Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood preserves the series’ signature 3-on-3 combat system while adapting it for Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld platform. Players select teams from six distinct factions—ranging from the Hero Team to the Korea Team—and engage in fast-paced bouts that emphasize timing, positioning, and strategic use of Striker Attacks. The inclusion of the Striker System, borrowed from KOF Evolution, allows you to call in a fourth character for a one-off assist, creating dynamic combos and defensive breakouts that keep matches fresh and unpredictable.

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Beyond the standard Team Play and Team Battle modes, Neo Blood offers Single Play, Single Battle, Endless Survival, and a Survival Time Attack, catering to both casual skirmishes and challenge-driven sessions. Each mode tests different aspects of your skill: Endless Survival pits you against an unbroken string of opponents, while Time Attack demands swift takedowns under the clock. The game also debuts an exclusive character—Moe Habana—who brings unique animations and move sets that can surprise veterans and newcomers alike.

Despite the streamlined handheld controls, the move list remains impressively deep. Special moves, super combos, and air recovery techniques are all present, though mastering them on the Game Boy’s D-pad and two-button layout can be a learning curve. The AI difficulty ramps up noticeably in Survival modes, pushing you to refine your strategies. However, the lack of a dedicated training mode means that newcomers may need to rely on trial-and-error through repeated play sessions to fully unlock the cast’s potential.

Graphics

Graphically, Neo Blood balances nostalgia with the limitations of the handheld hardware. Character sprites are vibrant and detailed, capturing the essence of their arcade counterparts within a smaller resolution. While the backgrounds have been reduced to static 2D frames—departing from the more dynamic 3D stages seen in KOF Evolution—the stages are still richly textured, and each team’s arena carries a distinct atmosphere, from neon-lit cityscapes to traditional Japanese courtyards.

Animation quality remains a standout feature. Despite the memory constraints of Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld, sprite animations flow smoothly for most attacks and special moves, with only occasional slowdowns when multiple effects are on-screen. The Striker Attacks, in particular, are rendered with flair, showcasing the assisting character’s signature move in crisp detail. This visual feedback makes every assist feel impactful and encourages experimentation with different team compositions.

UI elements are clear and unobtrusive, with health bars, power meters, and combo counters designed to fit the small screen without clutter. Character portraits during select screens and pause menus add personality, and the presentation feels cohesive overall. While purists may miss the fully 3D backgrounds of home-console entries, Neo Blood’s graphical compromises are reasonable given the platform’s constraints, and the game still shines as one of the more attractive fighting titles on its hardware.

Story

The narrative in The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood picks up two years after the events of the 1997 tournament, following the sealing of Orochi by Kyo Kusanagi, Chizuru Kagura, and Iori Yagami. Fighters have returned to their everyday lives when a shadowy benefactor unexpectedly reopens the competition. Invitations are dispatched to the world’s strongest combatants, promising glory but hiding darker motives beneath the façade of a friendly tournament.

The most intriguing plot thread involves the mysterious disappearance of Iori Yagami, whose absence casts a long shadow over the event. Whispered rumors of Orochi’s residual power being harnessed for nefarious ends heighten the tension. While the game’s story mode doesn’t rely heavily on lengthy cutscenes, the brief comic-book style panels and text interludes effectively convey the stakes and maintain a brisk pace between fights.

Character dialogue and interactions add flavor, offering fans tidbits about relationships and rivalries. Newcomer Moe Habana has her own subplot that ties into the Orochi mythos, and veteran fighters exchange barbs and banter that long-time series followers will appreciate. Though the narrative is not the game’s primary selling point, it provides just enough context to invest players in each match and sustains curiosity about the tournament’s hidden agenda.

Overall Experience

The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood successfully translates the core KOF formula to a handheld format, delivering deep combat mechanics, a versatile roster, and a compelling, if concise, storyline. Its combination of classic 3-on-3 battles and the Striker System creates a familiar yet fresh experience for series enthusiasts. The variety of game modes ensures replay value, especially for players chasing high scores in Survival or Time Attack challenges.

While constrained by hardware—static backgrounds and the absence of a training mode are notable downsides—the game’s strengths overshadow its limitations. Character animations remain impressive, and the audio track, lifted from KOF 2000, injects an energetic pulse into every fight. Controls are responsive, even on a two-button layout, and the capacity for intense combos keeps veteran players engaged.

For handheld fighting fans and series devotees alike, Neo Blood is a must-have on the platform. It may not dethrone its arcade brethren in sheer spectacle, but it offers a robust, portable KOF experience that few contemporaries can match. Whether you’re looking to settle friendly rivalries on the go or unravel the mystery behind the latest tournament, The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood delivers satisfying bouts and enough content to keep you coming back for more.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10