From: primus@netcom.com (Robert keng)
Subject: Neo Geo: Art of Fighting review.......
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 07:32:23 GMT

Hi all:

		Below is my review of the Neo Geo game Art of Fighting in
case if anyone is interested. I haven't been reading news in this group for
quite a LONG time (due to my active participation in C.S.I.P.G.) so please
pardon moi if this game has already been reviewed. This review is posted for
YOUR information (with a bit of opinion added) so if you (the one reading this)
have conflicting ideas, views, opinions, flames, comments, etc, please, e-mail
them to me. Also, please pardon any grammatical/syntax errors found in this
article as I wrote it quite late at night. Once again, if you have anything to
say about this article, please, do not repost as I probably won't be back for
some time (who knows, maybe I'll get back in here again...). E-MAIL ME!!!!
Oh, yeah, if I made any mistakes regarding the info on the game, please correct
me as I've only had this game for 5 days.......

And now, on with the presentation :-)



Name: Art of Fighting
System: Neo Geo
Manufacture: SNK
Type: Chop-socky SFII type game
Size: 102 megs (megabits)
Length: N/A (haven't beat the game yet...)
Price: around $200 


HOME VERSION REVIEWED.......

The story: (skip this part if you're not interested)



		The invincible dragon, Ryo Sakazaki, trained by his father
in the mystical art known as Kyokugenryu (don't ask. Don't know what it means),
lives with his sister Yuri.....

		The raging tiger, Robert Garcia, trained by Ryo's father in the
same form of martial art, is Ryo's toughest rival. He looked after Ryo when
Ryo's father disappeared and the tragic and mysterious death of Ryo's mother...

		After a period of separation, these two meet once more to save
the kidnapped Yuri, who is held somewhere in the depth of Southtown....


Playing the game:


		At the beginning of the game, you are allowed to choose between
4 levels: easy, normal (recommended), hard, and MVS (arcade version). There is
a language indicator (which is english. The initial descriptions of the two
main characters at the very beginning is in Japanese vocally) but I don't know
if it could be changed. You are then prompted to choose between two modes,
namely the Story mode, and the VS. mode (I will describe each in detail below).
Of course, like most Neo Geo games, a memory card could be used to save the
game and load up later for continuation play.

Modes of operation:

VS. mode:

		In this mode, you are allowed to choose between 8 characters
and duke it out against another player (you are allowed to both choose the same
character...). Two player head to head action. Need I say more?

Story mode:

		In this mode, you are on a quest to save the fair maiden Yuri
either as her brother Ryo or the raging tiger, Robert. Your goal is plain and
simple: stomp anyone that gets in your way (yeah!). Before each round, there's
always a cute little animation sequence in which the main character engages
in "active" conversation with the thugs. A little speech here and there adds 
to the story (though I must say sometimes they say things that don't fit the
situation...). Every two wins or so, you are allowed to go to the bonus round.
You are then prompted to select between three different "games", namely the
beer bottle slice, ice crush, and the super-attack showoff. Winning each 
different game has different benefits, such increased power gauge, increased
spirit, and increased power attacks (I will explain each in Gameplay below).
Keep stomping, beat the last dude, and save Yuri!!!

Gameplay:

Rules of combat:

3 round match. First to win two rounds wins.
First one to deplete all his engery/power loses the round.
60 tick timer. In case timer runs out, the character with the highest energy
wins.
Double KO spells no win for both characters.
4 rounds max in case of double KO.

		The A button is used for punching, B is used for kicking. C
has alot of different effects for each character (such as throws, power kicks,
off the wall jumps, etc). Used with A,B increases the power of the kick/punch). 
Keeping A & B down allows you to restore your character's spirit(at the cost of 
vulnerability). D is used for razzing/teasing, and can cause the opponent's
energy and/or spirit to go down (at the cost of vulnerability). Pushing the
joystick twice forward or backward quickly (then keeping it in the general
direction of travel) allows for fast charging and/or retreat. Keeping the
buttons down (A, B, and C) allows for different kicks/punches. Bad news for
all those "super move" lovers: your spirit level determins the amount of
super attacks you can do. Once it runs out, you can do no more unless you
recharge (if your opponent gives you the chance) or you'll have to duke it out
without them.

		The different characters are capable of different attacks. Some
are slower, some are BIGGER, some can't kick, some can't jump high, some have
longer reach, some take more power with their average punch/kick, etc. Timing
is VERY CRUCIAL in this game. Being a veteran SFII player, I must say timing
plays a much more important role here than SFII. The game is very fast paced,
and the variety of combinations/moves due to the MANY different button 
combinations (yes, alot of the moves use two buttons..) combined with the
different joystick combinations makes the moves and combos very hard to master.
The computer seems to be able to do this very well, as it is a VERY tough 
customer on even normal level. Most of the SFII fans might recognize some of
the combinations/moves immediately. But, there's a whole lot more to learn and
master (and I'll guarantee that some of you won't be comfortable with it...).
Believe me when I say this: the manual does not tell you everything. Now, 
add to the fact that the opponent can raz/tease you and you are no longer 
able to do unlimited secret/super moves makes things more complicated. Most
players I've seen in the arcades have trouble getting past the second guy in
the story mode, simply because they don't have an idea as to what's going on.
Also, the dizzying effect of zooming out/zooming in complicates things even
more, because you must recalculate the distance for certain attacks as the
characters get farther apart, which causes the screen to zoom out, and giving
the characters an extended playfield (vice versa as the characters get closer).


Bells and whistles:

		Graphically, this game is superb. The zooming effect really is
neat, and the characters are detailed, not to mention HUGE! Smooth animation
characterizes this game. Detailed and animated backgrounds adds another plus
to the graphics. Everything you see on the screen is clear and distinct, 
showing good use of the Neo Geo's color generation capability. No flickers and
slowdowns noted thus far (after 3 days of playing). Graphically, this game 
beats SFII/SFII TCE, World Heroes, and Fatal Fury IMHO. Check out Robert as
he shows off his cuts in the bonus areas.....

		The BGM and SFX is another plus. Every action is accompanied
with a sound effect, no matter if it's in the story mode, or while razzing in
combat. Everything is distinct and clear, from the Japanese speech intro to
the vrrumms of the car to the screams of pain to the triumphant tauntings of
victory. Pow, biff, bam, off, arrgghh... It's all there. Makes the game just
that much more enjoyable....

		IMHO, SNK really made good use with that 102megs of data they
packed into that baby...

Conclusion:

		This game was one of the most anticipated of Neo Geo titles.
I can certainly say that this game is well worth the wait. It's IMHO, the
best effort from SNK yet. Definite fun, and challenging enough to challenge
even the best of the SFII/chop-socky fans. Great sound and graphics makes
this game a audio/visual tour de force. The arcades really doesn't do this
game much justice, as the screens and sound system used are usually lackluster
at best. Most of the times, the sound is turned so low that most of the SFX
is bearly audible. Attaching it to my 27' TV and stereo system really made
a GREAT difference in the audio/visual presentation of the game. I definitely
recommend this to all Neo Geo owners.

		The down side is, this game costs more than twice of your
average SNES/GENESIS (listed at $229, but I'm sure most will probably be
able to get it cheaper... Alot cheaper) system. I would definitely rent the
game first before I decide to buy it (but, I took the risk and bought it first.
I must say I'm not disappointed, although it did put a dent in my wallet...).
Great gameplay, great sounds, and great graphics. What more could you ask for?







Please send all flames, comments, etc to:


primus
primus@netcom.com