Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood manages to capture the pulse-pounding, three-on-three battles that have become the series’ hallmark, adapting them impressively for a 32-bit handheld environment. Matches flow smoothly, with all nine fighters in a squad feeling distinct thanks to varied move sets and balance tweaks. The traditional “Striker System” returns but with a clever twist—your second and third team members step in as strikers progressively, offering new tactical layers when you call for backup during heated exchanges.

Beyond the core fighting mechanics, Howling Blood introduces a “Ranking Mode” that rates performance from Newcomer to Master Orochi, encouraging players to refine combos, maximize power gauge usage, and finish matches with flair. This structured progression gives the single‐player campaign a sense of achievement, rewarding mastery with higher ranks and unlocking bragging rights. Casual players can jump into Exhibition Mode for quick skirmishes, while those seeking endurance can tackle the World Tournament, fighting through a gauntlet of AI opponents.

Character additions inject fresh dynamics into familiar rosters. Reiji Okami joins Kyo and Moe on the Hero Team, while newcomers Jun Kagami and Miu Kurosaki bolster Iori’s Yagami Team. Each exclusive fighter brings unique special moves and animations, ensuring that switching teams isn’t just cosmetic but changes your strategic approach. Fans of the Fatal Fury, Ikari Warriors, Psycho Soldier, and Art of Fighting teams will also appreciate the faithful combat styles carried over from The King of Fighters 2000 arcade release.

Controls are responsive, with punches, kicks, and strain specials mapped intuitively to the handheld’s shoulder and face buttons. The combo input window has been slightly widened compared to previous handheld entries, reducing frame-perfect frustration without eliminating challenge. Overall, Howling Blood delivers deep, nuanced fighting gameplay that rewards experimentation and skill—ideal for players who want to master every character’s arsenal.

Graphics

Visually, Howling Blood stands out as one of the most polished fighting titles on Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld. Developers reused and adapted backgrounds from The King of Fighters 2000, preserving the atmosphere of neon-lit cityscapes and ominous temple arenas. Two brand-new backgrounds exclusive to this installment complement the original stages, offering fresh vistas such as an abandoned cathedral where flickering candles set a haunting tone.

Character sprites are remarkably detailed given hardware constraints, faithfully rendering iconic costumes and expressions. Animations are fluid during attacks and special moves, with powerful finishing blows accompanied by subtle screen shake and palette flashes that heighten impact. Although some particle effects—like fireballs and energy auras—appear simplified compared to their arcade counterparts, they remain vibrant and easy to follow in the heat of battle.

The handheld’s limited resolution doesn’t hinder readability; fighter stances and hit sparks pop onscreen without confusion. Menu screens, portraits, and character select art benefit from clean, colorful layouts that pay homage to the series’ arcade roots. Even during intense, multi‐hit combos, the frame rate remains stable, ensuring a smooth visual experience that rivals early console renditions.

Story

Howling Blood’s narrative premise is deceptively simple: millionaire powerbroker Gustav Munchausen has invited the world’s greatest fighters to compete in his new King of Fighters Tournament. Yet whispers of foul play add an undercurrent of intrigue—reports of child abductions and hints of a covert Orochi Power operation compel several combatants to join under the guise of competition. This layered motive transforms each bout into more than a fight for glory; it becomes an investigation.

While storytelling in fighting games is often constrained to short cutscenes and victory quotes, Howling Blood weaves its plot through team intros, post-battle dialogue, and ranking mode summaries. The stakes feel higher as familiar faces like Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami clash not just over pride but over the truth behind Munchausen’s empire. New characters Reiji, Miu, and Jun carry personal motivations that tie directly into the Orochi subplot, giving fresh perspective to long-time series themes.

The pacing is brisk: you won’t get a full cinematic experience, but each match advances the narrative just enough to maintain player engagement. Unlockable endings in Ranking Mode reveal snippets of Gustav’s dark ambitions and the fighters’ resolve to thwart them. For fans craving deeper lore, this installment successfully expands the KOF mythos without bogging down the arcade-style action.

Overall Experience

The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood strikes an impressive balance between portable convenience and series-accurate depth. Its combination of refined three-on-three battles, an innovative striker progression system, and a performance‐driven ranking mode keeps players hooked long after the initial roster is unlocked. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn classic KOF mechanics or a veteran seeking new challenges, this title delivers on both fronts.

Graphically and sonically, Howling Blood honors its arcade lineage while respecting the limitations of a handheld platform. Familiar backgrounds and ripped soundtrack tracks from The King of Fighters 2000 evoke nostalgia, while fresh stages and exclusive musical cues ensure that veterans still encounter surprises. The fluid animations and steady frame rate further cement this game as a technical triumph on Nintendo’s 32-bit handheld.

Though the story unfolds in bite‐sized pieces, it effectively weaves intrigue and motive into every match. Fans invested in the Orochi saga will appreciate the additional context and new characters who deepen the overarching conflict. Ultimately, Howling Blood delivers a robust, replayable fighting experience that stands out in the handheld library—highly recommended for those seeking quality fighting action on the go.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10