Netmarble discusses its latest installment in the KOF franchise, THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR
25 years after its arcade debut, THE KING OF FIGHTERS has at long last received a brand new installment for mobile, and it's quite simply fantastic!
For those new to the series, THE KING OF FIGHTERS is one of the most popular fighting franchises to ever grace arcade machines and home consoles, with its blend of hero collecting, questing, and all out fighting action spanning over 14 titles and over a dozen spin offs.
The new mobile iteration, THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR, features over 130 fighters, including popular series stalwarts like Iori Yagami, Kyo Kusanagi,Terry Bogard, and Joe Higashi to name just a few. It isn't just fan favourite characters making a reprisal either; KOF ALLSTAR also dips into the franchise's storied past replaying epic questlines from the original KOF '94 right up to KOFXIV.
We recently spoke with one of the game's producers from Netmarble, Travis Marshall, to learn more about what went into crafting THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR.
What is it about the KOF series that has captured the attention and imagination of so many gamers?Several factors contributed to the fans’ love of this franchise. First, there is the incredible roster of characters with equally incredible variety. Next are the over-the-top, fun to execute special and ultimate moves for each character. Lastly, there is 25 years of franchise history with memorable moments from KOF 94 to KOF XIV that fans remember to this day. Netmarble could not be more thrilled to have THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR be a part of this legacy.
Bringing a beloved franchise to mobile platforms is something we took seriously. Our developers worked closely with SNK to ensure the experience of playing KOF is accurately represented and optimised well on mobile devices.
The King of Fighters is a huge IP. What do you think THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR brings new to the series?THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR features every KOF Fighter ever introduced into the series. And whether or not you’re familiar with the thundering fists of Terry Bogard and the spinning kicks of King, the seamless action gameplay in this title is sure to catch your eye.
Without giving too many spoilers away, do you have any personal favourite characters or moments?Currently, my main fighters are Heavy D and Orochi Iori, as they have completely different styles of fighting, but both know how to lay a beat down! One of my favourite moments has been freezing people in PvP with Halloween Party Kula - she’s a total troll in the best way possible.
The representation of all the fighters from KOF ‘94 to KOF XIV in both 2D and 3D is something I’m really proud of with this title. We have a talented group of artists and developers who came together on this one, and the results are simply incredible. This game is beautiful.
With the game’s launch, what are you most excited about getting into the hands of both fans of the original series and new players?I am most excited for the players to see our new “ALLSTAR” versions of some of their favourite characters. For new players to the series, I think THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR is a great introduction to some amazing characters and exciting gameplay.
Definitely. We pay close attention to player behaviour as we are localising and developing our games for Western launches. There are different attitudes, expectations and cultural differences for which we must account. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that the game is fun for all who play. Thanks to our community managers and passionate fans, we hear what you are saying and take everything into consideration for future updates and events.
