From Arcades To PlayStation 2 Back To Japanese Arcades

THIS IS A TROLL TITLE: Just because arcades are almost entirely suffocated in the U.S. dones't mean they aren't alive n breathing in Japan (they are).

asdf4321

yes but its not appear

ladyx

Ummm...I know for a fact that this was running at Try Tower in Akiba last weekend.

Wiegraf_Folles

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: 2002UM is much much better than 2002 from what I hear though. Plus, Jhun Hoon and May Lee in the same game! Must buy.

@Esper mind tricks: Such a thing. Is true.

So... no US Unlimited Match? So lucky to get this game for free then.

@PhoenixAzure: I haven't come across any of this "spotty netcode" and I have both Garou and KOF 98 on XBLA. They both run uber-smooth online.

@gold163: I don't see why they wouldn't release it, seeing how many of the SNK titles have been coming out on PS2 at budget price.

God damm it. I wish it would come to the PSN as well.

CHEEZCOLA

If only SNK would fix the damn netcode for KOF98UM for XBL. That shit is basically unplayable online.

@Evdor: I like to call that Game Works. You should check it out. It's an arcade that's meant to be an arcade.

hanulbada

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: 2002 is considered along with 98 to be one of the best in the series, actually.

So glad the mall a mile up the road from my house has a sweet arcade. Tons of fighters, a bunch of sit-down linked up racing games, and a handful of retros. It's full of win.

Melbourne, Australia. We have on par arcades with locals in Japan. Always got the latest releases within days and a good strong community. Tuesdays 1/2 at Timeout :D

Nick Dzian

@gold163: Yeah, games be expensive in the states. I played a few rounds of the latest House of the Dead at Dave N Busters, simply because I already bought a 20 dollar game card and it was the only game there I hadn't played yet. (Pretend this is a line break) After playing, I did the math and realized that DNB was charging $1.25 per game. Wowsers.

@Evdor: Agreed. Some of the bigger arcades here in Japan also have asshole managers who basically don't care about anything except raking in money. They charge 200 yen per game instead of the usual 100 yen, and will set music games to 3 songs instead of 4, etc etc. (supposed to be a paragraph insert here) That's why I go to the smaller arcades. There may not be as many games, but all the players seem like family, they're buddies with the employees, and it's just a great overall feeling. I love going into my usual arcade at pretty much any time on any day, and knowing at least one person there I can chill and play games with.

landonkun

Why do all these games keep going to XBLA, but not PSN? I'd be all over this...I mean right now I've got BlazBlue, but in a few months.

Danved

Looks great. The best KOF remake. Wish it was with better sprites.. something like Capcom VS SNK2

Ilian Zapryanov

@Curse_Lily: sigh Mature, having to change her unmentionables after every victory...

WFROSE

@gold163: Well this game has been announced for XBLA so the U.S. might get it eventually, abeit with spotty netcode however =\

@ShadowOdin are you European?: I ask this.

Esper mind tricks

I must be the only one that's going o_O at the fact that JANNE FROM WORLD HEROES is in the background!

@stoneteen: Why?
Do you know a house in New Orleans?
Has it been the ruin of many a poor boy?

Esper mind tricks

@gold163: I do, I just wish Sega would release Shining Force 3 Scenario 1-3 on it and PSN soon... T_T

SuprShin

@Curse_Lily: I saw the real naughty parts. Like when you pretended to call in sick. Or when you *whispers* played the Wii.

@stalin23: You said it. Arcades these days are expensive, at least in the States, for a bevy of reasons, including the availability of perfect (for all intentions and purposes anyway) ports on home consoles, the high maintenance cost of arcade machines (no thanks to rotten people who love breaking the damned return coin slot on your favorite cabinets), and (I'd say) especially the idea that spending time and money in an arcade is antisocial and wasteful. I really see it as the other way around; arcades can be much more of a social gathering place than many people give them credit for. People complain about their kids being shut indoors, by themselves, playing all those damned TV games all the time, but what so many of them don't realize is that it wasn't really supposed to be like that, and it's a real damned shame. As for DDR being less than half a quarter in your country?? You'd be hard-pressed to find places in the United States that don't ONLY have rhythm and light gun games. Even then, those are so expensive. It really sucks.

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: I dunno...I always thought 2002 was the best one they made (barring maybe 11). It got rid of the terrible striker system, brought back Vice and Mature, (along with a lot of other dead characters), and brought them in to fight alongside all the new Nests guys. On top of that, the PS2 port (and I *think* the original arcade version) had much more forgiving input reading, which made it much more playable without a stick.

verrius

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: 2002 was pretty underwhelming, seeing as it was made by Eolith, and inexperienced game developer. 2003, on the other hand, was a step in the right direction, and was the point when Eolith was no longer involved in the KOF franchise. It lacked polish, but it was a fresh new take on the series - I think it was a very needed entry in the KOF series. It may be 2001 and 2002 that you are thinking of. Both were by Eolith, and both were subpar compared to the rest of the KOF series.

@Evdor: The fundamental problem with the industry in this country was manufacturers made games which cost more and more yet earned less and less. That was not a sustainable path for any of the parties involved. The coin-op industry is really a giant food chain. Ritzy arcades would buy brand new games, keep them a few weeks - by which time they'd paid for themselves - and then sell them to somewhere slightly less prestigious. After maybe half a dozen iterations of this the games were battle-scarred and living in 7-11s and burger joints. It didn't matter if they only made $30 a week there because they only cost the operator $300. As the number of weeks to pay for themselves grew and grew the games clogged up this food chain until distributors had warehouses full of games and even the big, flashy arcades had games which were wearing out their welcome. This made the business too risky for the return, especially as home consoles became bigger and bigger competitors and so investors switched to other things. If someone improves the value proposition that'd be a good start. Also, make the arcade more valuable in other ways; Wifi, TCG tournaments, cafe, product demos and whatever else. If it's a nice place to interact with people in a civilised manner, it would be much more appealing. uWink looked like it wanted to go that route, but their platform is terrible, just embarassingly bad, and their food is pretty mediocre given the price. So there you have it, more backstory and business analysis than you probably wanted to know, but with a note of hopeful expectation...

grahamwest

I'm still a bit disappointed that they probably won't be bringing over 2002 UM on PS2 to the States, but I can get my hands on 98 UM, and I suppose that's more than I could ask for. I hope you all realize what a blessing XBLA is. :/

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: 2002 is considered one of the best.

@stalin23: So is Breaker's Revenge, and that game is booty brown.

@(Zombie) Goldwings: NO TEAM USA! NO!!!

stalin23

@gold163: WTF. Arcade sure is expensive on your side. DDR is less than half a quarter in our country. New (as in really new) games costs a quarter or two.

stalin23

@the7k: What you say is likely the truth. But imo, they should just make one anniversary-collection a la Street Fighter where you first pick characters, then pick from what game, and then duke it out. You wouldn't need to make another non-canon KoF for a long time then. That would be a dreammatch.

Btw, your reply didn't promote my comment. Odd.

@ShadowOdin isn't american: Σ(゜д゜;) direct feed So are you telling me people have seen me eating junk food.....please don't tell my dear she would kill me dead.

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Yet KoF 2002 is one of the more popular games on 2DF and GGPO..

stalin23

@(Zombie) Goldwings: No Goldy, come baaaaaaaack

@Ronin_Okami: All I can remember is: "WHO IS USING THE PHONE? I NEED TO USE THE GODDAMN PHONE!!!!!!"

@Curse_Lily: I know. I saw the directfeed from your house. Very classy, it makes the secret in secret muslim so much more apparent.

@(Zombie) Goldwings: nah the internet was well known... it was just in the form of bzzzzz screeeeeeech! dong da dong dong dong (static) Welcome! You got mail! oh the horror... god the early 90's sucked for internets.

@ShadowOdin is a Panda?: It's okay. Everyone prefers if I was hidden T___T *hides in a corner and cries*

@ShadowOdin isn't american: On a thursday or friday ^_^

@the7k: I'm so glad I can take the subway to Manhattan whenever I wish. This place called Chinatown Fair that I've heard so much about is supposed to have everything, from old classics like SF II to new games like SF 4 and Blazblue. The prices aren't exactly the best, but that's a minor complaint considering that the American arcade scene is practically dead. :O It's a real shame too. If arcades in the west were even half like the arcades in Asia, I'd be satisfied. Those places are chock full of great games and people. None of this dollar-per-play DDR or Time Crisis bullcrap either. I mean, I like shooting plastic guns at screens, but not THAT much.

Weren't 2002 and 2003 terrible? I always hear my KOF friends bitching about the Aughties KOFs.

I think its because of the anonymous competition that these arcades are still popular. Atleast in my country it is.
There is still that feeling of superiority of beating a young punk in KOF who is getting cocky just to put him in place. Of course you got to watch out for those old dudes who know the game inside out and will hand your ass to you when you challenge them

Then again, I think I am one of those old dudes :)

Esper mind tricks

@(Zombie) Goldwings: Oh, hey there Goldy. Didn't see you there at first because you were hidden, as if I didn't want to see who commented on my own post.

...

It wouldn't make sense to feature all their characters in one game and actually have it be a dreammatch. I mean, there's so much that goes against it. Like. And.
You can't just avoid arguments like those.

@Curse_Lily: Obviously they're in a middle of a photo shoot. "okay Benimaru darling, I need you to look more dead... great, just like that baby and Mature honey. More oomf and less- there you go! Fabulous!!! Now hold still and let us take the shot."

@ShadowOdin isn't american: Remember, 2002 was made while SNK was under the rule of Eolith, who only ever made Pachiko games before doing KOF2001 and 2002. This is why those particular games are so vastly underwhelming. However, when you consider how much an improvement 2002 was over 2001, they had the potential to make great fighting games. The real problem with 2002 and Neowave is that they didn't have near the polish that 98 had. 98, in reality, wasn't all that different from 97, but the level of polish that separated them was vast. Also, I think 98 also benefited by having 97's ADV/EX options. If 2002 had the ability to choose gameplay styles (Like, say, being about to choose the ARMOR style from 2000), I think it would have been looked upon much more favorably.

@Curse_Lily: She looks like you.

@Bouncer biggz: nobody's getting in.: lol XD @pandafresh: Nothing. It has now became a breeding ground for gangs and small children. There is nothing appealing nor anything essential to get us to come back. Remember, back then the internet wasn't too well known, therefore people had nothing to do.

All I have to say is bring them back to America. I was surprise go to one of the few remaing quasi-arcades left in Cali stocked with people playing SF IV, a sit-down version, two screens, and thought 'this is what it should b like.' I don't care what they say, social gaming isn't dead. It just needs to be put in the hands of people who know what they're doing and love their hobby, not a couple of jerks who line the halls with stupid ticket games a handful of five year olds play for a minute. Somebody, somewhere, out there has got to prove that it can work stateside, because Game centers have so much to offer if they're just handled right. Also, old man, get off my lawn, etc, etc.

Evdor

0_o Wait. I'm confused. So, this story is that KOF 2002 was released in arcades, then on PS2, and then in arcades?

yanipheonu

I'm quite happy that the 360 is getting some 2D fighting love. It's a bit puzzling as to why they're re-releasing it into Japanese arcade, but I won't question SNK as long as they continue to make KoF games.

@ShadowOdin is Canadian?: I wonder if we'll ever see the day when we have ALL the characters ever created for KOF series, but then that wouldn't make sense in a different number of ways. Mainly that it would make the fans way too happy :(

@pandafresh: Something involved with boobs

@pandafresh: Honestly? The death of online gaming and social networking through XBL. If the only way to get social interaction and competition is at an arcade, that is where people will go. Unless they're lazy.

Er...Mature seems to be having WAY to much joy in her victory there.

Good to see SNK is still sticking to their guns. The only arcade I have left in my town is Chuck E Cheese, and they just got rid of their best machine. (Which was, coincidentally enough, KOFXI) With the people who grew up with arcades getting on in the years, I think they'll need to start focusing on the older groups, as nostalgia will probably be the easiest way in. Dave N Busters is about the closest I can think anyone has come to this concept - too bad they seem to have a Zero Tolerance policy concerning fighting games.

How is SNK going to continue to fund its porn-game enterprises with poor business decisions like this?

I like coming to this page and seeing nothing in the comment-section except "Show all 2 comments"
And no, you know what, I will not look at all 2 comments, because all 2 comments will hurt my eyes reading.

Instead I will comment on how surprising this is in form of news, was really the remake so much better? The original 2002 was certainly a lot more underwhelming than '98.
SNK certainly likes their Dreammatches, but I question how many they can make. '98 seemed like it was enough. 2002 brought a few more new characters, but the novelty seemed less since 2001 had pretty much featured them all already.
And Neowave? Probably the most unnecessary game of them all, imo. I bought it, completed it, and asked what was the point. It was still the same cast as in 2002 and 2001 so it felt even less necessary.
And now XII is another Dreammatch? Well, I can let them, since the new system has not allowed them to redo their rich cast.

Sweet

renfantasy

@pandafresh: Me & you panda, we gonna start out fresh! Straight to the top baby, straight to the top. ... ... ... ... Sorry i'm just tryin'a get a golden star -_-'

now i have the song House of the rising sun stuck in my head.It happens every time someone says in the "insert thing here" rising sun

stoneteen

7 years too late, instead of 10 years too late.

Alternate

Are these dwindling in Japan now? Last I checked, they were as strong as ever over there, and not so much in America.

DukeOfPwn

Nice to see SNK supporting Gamecenters. I know North American Arcade's are i Far worse shape, but Gamecenters are on the wane in Japan. SAVE GAMECENTERS/ARCADES!

God, whats it going to take to revive arcades in the US though?

pandafresh

People over KOFXII already? Shame as once you get used to it it's different enough to not just be like the old ones. KOF 2002: UM does have a mighty roster to choose from though!

Honeyman

@hanulbada: Gameworks is really a bar/restaurant, as is Dave'n'Busters. They're using videogames as their theming, not as their reason for existence.

grahamwest

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Among the die hards, KoF 2002 is considered one of the best in the series, usually right behind '98. As a standalone it might be hard to say, but certainly after 2000 and 2001, 2002 was a great game and still holds up today. I still put '98 as the top spot though.

@gold163: Most gamecenters in Tokyo are just Gundam Vs. Gundam. Everything is a dollar too! Saw some people playing this today. At a 50 yen arcade. Interestingly I couldn't find a KoFXI machine anywhere in Ikebukuro which has about 10 game centers. That's not promising, and might explain this.

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: 2000 and 2001 are the ones that are considered terrible (even if i own a 2001 arcade cabinet :P), 2002 and 2003 are actually the ones that started to fix the crappy reputation eolith created.

Daniel Pizarro Sánchez

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Hey, Breakers Revenge is not that bad...Well, it kinda is, but at least it´s fun :P

Daniel Pizarro Sánchez

@BubbleF**kingBuddy: I never understand the hate 02 gets :(. It's definitely one of my favorites. To me, it just feels like 98 with a mega-roster.

Bocuma

Be wary on getting this for XBLA. Garou and KOF98UM were outsourced to China, and have horrible code, and some bugs in the 98UM version, as well as no English text. KOFXII is being made by SNK themselves, so that may be safe, but wait and see a day even on that.

arstal

@yanipheonu: The original version of KOF2002 was released on the NeoGeo first. That got ported to the Dreamcast and PS2.

Several years later, SNK decided to improve the game, changing stages and tweaking fighters, and release that special version on the PS2. Now that special version is getting ported to an arcade system.

So... yep.

@Arlus00: You're one of the lucky ones I guess. Its all relative to how far away the opponent is, I'm pretty lag free as long as they're on the same coast line as me.