GameTap Thursday: Welcome back, King of Fighters

Prize members of the
King of Fighters cast say goodbye this week as we say hello to the 2002 edition of the series. It's a bittersweet
release week for
GameTap as we welcome back SNK's flagship fighter, get more out of
The Last Blade and deal with the possibility of time traveling wizards.
- The King of Fighters 2002 (Neo-Geo) - After three years of slumming it, the King of Fighters series returned in 2002 with one of the most fluid and accessible entries in the series. Aside from being a return to form, this is the last true KOF title in which to fully experience the likes of May Lee, Kula Diamond, K9999 and fan service favorite, Angel.
- The Last Blade 2 (Neo-Geo) - Purists will argue until the sun explodes as to which of the two is better, but we prefer the sequel with its expanded cast and more defined characteristics. Exploitable, but still leagues beyond ...
- Samurai Shodown V (Neo-Geo) - Also known as Samurai Spirits Zero, SSV represents the worst of the 2D series. There's not much to say other than it is completely and utterly busted. Not that it matters with The Last Blade 2 hanging around.
- Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (PC) - The ultimate "be a bald guy and kill people" simulation. Keep in mind that the remaining two games in this series will be coming to GameTap as well.
- Legacy of Kain: Defiance (PC) - The incomprehensible plot winds down in this finale ... or does it? If you choose to play through Defiance and things stop making sense to you, that means one of three things happened: wizards, time travel or both.
For those not willing to part with their ten bucks, the
Free Play section now has 45 titles to choose from and has recently added the arcade hits
Captain Commando and
Ghouls and Ghosts.
Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness has also made its way to Free Play, which is probably where it should have been to begin with.