King of Fighters XII confirmed for 2009 release

Will feature newly drawn 2D high definition sprites on detailed 2D background, all 100% hand drawn.

Ignition Entertainment has announced today that The King of Fighters XII is to be released across North America and Europe in 2009.

In celebration of the series' 15th anniversary, The King of Fighters XII, one of the last 3-on-3 arcade fighters, is to be overhauled for its home console debut. For the first time in its history, the game will be given a complete graphical overhaul. Sprites used over the past 14 years have been dropped and replaced with new 2D high definition, high resolution sprites, on detailed 2D backgrounds, drawn 100% by hand.

"Dreams never die!" said Ajay Chadha, president of Ignition Entertainment. "I've been a huge The King of Fighters fan since 1994 when the game first debuted and I know original fans will be as excited as I am about this ground breaking instalment of this very popular series. And just as importantly, The King of Fighters XII should be a treat for the new gamers who've just been introduced to the hugely popular franchise."

Ignition will release more information, including release date, platforms and screens, over the coming months.