The King of Fighters ALLSTAR (KOF ALLSTAR) is a fast-paced, action-packed mobile game that brings the beloved characters from SNK’s iconic King of Fighters series into a beat-em-up, RPG-style adventure. Released by Netmarble in 2019, this game has captivated fans with its stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re a long-time KOF fan or new to the series, this guide will cover everything you need to know about the game—from its mechanics to strategies for success.
What Is The King of Fighters ALLSTAR?
The King of Fighters ALLSTAR is a mobile game that combines elements of RPG, beat-em-up action, and character collection. It features fighters from across multiple iterations of the King of Fighters franchise, including iconic characters like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and Terry Bogard. Players take control of these fighters and engage in dynamic, fast-paced battles against hordes of enemies or other players in PvP modes.
Gameplay Overview
At its core, KOF ALLSTAR is an action game where players control teams of up to three fighters, each with their unique moves and abilities. Players can swap between these fighters mid-battle, allowing for dynamic strategies and the opportunity to chain together powerful combos. The game also features special moves, flashy ultimate skills, and devastating finishers that capture the spirit of the original KOF series.
Character Collection
One of the main appeals of The King of Fighters ALLSTAR is the extensive roster of characters. With over 100 fighters from various KOF titles, including crossover characters from other SNK games like Samurai Shodown and The Last Blade, players can create diverse teams. Each character has a distinct fighting style, elemental attribute, and rarity level (ranging from 3-stars to 5-stars).
RPG Elements
The game also incorporates RPG elements where players can level up their fighters, equip them with gear, and upgrade their stats. Resources like skill-enhancing materials and upgrade stones are essential to increasing a character’s power, which allows them to take on more challenging enemies.
Modes of Play
KOF ALLSTAR offers a variety of game modes that cater to both solo players and competitive gamers.
Story Mode
The main campaign in The King of Fighters ALLSTAR takes players through a retelling of the events from different KOF games, starting from the ’94 saga all the way to the present. Each chapter is divided into stages that gradually increase in difficulty, with boss fights that require careful strategy and timing.
Time Attack Mode
In Time Attack, players are challenged to complete stages as quickly as possible. High scores and fast completion times reward players with valuable in-game items, enhancing the competitive aspect of the game.
PvP Modes
For those who enjoy competition, KOF ALLSTAR features several PvP modes, including:
- Arena: A real-time player-vs-player mode where teams of fighters face off in intense battles.
- League Match: A weekly tournament-style mode where players compete for rankings and exclusive rewards.
- Team Relay: A co-op PvP mode where players work together to defeat powerful bosses.
The Battle Mechanics
The battle system in KOF ALLSTAR combines traditional beat-em-up elements with strategic play. Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of the gameplay mechanics:
Combos and Skills
Each character comes with a unique set of skills, including basic attacks, active skills, and finisher moves. Players can chain together basic attacks into devastating combos, finishing with a special move that can deal massive damage to enemies. Timing is critical, as skill cooldowns need to be managed carefully during intense fights.
Elemental System
Fighters in The King of Fighters ALLSTAR are divided into elements—such as Fire, Water, and Darkness—creating a rock-paper-scissors system of strengths and weaknesses. For example, a Fire-element character may have an advantage over a Wind-element opponent but will struggle against Water-element enemies. Choosing the right element for each battle can make a significant difference in success.
Striker System
Each fighter team can be equipped with a Striker, a character who doesn’t actively fight but assists the main fighters by performing supportive actions like healing or applying buffs. Selecting the right Striker for your team composition can significantly enhance your chances of victory.
Strategies for Success in The King of Fighters ALLSTAR
Team Composition
Building a balanced team is essential in KOF ALLSTAR. Players should consider a variety of factors, including elemental synergy, role distribution (offense, defense, support), and skill synergy. Having a balanced team that can handle different situations, especially in PvP, is crucial for success.
Mastering Combos
Combos are central to the game’s combat system. Learning how to chain together attacks and time your special moves to maximize damage is key. Practice in lower-stakes modes like Story Mode or Time Attack to perfect your combo execution before moving into competitive play.
Resource Management
Like many mobile RPGs, The King of Fighters ALLSTAR requires resource management to strengthen your characters. Prioritize leveling up high-rarity fighters and focusing on gear that enhances their strengths. Be cautious about spending resources on lower-tier characters unless they provide essential team synergy.
Events and Crossovers
One of the exciting aspects of KOF ALLSTAR is the regular release of in-game events, which often introduce new content, fighters, and rewards. These events sometimes feature crossover characters from other games or anime, allowing players to collect unique fighters that are otherwise unavailable. Keeping up with these events is a great way to earn powerful fighters and valuable resources.
In-App Purchases and Free-to-Play Model
KOF ALLSTAR follows a free-to-play model but offers in-app purchases for players looking to speed up their progress. While it’s possible to play and succeed without spending money, some exclusive fighters and premium resources are locked behind paywalls. However, the game is generally well-balanced, allowing free-to-play players to compete without significant disadvantages.
Community and Esports Scene
Since its launch, The King of Fighters ALLSTAR has cultivated a strong community of players. With regular updates, balance patches, and new content, the game continues to attract both casual and competitive players. The game’s PvP modes, especially Arena and League Match, have led to the development of an esports scene, with tournaments and events being organized regularly.
Pros and Cons of The King of Fighters ALLSTAR
Pros
- Extensive character roster: The game features a wide variety of characters from across the King of Fighters universe and beyond.
- Dynamic combat system: The combo-based combat offers a high skill ceiling and rewarding gameplay.
- Frequent updates and events: New content keeps the game fresh and engaging for long-term players.
- Competitive PvP: Multiple PvP modes provide ample opportunity for players to test their skills.
Cons
- Resource grind: Leveling up fighters and acquiring gear can be a slow process, especially for free-to-play players.
- In-app purchases: While the game is free-to-play, certain fighters and resources are locked behind paywalls.
- Repetitive gameplay: Some players may find the beat-em-up combat system repetitive after long play sessions.
Conclusion
The King of Fighters ALLSTAR is a well-crafted mobile game that offers a great mix of action, strategy, and nostalgia for fans of the original KOF series. Its extensive roster of fighters, strategic team-building elements, and competitive PvP modes make it a standout in the mobile gaming world. While it has its drawbacks, particularly for players unwilling to engage in microtransactions, the game remains highly accessible and fun for a wide range of players. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for an engaging mobile RPG, KOF ALLSTAR is definitely worth trying.
