This is the open beta day 1 so of course things are going to get better and/or change.  Please keep that in mind.

Note: It’s day 1.

The System:

It’s not really changed from 20 years ago but it feels just like the SF6 we wanted instead of that throw loop mess we got.  I don’t feel any innovation in the system but this is perhaps more because the game was so delayed and can’t go too far from its roots.  Of course Third Strike and Yatagarasu players will feel at home here.  You really shouldn’t play this like KOF, it’s not going to work.  It’s slower and certainly less mash friendly.  None of that throw priority rubbish.  It’s good, but a slower pace.  Why can Rock run while others hop forward?

The SPG (aka drive impact) against anti airs really doesn’t work for some characters like Jenet vs Kain, yikes.

REV Guard is tricky to get used to because if you tap backward or forwards you will break it.

Players may not realise the REV bar is not about building it but rather NOT overheating it! So don’t wait to do EX moves and then slow down!

If you’re like me, and don’t read the move list or even system video, you will be furious when you find out what button you need to press to activate the ‘hidden gear’ aka final super duper move.

-apparently hyper defense will auto parry multihit moves!  I have yet to manage any such parry online…

The Experience

If you use PC and are busy with more than one window, it will probably drive you crazy. It doesn’t let you control the game when out of focus, unlike KOF.

SNK is forcing everyone to go online, imo this is actually really good, but it will upset some players who usually play vs cpu. No practice mode stings but again this will boost the online player numbers although they are split between ranked, casual and lobbies. Should have fused the latter two.

Day 1 and people are playing this like SF2.  Kek.  So many players refuse to learn, but then again, they didn’t have access to the full game.

The execution

These devs are being weird again with the slowdown to help players while conversely, parrying into special moves is going to be tough unless you use smart style. Contrary to certain reports, the game speed is moving correctly, slowing down during counters where you can see that you can juggle!  The high risk high reward ratio is in effect, so for example you can just defend and then do SPG and get a crumple. Don’t ask me to do JD and then power geyser, wth, what is this requirement?

The graphics

Jenet has a big round face. She, or SNK, tries to hide it with her hair, and certain angles. It’s fine. Still would, but I can understand the fury of certain Jenet fans, as she’s no longer young and cute. Now, she’s a fully grown woman with bouncy bits (more than Mai!) that should compensate lol

And of course, I have to pour out a little liquor for KOF13 Global Match which was released on the same date and dutifully ignored.  But hey, maybe we’ll come back to it after the beta weekend…

The netcode

It feels good, however, the ping seems higher, and for some reason, if I set up a private room and give the ID to my friend, it cannot be found.  I have to set it as public, which means there is a bug.  I hope SNK will pay attention to this.  There are complaints about matchmaking already, which means either it needs fixing or there aren’t enough people online.  I certainly hope it’s the former.

More to come, see you online.  Also on Twitch, Kick and Trovo: search for orochinagicom