Punch, kick, duck, jump, power up and attack in a devastating manner – most fighting games offer variations on that particular theme. While many are now bringing that formula into the three-dimensional world of the second-generation console platforms, a few still opt for the side-scrolling combat format.

For the most part, that is not great news. But then, it really depends on the platform.

The King of Fighters EX2 Howling Blood from Atlus is a title that relegates the animation into a side-scrolling arcade-style vehicle for the Game Boy Advance. The two-dimensional characters battle against a lush background that has absolutely nothing to do with the combat. Fighters enter from the sides and after the countdown, battle until health bars are negated.

The game has had similar outings on other platforms with mixed results. Here, on this hand-held device, it works.

There are several ways to play the game: Story mode (pits a three-member team against the console-controlled AI with increasing tougher matches), VS Team and VS Single modes (these modes require linking two GBAs together via the Game Link) and Practice mode. The game will keep track of records and rankings for the characters set.

There are seven pre-built teams, each with unique powers, or you can mix and match team members to create your own squad of fighters. The game starts to take on some added challenge when utilizing the special abilities of the fighters, even though getting a firm handle on the special attack combinations takes time to understand and use effectively.

By way of example, The Fatal Fury team is comprised of Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Mai-Shiranui. Each member has four special attacks which are triggered by entering combinations on the D-pad and then hitting a button. The only problem is that there is no P or K button on the GBA. Ok, the P and K refer to punch and kick, which are tied to the A and B buttons and the L and R buttons. This can be a little confusing initially and timing has to be exact in order to execute the moves. Some of these moves require entering five D-pad maneuvers before hitting the punch or kick button.

Yes, this is a button-masher.

The overall action can be fast and furious, but that will lead players down the road to certain defeat as the competition gets tougher. The game really requires players execute timed attacks and defensive moves to score devastating shots or avoid taking excessive damage.

The sound of the game consists of a redundant sound track punctuated with the shouts of the fighters attacking. While not innovative, it fits this genre.

The graphical elements play well on this platform. The animation is smooth, and the whirling backfists or jumping side-kicks look good. The overall look of the game is bright and colorful.

The King of the Fighters EX2 Howling Blood is not overly complex, but the game does sport challenge. The game does play well and sports a solid look. This is a title at home on the GBA. For those who like side-scrolling fight vehicles, this is a ride worth taking.
 

Gameplay: 8

The game does have a lot of load times and you may find yourself mashing buttons while waiting for the “FIGHT” command to flash on the screen. The arenas are limited and should you get trapped against a side wall, it’s basically fight over.

Graphics: 8.5

The animation is smooth and the overall look of the game is bright and colorful.

Sound: 7

While this element supports the graphics, there is nothing exceptional here.

Difficulty: Medium

The game sports progressively tougher battles as you work through the levels.

Concept: 8

This style of game doesn’t work on the higher-end second-gen consoles, but does work here. The only unfortunate aspect is that the control scheme could have been a little tighter in allowing players to unleash the special attacks.

Multiplayer: 8.3

Two of the game modes are linked specifically to Game Link connectivity.

Overall: 8.4

The King of Fighters EX2 Howling Blood works very well on this platform. GBA and fight fans should find a solid blend of arcade combat action that will entertain them.