Modern port of a fighting game classic
KOF 2002 ACA NEOGEO is the delightful revival of a classic fighting game, rolled out in 2018, making a comeback on modern devices. The underlying foundation of this game rests on its predecessor, The King of Fighters 2002, which enjoyed immense popularity in the arcade realm.
Still, this KOF 2002 ACA NEOGEO release does little to resolve some of the issues inherent in the original King of Fighters game, such as the difficulty and complex combo sequences. Other titles in the ACA NEOGEO series include ACA NEOGEO RAGNAGARD and SENGOKU 2 ACA NEOGEO
Relive the ultimate battle
As mentioned, KOF 2002 ACA NEOGEO is a modern mobile port of The King of Fighters 2002: Challenge to Ultimate Battle, or simply KOF 2002. In this arcade classic, you assemble your team of three fighters and try to survive until the final stage. This iteration of the classic KOF franchise also introduces the MAX Activation System, which increases the strength and defense of the character for some time.
This ACA NEOGEO entry also retains the graphics of the original. Expect that retro feel, although the audio files are definitely remastered to sound clearer and crisper. This version also adds minor quality-of-life changes, such as Quick Save and Load States that lets you pick off at any point in the game. Lastly, the online ranking modes allow you to check your skills against other players.
While the port is a near-perfect translation of the original, the core issue with the original game still remains. Like most games in the King of Fighters series, this has a steep learning curve. Some moves can be pretty challenging to put in. With an established fanbase, expect online matchmaking to be extremely punishing for casual players. Despite these challenges, the game is generally balanced and simply requires skill.
Enjoy classic 3-on-3 matchups
Overall, KOF 2002 ACA NEOGEO offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience to those who are fond of the series. The flexible graphics, improved audio, and minor quality-of-life improvements all make it playable for younger people with modern sensibilities. However, it’s worth noting that the accessibility ends here. It carries the trademark KOF learning curve so expect some of the experienced players to be in its lobby.
