the King of Fighters XIII Global Match: A New Era of Online Fighting Begins
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Get ready for a knockout! SNK has announced the highly anticipated Steam release of The King of Fighters XIII Global Match (KOF XIII GM), a revamped version of the classic fighting game, launching February 20, 2025. This isn’t just a port; it’s a complete upgrade designed to deliver the ultimate online fighting experience.
Boasting “the most cutting-edge 2D bitmap graphics in the history of the ‘KOF’ series,” KOF XIII GM promises a visual spectacle. But the real star is the significantly improved online functionality. The game utilizes rollback netcode,ensuring smooth,lag-free battles with players worldwide. And for the first time, players can connect in an online lobby accommodating up to nine players, fostering community and allowing for spectating.
For players who already own The King of Fighters XIII Steam Edition, there’s a special bonus. They can upgrade to KOF XIII GM at a discounted price of HKD46/TWD138 (tax included). Note that sales of the original KOF XIII Steam Edition will conclude at 11:59 PM on January 23, 2025.
Key Features of KOF XIII GM
Unmatched 2D Graphics
KOF XIII aimed to be the pinnacle of 2D fighting games, and its graphics deliver. The meticulous detail and vibrant visuals create an immersive experience unlike any other in the series.
A Roster of 36 Fighters
Choose from a massive roster of 36 playable characters, including fan favorites and key story characters.This includes previously released DLC characters like “Kyo in the sound nest form, An who retrieved the flame, and Mr. Karate.”
The Climax of the “Ash Chapter”
Experience the thrilling conclusion to Ash’s storyline, spanning from KOF 2003 and KOF XI. the game presents a shocking ending, further enriched by a visual novel-style narrative that explores the story from multiple perspectives.
High-Speed Combat
The inclusion of “Infinite Speed groove,” “EX Special Moves,” and “True Super Special Moves” creates fast-paced, strategic battles. Master the controls to unleash devastating combos.
Revamped Online Experience
KOF XIII GM‘s rollback netcode ensures smooth online play, and the addition of an online lobby and spectator mode for up to nine players elevates the social aspect of the game.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the King of Fighters series and the Steam release of KOF XIII GM, follow the official X account (@KOFstudio_jp) for a special “Follow & Retweet” event.
Win a Signed “KOF XIII GM” Drawing Board!
Fans of the classic fighting game franchise, The King of Fighters (KOF), have a chance to win a unique prize: a signed “KOF XIII GM” drawing board. This A4-sized board features artwork by renowned SNK artist Ogura Eisuke.
To enter this exciting giveaway, participants need to follow and retweet a specific post on both the official Japanese and English SNK social media accounts. The contest organizers will select 30 lucky winners from among those who participate.
The contest is open until 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This gives fans plenty of time to participate and increase their chances of winning this highly sought-after collectible.
How to Enter
Entering the contest is simple. First, locate the official SNK social media accounts on Twitter (X): one in japanese and one in English. The exact handles will be announced on the official SNK channels. Then, follow both accounts and retweet the designated contest post. That’s it! You’ll be entered for a chance to win.
Remember, only those who follow *both* accounts and retweet the designated post will be eligible. Keep an eye out for official announcements to ensure you’re following the correct accounts and participating in the right post.
A Collector’s Dream
The “KOF XIII GM” drawing board is a highly desirable item for collectors and fans of the King of Fighters series. Signed by the talented Ogura Eisuke, this piece of artwork represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of gaming history. Don’t miss your chance to win!
The prize is limited to 30 winners, so act quickly! The deadline is fast approaching. Good luck to all participants!
Note: This contest is run by SNK. For official rules and regulations, please refer to the official contest declaration on the SNK social media pages.
The King of Fighters XIII Global Match: A New Era of Online Fighting?
World-Today News Senior Editor, Mark Johnson, sits down with renowned fighting game expert Jonathan “JG” Garcia to discuss SNK’s upcoming release, The King of Fighters XIII Global Match.
The King of Fighters XIII, a beloved title in the franchise’s long history, is getting a fresh coat of paint and a whole lot of online upgrades with the release of The king of Fighters XIII Global Match.We spoke with fighting game expert Jonathan “JG” Garcia about what this means for fans old and new.
Revamped Roster and Visual Spectacle
Mark: Jonathan, for those unfamiliar with The King of Fighters XIII, tell us a bit about what made it so special.
Jonathan: It was a high point for the series, pushing the boundaries of 2D visuals with stunning character sprites and backgrounds.
The roster was already impressive at its core, with 36 fighters, bringing back fan favorites and introducing newcomers.
What truly set it apart was the “Climax” storyline, concluding Ash’s epic arc that started in KOF 2003, adding a narrative layer rarely seen in fighting games.
Mark: So, what does Global Match add to the equation?
Jonathan: It’s more than just a port, Mark. It’s a revitalization. Think enhanced visuals with what SNK is calling “the most cutting-edge 2D bitmap graphics in the history of the ‘KOF’ series.”
But the real game-changer is the online functionality.
A New Era of Online play
Mark: Online play has always been a challenge for fighting games, hasn’t it?
Jonathan: Absolutely. Lag and limited features frequently enough hampered the online experience. Global Match, though, utilizes rollback netcode, which considerably reduces lag. This means smoother, more responsive matches even across long distances.
Mark: What else is new in the online realm?
Jonathan: Imagine a bustling online lobby where you can connect with up to nine players, spectate matches, and interact with other members of the community. It’s a huge leap forward in terms of fostering a vibrant online scene for competitive and casual play.
A Legacy Reforged
mark: The demand for classic fighting games has exploded, but why now for KOFXIII?
Jonathan: KOFXIII already had a dedicated fanbase, but it lacked the robust online features that many players craved. Global Match addresses this head-on, attracting both returning veterans and newcomers looking for a deep and engaging fighting experience.
Mark: For existing owners of The King of Fighters XIII Steam edition, what options are available?
Jonathan: There’s a special upgrade offer at a discounted price. It’s a smart move by SNK to reward loyal fans and encourage them to join the Global Match community.
Mark: Jonathan, what would you say to someone on the fence about picking up The King of Fighters XIII Global Match?
Jonathan: If you’re a fan of the series or even a newcomer to fighting games, KOF XIII is a fantastic choice, but Global Match elevates the experience to a whole new level.the online features alone make it worth checking out, and the revamped graphics and timeless gameplay ensures that it’s a
contender for the best 2D fighter on the market.
