Re-birth
They said it all along, KoF XII is supposed to be the rebirth of the series. New sprites,(some) new fighters, new generation. And that's exactly what we got.
It's like the first of a series which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it ain't great either. Main problem is that it lacks some things you're used from a KoF game. Like a huge epic boss fight at the end or characters, levels and modes. It doesn't have a storyline, just an arcade mode which is also timeattack. No cutscenes, no character developpment, just 5 fights, your end result and the credits. There's no challenge mode like in KoF XI and not even survival. Only Arcade, Versus and Online.
Granted this all sounds pretty bad, but on let's look on the bright side. The graphics look amazing. I'm a fan of 2D so this was right up my alley. I prefer those highly detailed 2D sprites over the 3D models used in SF IV. The backgrounds might make you take your eyes of the action for a while because it's just gorgous. The gameplay is KoF at it's best. If you've played KoF before you know what i'm talking about. Similar controls like a Street Fighter game just a tiny bit better if you ask me. Much more ways to chain combos and supermoves. The character cast features all the favourites with one well known large chested Ninja girl MIA...sadly.
Overall, King of Fighters XII lacks in content and offers a lot less than previous games of the series. But the gameplay is amazing and if you're playing against a friend or online i'll promise you, you'll have a blast. If you love fighting games you cannot allow yourself to miss the rebirth of a legend.