NeoGeo Battle Coliseum release date...

[Rs0n1sT]

NeoGeo Battle Coliseum's U.S. Release date has changed from October 23rd, 2007 to November 13th, 2007... Dust off that PS2 and for those who haven't played it, get ready for one of SNK's best new fighting games!

SNK Playmore's Atomiswave title, Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, features characters from all over the SNK universe; including fighters from World Heroes, Savage Reign, Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and of course, King of Fighters. A few new faces join the cast as well.

The gameplay is 2 vs 2 tag team style, you can swap fighters on the spot, or perform a cool looking team up combo (which should take off more damage). Certain character combinations also have "special" team up attacks, many of which looking nothing short of badass. Battle Coliseum feels much like KOF2003, but with a more diverse selection of characters, it feels like a new game all it's own... And I have to say I like it more than KOF2K3.

The graphics aren't bad for 2D. The backgrounds are, I'm going to say, 3D-ISH... some use polygons, others just appear to be 3D using some "technologically groundbreaking" 2D sprites to really make the backgrounds pop out.... Okay, so they're not that good, but it's fun to exaggerate isn't it? So the game still looks like old school KOF to some people, but many characters are completely redrawn sprites (although they seem to be outlined by a weird haze of some sort). The sprites do mesh well against the 3D-ish backgrounds, so there's plenty of eye candy. The character selection art and victory art look superb as well.

Along with the frantic and fast gameplay, the sound and music is solid, original, and suits the game. Character voices are also as good as you'd expect... no complaints there. No complaints anywhere really. If you like SNK 2D fighters, you'll definitely find something to like about Battle Coliseum.

Manufacturer: SNK Playmore / Sammy
Platforms: Atomiswave, Playstation 2, Xbox
Year: 2005/2006, October 23rd 2007 (US PS2)

Characters: Terry Bogard, Marco Rossi, Washizuka, Nakoruru, K', Mai, Geese, Yuki, Ai, Kim, Tung Fu Ru, Asura, Hanzo, Fuuma, Kyo, Iori, Rock, Kisarah Westfield, Haohmaru, Cyber Woo, Kaede, Akari, Ryo, Mr. Big, Shermie, Hotaru Futaba, Robert Garcia, Lee Pai Long, Moriya Minakata, Genjuro Kibagami, Jin Chonrei, Jin Chonshu, Shiki, Mudman, Athena, Mars People, Orochi, Shishioh, Shin Shishioh, Neo Dio, Goodman

Gameplay Engine 8.5 / 10
Story / Theme 9.5 / 10
Overall Graphics 8.5 / 10
Animation 8.5 / 10
Music / Sound Effects 9 / 10
Innovation / Creativity 9.5 / 10
Customization / Options 8 / 10
Intro / Presentation 9 / 10
Replayability / Fun 9 / 10
"Ouch" Factor 9 / 10
Characters 9 / 10
Overall Score 9 / 10

If you're looking for a solid and new 2D fighting game experience, NeoGeo Battle Coliseum will deliver the goods... The roster is very good, although I must say there are a few more characters I'd like to have in this game. So SNK, this will hold me over until Battle Coliseum 2, but don't make us wait too long okay?

[shiroren8]

guess i'll be getting that to add to all the rest of my fighting games

[Rs0n1sT]

werd.. in the next few months left of this year.. i'm going to spend mad gwap on all these games.. smh.

[shiroren8]

yea i dunno how i'ma be able to afford all the games i want honestly

[Papasmurf215]

wow i'm defintely goina have to get this....