There’s something to be said for sticking to your guns and refining your formula until it’s great.

That’s exactly what’s happened with King of Fighters XIII. Initially, its depth may seem daunting to newcomers, but they’ll be more than rewarded for spending the time needed to learn its complexities, especially if they work through the robust challenge modes. Each of the 30-plus characters is beautifully animated, matching the stylish (if slightly confusing) story mode.

For those who’d rather forego the extraneous stuff in favor of beating their buddies to a collective pulp, the game’s online mode is lag-free and works exceptionally well. It may not be quite as fully featured as some of the offline modes, but it more than gets the job done.

Our only complaint is that with such a large roster, many of the characters tend to play too similarly to one another. Facing a team with both Vice and Mature may prove confusing, for instance, as they’re both suit-wearing female assassins. Compared to all the goodness on hand here, though, that’s a small complaint.

• Publisher: Atlus • Developer: SNK Playmore • ESRB: Teen • Multiplayer: 2 on same screen or over Xbox Live  • Achievements: Extensive • Cost: $50

On Xbox 360

+ Tons of characters, each with some of the best sprite animation anywhere.

+ A complex, crazy-deep combat system.

- May be a bit overwhelming for new fans; some overly similar fighters.

? Does anyone do 2D sprites better than King of Fighters?

8.5