The King of Fighters XIII: Steam Edition

 PC
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. DarkZero
    Oct 30, 2013
    70
    As a modern reinvention, The King of Fighters XIII is everything longtime fans could hope for, and a sufficient cleansing of the disappointing KoF XII. It’s too bad that SNK couldn’t cater more to newbie players just tuning in, but even with the confusing third act storyline, the tight gameplay and character variety might prove enough to make those late bloomers into newly converted fans.
  2. PC Gamer
    Nov 5, 2013
    62
    A fine combat system soured by poorly explained complexity, and a lovely looking game let down by a lack of graphics options.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 82
  3. Negative: 6 out of 82
  1. john_mcpain
    Sep 14, 2013
    9
    The King of Fighter is one of the most beloved series in the Fighting Game genre. While SNK can often give us a mixed bag where each KoF mayThe King of Fighter is one of the most beloved series in the Fighting Game genre. While SNK can often give us a mixed bag where each KoF may be very different from the last, XIII is a callback to the days of KoF98 and 2002, two of the most competitive fighting games of all time. By adding an HD mode that reminds us of KoF2002's maxmode, a mode in which you have a small amount of time and the ability to free cancel nearly any special or super move, SNK has taken several facets from the past beloved games to take into the new age of fighting games.

    As can be expected, the gameplay is tight with blazing fast responsiveness. The inputs, while often requiring more complex motions than say Street Fighter IV's often quarter circle quarter circle button supers, have a deep system of shortcuts and tricks, along with an extremely lenient buffer system. This is a fighting game that, while deep, does give players the tools they need to succeed.

    Balance, as can be expected of Fighting Games, has its issues. For the most part, outside of the EX characters, the game is pretty fairly balanced. In many fighting games having 5 tiers to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the various characters. In this game, arguably no character is more than 3 tiers away from any other character. Its refreshing to see a game as balanced as this is in an age of Street Fighter IV, Mortal Kombat 9, Marvel vs Capcom 3, Soul Calibur V, Street Fighter X Tekken... It may not be perfect, but it sure as hell beats the competition.

    This would be a 10 review if it weren't for the netcode. Now, they've done a lot in listening to us and working their formerly bad netcode to something atleast playable. But we need more than what we've got. We need a GGPO equivalent (for those who do not know, GGPO is a netcode that utilizes "rollbacks" to allow inputs to be virtually lagless). SNK Playmore, this will be what puts you over the top. You need the netcode to get the people to play the game.

    This game is a must have, and this version is the definitive version of KoFXIII. Any self respecting fighting game-lover should buy this game and give it a shot. We here in the West have often relegated SNK to the East. Its time to change that.    … Full Review »
  2. JennyCage
    Sep 14, 2013
    9
    One of the best if not THE best 2D fighter available. This game has more depth than the Mariana Trench and is very balanced especiallyOne of the best if not THE best 2D fighter available. This game has more depth than the Mariana Trench and is very balanced especially relative to other fighters on the market. The console netcode was pretty bad, but the devs worked really hard to make the Steam Edition play silky smooth. Even 2 bar connections are surprisingly playable. Just make sure you're wired and forward the appropriate ports and you should be good to go.

    I want to give this game a 10 but I'm deducting 1 point because I feel with 2 years between the console and PC release, they should have been able to implement multi-person lobbies, spectator mode and an online practice mode. These features would have gone a long way in helping teach new players the game. Otherwise it's fantastic, a must buy for 2D fighting game fans at a great price.    … Full Review »
  3. Gzhindra
    Sep 13, 2013
    9
    The graphics are a bit outdated but apart from that it is as good as it can be. That is if you like deep fighting games with steep learningThe graphics are a bit outdated but apart from that it is as good as it can be. That is if you like deep fighting games with steep learning curves. The roster is very large and the characters are charismatics or at least most of them.

    But this is no news as this game has been out there for a while. The real question mark with the steam edition was the netcode and they delivered. It is nothing like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter x Tekken. It is even superior to SSF4 by a large margin. Actually it is on part with Skullgirls’ who uses GGPO. Even against awful connections it is quite smooth. Very impressive. I’m going to play this game for a very long time.

    A fighting stick is highly advisable.    … Full Review »
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