King of Fighters Collection- The Orochi Saga

by SNK

Product Features

• The most extensive KOF collection ever containing 5 complete games
• Includes the Orochi Saga trilogy (95-97)
• Unlockable bonus content materials

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001EN3YVO
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 28, 2008
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,365 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #15 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Action > Fighting
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation2

The first ever collection of THE KING OF FIGHTERS, consisting of 5 complete games. KOF 94, 95, 96, 97, 98

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is quite simple,this collection deserves 5 stars- even if it is one for each game., November 18, 2008

By 

Matthew George "Fighting Games Are In The Blood" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: King of Fighters Collection- The Orochi Saga (Video Game)

This is a collection for SNK fans initiated with the King of Fighters series. It truely is a top notch deal with what you get in this collection. King of fighters 94, 95, 96, 97, and 98. Those who are unfamiliar with this fine franchise will find a great two dimensional fighting game that has an ecclectic cast of characters that harkens back to when fighting games were one of the absolute top dogs of the 1990's. Honestly I wish that would have never changed.

I could never afford a Neo Geo in its prime. The core unit was around $500 dollars with individual games hovering around $200 per. Not exactly affordable in the 1990's. However what they did deliver at the time was as close to an arcade experience that we now take for granted in this current era. It can now be argued that home systems have finally caught up with what would be the top games in the arcades (with the exception of a handful of dedicated light gun and other novelty set ups). This can be suppoted by the demise of arcades as we know them now. Sure online gaming is great, though I still believe that playing someone right next to you is a more visceral way to compete.

Alright this collection for an extremely fair price of 14.99 offers 5 games. I had already owned King of Fighters 95 (on Playstation 1). It came out of the PS1 in 1996 and it was one of the first games on the system to deliver an accurate arcade feel. Amazing graphics, remixed sound (which sad to say I still prefer), and a fine sense of balanced gameplay kept me coming back. Regretfully I shudder at all of the hours I lost due to the fact the game would load between fights, and even rounds. The imported Sega Saturn version had a memory chip to increase functionality. It did improve on a great formula. The game did not punish your time to play it. The same can be said for King of Fighters 1996 and 1997 as Saturn Import. Exceptional games that were imported for a premium price. I loved the series and it delivered each year. 1995 through 1997 further elaborated around a storyline about "Orochi" a demonic presence that antagonists attempted to ressurect in order to increase thier own power.

This collection also offers King of Fighters 1998. This was introduced in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast as 1999 Dream Bout. It offers the majority of characters from 1994-1997 and lets them have at it. It is a very satisfying game. I would consider this a bonus considering that "The Orochi Saga" only consisted of King of Fighters 1995-1997. One complaint that has been beaten to death in previous reviews is that yes there are some glitches in the sound. It is unfortunate but does not tarnish a stellar game.

I have read that there have been complaints regarding loading times. They are present, however after a weekend of spending time with all 5 games they are not all that bad. Sure this is from a guy who suffered with King of Fighters 1995 on the PS1. But it isn't really all that noticeable, and likely sightly better than the Sega Saturn imports which I highly touted in the past. They are not the Neo Geo cartriges but they are faster than others have implied. I find them to be very acceptable.

Bottom line you get 5 awesome games for 14.99, it really didn't take all this to let you know that. SNK has been virtually giving there games away on the PS2 lately. We are all the better for it. It's very obvious that I reccomend this collection.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good simply outweighs the bad, November 10, 2008

By 

Emie (Illinois, United States) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: King of Fighters Collection- The Orochi Saga (Video Game)

I'll keep this simple.

Cons:
-There are loading times between some matches and when switching between games. Most loading times occur when beginning each game. Then as you proceed through the game, loading times are much less noticeable. (There are no loading times between rounds, by the way. Also, KOF 94 and 95 have pretty much no more loading times after you start your first match.)

Pros:
-5 classic KOF games on one disc. KOF 94, 95, 96, 97, and 98. For those paying attention, KOF 94 and KOF 98 were bonuses specifically added to this American release. Within the fighting game community, KOF 98 is arguably the most beloved KOF game to date (hence, it's upcoming remake, KOF 98: Ultimate match).

-New challenge mode that allows for unlockable artwork and music

-Gameplay feels almost entirely intact, with only subtle differences.

-Training modes are included. The original Japanese version did not have training modes, so this is an added bonus for this release.

-Price is ridiculously difficult to beat. Especially considering the number of legendary games you get.


Bottom line: For [cheap] (chump change in today's uber-expensive gaming world) you can own 5 classic arcade hits that are otherwise impossible or VERY difficult to obtain in the United States. The loading times are a definite wound, but they're hardly a deal breaker considering the average PS2 game's loading times.

Purchasing this collection would support the 2D fighting game market, and help ensure that future SNK titles make their way to our shores. After all, KOFXII is just around the corner...

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great collection, December 10, 2008

By 

C. Gordon (Phoenix, az) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: King of Fighters Collection- The Orochi Saga (Video Game)

I was really wondering how this would all come out to be, and I wasn't disappointed. It was really fun to play and I sat down with it for hours literally. If you're a fan of the King of Fighters Saga you can take a bite out of this. If it's not your cup of Tea don't bother, and bash the game. I hate seeing that.

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