King of Fighters XIII coming to consoles, and don’t worry, Mai Shiranui is back

Good news today for SNK fans, as Atlus has confirmed a console release for the game in Japan. While that may seem less exciting for us console owners outside of Japan, the fact that Atlus is publishing it means there’s an excellent chance it’ll find its way into the rest of the world. And yes, Mai Shiranui and hermassive, undulating beach balls have returned.

We’ve seen the game in action at a local arcade, and from the looks of it, a port should be fairly effortless, as even the arcade version has a fully featured training mode and what looked like combo trials built into it. Atlus’ localization is some of the best in the business, leaving the game’s online netcode the only remaining x-factor, pun intended. KOF XIII’s console port will feature an exclusive character, Fatal Fury’s Billy Kane, though there might be more announced since the game doesn’t ship until October in Japan.

Above: SHE'S BACK YOU HORN DOGS

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As of now, here’s a complete character list:

Andy Bogard
Ash Crimson
Athena Asamiya
Billy Kane (Console exclusive)
Benimaru Nikaido
Chin Gentsai
Clark Steel
Duo Lon
Elisabeth Blanctorche
Goro Diamon
Iori Yagami
Joe Higashi
K’
Kensou
Kim
King
Kula
Kyo Kusanagi
Leona Heidern
Mai Shiranui
Mature
Maxima
Raiden
Ralf Jones
Robert Garcia
Ryo Sakazaki
Shen Woo
Sie Kensou
Terry
Yuri

Boss Characters

Saiki
Evil Ash aka Blood Spiraling into Insanity Ash

KOF XIII will apparently wrap up Ash’s storyline, which makes sense given the appearance of the deliciously Japanese "Blood Spiraling into Insanity Ash". That's right folks, an "Evil" version of a character in a fighting game! KOF XIII hits consoles in Japan on October 25th, and we’ll keep you posted if/when there’s a global release.

July 6, 2011