King Of Fighters XI (PS2) is how fighting games SHOULD be made.
From the very moment it loads you know you are getting that old-school NeoGeo flavor that I have to admit I miss very much. The character selection is ample enough with unlockable characters after meeting certain goals in the challenge mode. The graphics are great! the stages are beautifully made and the music really fits the action. It is a package to be sure. I've been playing since last night and let me tell you the only letdown of the game- the final boss. Without a doubt this dude is the CHEAPEST I have ever come across in a fighting in a long time. Other than that I have no complaints. There are a total of 44 fighters and that is more than enough to keep you busy while you unlock others.
Fighting games have changed ALOT and it's nice to know that they way this game was made is not a dying artform. In all honesty, I'll take this fighting game over the glitzy, snazzy, doing-to-much fighters of today. The recipe should never be changed. This is 2-D fighting at its finest. The price is a steal for such quality. I love the tag team qualities as well. You choose a team of 3 fighters against another team of 3 fighters then fight till the other side expires. I was a little lost on the story but, it really isn't all that important.
You'll be to preoccupied with such a great fighting game!
So, let me welcome back King Of Fighters! I look forward to more in this series and to be honest King Of Fighter XI is what NeoGeo Coliseum should have been. Go out and get this game and if you are a true fighting game fan you will not be let down by this gem.