next gen systems really do have a lot going for them, in many different ways. However, the fighting games of yesteryear are creeping out from these next-gen cracks, and finding their way onto modern current-gen consoles with a growing amount of fanfare. Those not familiar with the genre are quick to write these games off, but make no mistake- 2006 will be the year fighting games made a comeback, and this time around, you don’t have to deal with tokens and over-used, under-repaired arcade machines.

King of Fighters 2006

Playstation 2

King of Fighters 2006 is the much-improved sequel to last year’s KOF: Maximum Impact. Unfortunately this game hasn’t received much publicity, and it’s too bad. KOF 06 is probably one of the most balanced, well paced 3D fighters out now, with 2D style gameplay that works well in 3D environments. Added to the game from last year, there are parries, safe moves, and a great selection of bonus minigames and hidden characters. With easy to pick up and fun to master gameplay, this is my choice for new fighting game of the year.

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

On Ps2, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii

MK: Armageddon is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have broken, crippled gameplay and weird-looking graphics and animation. The fighting action is full of glitches and unbalanced characters, meaning whoever picks the strongest character usually will win. The game adds ‘combo breaker’ moves to limit your opponent’s use of combos, and you can use these 3 times in a match. You can also make use of the new Parry system, which can work to your advantage as well. Even so, competitive play can get a little unbalanced once you know your stuff. HOWEVER, this game does have some very redeeming aspects to it. I’m not talking about the ‘korny’ Konquest mode, or the forgettable ‘Motor Kombat mode-I’m talking about Kreate-a-Karacter.

MK:A has an awesome character creation mode. In addition to creating almost an entire cast of Street fighter characters and my favorite action movie characters, I can create a playable version of He-Man and Skeletor. And that is the reason you should buy this game-He-Man and Skeletor. (Maybe some X-men, too.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

On Xbox Live Arcade

Yep, we have another entry to the Xbox Live Arcade fighting game lineup, and that is the arcade-perfect port of UMK 3. Long gone are the days of camping out at Kona Skatepark in Arlington, playing UMK 3 in the clubhouse while wearing my stinky elbow pads, knee pads and helmet. With this version, I don’t have to worry about some wobbly-footed rollerblader on the player-2 side bumping into me messing up my killer combos. Nope, it’s all Live, and its all gravy. UMK 3 on Xbox live is all about nostalgia, and its great. My only regret is the lack of a button-mapping feature, because my DOA 4 arcade stick would be perfect for this game.