The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. GameSpot
    85
    The standard that subsequent fighting games published for the Game Boy Advance must meet or beat. It compromises nothing in delivering the arcade KOF experience to the palm of your hand.
  2. GameSpy
    85
    Overall, the single-player mode is a blast to play. The controls are fluid, the animations are entertaining, and the taunts are still over the top, as in the victorious declaration: "Invincibility! I am too uncanny!"
  3. Pocket Games
    85
    EX2 takes all of the characters, attacks, and special moves you'd find in an arcade KOF game and crams them into the GBA. [Spring 2004, p.43]
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  5. GameZone
    84
    This style of game doesn’t work on the higher-end second-gen consoles, but does work here. The only unfortunate aspect is that the control scheme could have been a little tighter in allowing players to unleash the special attacks.
  6. IGN
    80
    The only real issue with King of Fighters EX 2: Howling Blood is in its gameplay variety: the single player experience is just a little weak due to a sloppy storyline that's incredibly hard to follow. King of Fighter EX2 is definitely made for the multiplayer modes.
  7. GamePro
    80
    Due to the fast-paced action, the controls will leave you with aching hands and thumbs...Of course, this level of intensity means that there’s a good game underway, and you’ll want to keep at it despite the pain.
  8. Game Informer
    78
    The control is solid and impressive. [Mar 2004, p.114]
  9. Nintendo Power
    78
    The animation is choppy at times, but the play control is tight and responsive. [June 2003, p.139]
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  10. Play Magazine
    75
    Another highly polished title in a fantastic series. If you're into fighting games, you can't go wrong here. [Jan 2004, p.75]
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  11. GMR Magazine
    70
    The fighting is absolutely mad-dog-howling good. [Mar 2004, p.93]
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
39
#39 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Yojimbo2015
    Apr 28, 2023
    7
    Team based fighting game with an impressive roster of characters to choose from and nice graphics. It's very similar to its "inspiration"Team based fighting game with an impressive roster of characters to choose from and nice graphics. It's very similar to its "inspiration" Street Fighter II, but good enough to warrant owning both.… Full Review »
  2. Moony545
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    Образцовый представитель того, как нужно делать файтинги для GBA. Без минусов, все выполнено на 10 из 10.Образцовый представитель того, как нужно делать файтинги для GBA. Без минусов, все выполнено на 10 из 10.
  3. ClayW.
    Jun 4, 2006
    9
    Easily one of the better fighting experiences I've had on any handheld in a long time. This even outclasses the PSP and DS's Easily one of the better fighting experiences I've had on any handheld in a long time. This even outclasses the PSP and DS's fighting game selection. The controls are tight, the fights are great fun and don't devolve into poke-and-run, and the characters are awesome. It's pretty cheap now, so if you like fighting games, buy it!… Full Review »
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