Fighting Game Lecture Notes

Introduction to 2xKO

• Riot Games revealed gameplay trailer for 2xKO.
• It was described as a Tekken-like by a Reddit user, causing frustration among fighting game fans.
• Comparison of fighting games to other genres, such as music (e.g., rock genres).

Archetype of Fighting Games

• Street Fighter II The World Warrior (1991) as the archetype for modern fighting games.
  • Inspired by earlier games like Karate Champ and YR Kung Fu.
  • SFII sold over 22 million copies.
• Key gameplay features:
  • Character select screen.
  • Life bars depleting to indicate KO.
  • Versus mode as a defining characteristic.

Gameplay Mechanics of Street Fighter II

• 2D Fighting Game Mechanics:
  • Side perspective with character movement.
  • Jumping mechanics (neutral, forward, back).
  • Blocking system based on directional input (hold back to block).
• Introduction of concepts:
  • Cross-ups – misleading opponents on blocking direction.
  • Mix-ups – confusing the opponent on whether to block high or low.
  • Combos – chaining attacks after a knockdown.
  • Cancelling – starting a new attack before the previous one finishes.

Evolution of Fighting Games

• Mortal Kombat (1992):
  • Different blocking mechanics (block button instead of directional).
  • Unique mix-up opportunities.
• SNK Innovations:
  • Introduction of mechanics like dashing, super moves, and team battles with KOF series.
• Anime Fighters:
  • Games like Guilty Gear introduced air dashing, double jumps, and combo-breaking mechanics.
  • More complex interactions and combo systems.

Distinguishing Genres

• 3D Fighting Games:
  • Virtua Fighter as the first 3D fighting game, emphasizing realism and martial arts.
  • Introduced mid attacks and attack strings, changing the blocking dynamics.
• Tag Fighters:
  • Marvel vs. Capcom series established tag mechanics allowing players to switch characters mid-fight.
• Platform Fighters:
  • Super Smash Bros. deviated significantly from traditional fighting game mechanics with percentage-based elimination.

2xKO Specifics

• 2xKO Mechanics:
  • Blends features of Versus and Anime style fighting games.
  • Tag fighter system requiring selection of two characters.
  • Various defensive and offensive mechanics, including dynamic saves and retreating guard.
  • Duo mode for cooperative play.
• Designed to be accessible with simple mechanics and free-to-play structure.

Conclusion

• Understanding the evolution of fighting games helps appreciate new titles like 2xKO.
• Accessibility and complexity play significant roles in engaging players.
• Overall fighting game culture is likened to the diversity in music genres.