You'll note as highlighted previously that the handheld edition features a color edit mode, a very welcome feature that's been incorporated in many of the latest Capcom console fighting games. Plus, GGX: Advance Edition will also allow players to select any three of their favorite characters in an all-out brawl for 3 vs. 3 gameplay. We'll report more details as they become available, or once we've got our hands on the domestic version.

Special thanks to Katie "Puffy" Matthews!

Last Updated: 2/19/2002
In addition to Lethal Skies, featured in our latest PS2 preview, Sammy also introduced its newest additions heading to the Game Boy Advance this May. Andy Bogard and Sol Badguy are back in handheld adaptions of their respective acclaimed franchises - King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood and Guilty Gear X Advance.

Impressive stands as just one of many accolades that can be used to describe my impressions of GGX in its compact form. I must admit that I was especially curious how one of the most visually stunning and detailed 2D fighting games to date would translate on the Game Boy Advance. Of course, all my expectations were abundantly satisfied - the animation, characters, and most importantly - the combos are virtually intact (with a few exceptions of course).

The character animation is remarkably fluid, although the sprites are quite small. Nevertheless, each character is very distinct, and easy to recognize admist the various backgrounds (which are in itself exceptionally detailed).

Guilty Gear X Advance Edition features the entire cast (14 characters in total, including the 2 hidden boss characters). I won't divulge into the story (because honestly, how many of us really follow that anymore, save for SNK and Namco players?).

The handheld edition features two exclusive modes - 3-on-3 Mode, which in effect has a KOF-esque engine and a Tag Team Mode (which I didn't have much of an opportunity to explore).

The control setup resembles the same format as the configuration featured SNK vs. Capcom, in which players tap the button lightly to execute light attacks, moderate button presses for medium-based attacks, and hard, long taps will execute fierce attacks. Experienced players of the GGX quotient should have no trouble dishing out their combos.

There's no question that I'll be picking this game up to practice my Roman Cancels, and search for any possible glitches which are quite profound in the arcade and console edtions. (Hopefully, I can get some more screens to whet your apetites)