The King of Fighters XIV

I've had and played this game on PS4 for years. It's SNK's first foray into 3D and it's... Mostly on point. The looks are a bit off in some areas, but where they absolutely nailed it was the feel and character of the game. If you're not a long standing fan, that's difficult to explain, but if you play this you'll feel it. You'll totally get why this franchise is so loved.
So, with 15 out and 13 games before this, with the previous one looking SO good, is it worth getting this now? Yes, in short. Yes. If you're starting out, 15 may be the better playing game, but this is the first in the Verse saga and well worth playing to get both the story and the enjoyment of the game in general. Get it, play it, love it. It's a tonne of fun.

After constantly used highly detailed 2D raster imagery since KOF'94, this game is starting to change in terms of graphics visual by rendered entirely in 3D. Similar to the spin-off KOF: Maximum Impact (2004), while retaining the gameplay style of a 2D plane.
Most people may like this style. But not me. As I already said in my previous KOF reviews that I prefer the pixels sprites above all.
Yup, we have our own preferences, so I won't stop you to like this game or even becoming an avid fan because of it. Go ahead, you do you.
No matter what the visual graphic style is. From pixels sprites, hand drawing, to now a detailed 3D polygonal models. What matters the most is the gameplay, and I admit I somewhat enjoy it. Especially with my buddies, we just fight each other with this one and taking turns. Win or lose, it doesn't matter. As long as we have some fun and spare time to kill.
The plot's not so great comparing to their previous KOF series so far. And a bit boring, because they did the same arc but with different characters though same-ish, or more like just a similar old plot.
And just like life itself, sometimes we are the winners and other times can also be the losers.
I truly hope SNK will focus more on gaming just like before, rather than pachinko.
Not bad, SNK!
But surely you can do better next time. I still have big hopes for you, so keep up the good work and hopefully you can surprise us gamers anytime soon.
Keep on being creatively outside the box!
(^_^)d

the dlc characters are really cool, but definitely buy them on sale. really fun game even if you suck at fighting games

It is a good game overall. I prefer the look and feeling of previous entries in the series. They look better, and have better game play. If you are a fan of the KOF series, and have already played previous entries, give this one a try. This game goes on sale frequently. Grab it then. Don't pay full price for this game, that's far too much.

What it lacks in aesthetic charm, it makes up for with gameplay and great music. An undervalued entry in the series

Recommended 8/10*
The graphics may not aged so well, but still looks decent, the game has a good roster, great characters, the animations and move sets are as they should be, responsive controls, great music, great fighting game. it has only to cheap upgrade dlcs with few characters each one, and the game complete package (ultimate pack) can be bought for cheap, not like modern fighting games with tons of dlcs that end up costing more than the game itself. It has achievements and steam cards to build badges and get some really cool profile backgrounds, cant complain at all.

Very good KOF with a cool roster, great stages and soundtrack. The characters look a bit plasticky, but with one little ReShade filter the overall visual aspect can be greatly improved.
Even if KOF XV is a superior game I still like to play this one.