World Heroes Anthology is a collection of four fighting games from the World Heroes series: World Heroes, World Heroes 2, World Heroes Jet, and World Heroes Perfect. While the idea of having multiple games in one package may seem appealing, the execution falls flat.
The first issue with World Heroes Anthology is the lack of variety in gameplay. All four games follow a similar formula, with little innovation or evolution between them. This results in a repetitive and monotonous experience, where each game feels like a rehash of the previous one. The limited move sets and lack of depth further contribute to the feeling of sameness.
Another major drawback is the outdated graphics and sound design. World Heroes Anthology fails to update or enhance the visuals of the original games, leaving them looking pixelated and unappealing. The audio quality is also subpar, with repetitive sound effects and forgettable music tracks. This lack of polish detracts from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the games.
Furthermore, the controls in World Heroes Anthology are clunky and unresponsive. The input lag and imprecise hit detection make it frustrating to execute moves and combos accurately. This is particularly noticeable in competitive play, where precise timing and inputs are crucial. The poor controls hinder the flow of gameplay and prevent players from fully enjoying the fighting experience.
The lack of online multiplayer is another major disappointment. In today's gaming landscape, online multiplayer has become a standard feature in fighting games. However, World Heroes Anthology completely neglects this aspect, limiting the game's replayability and potential for competitive play.
Despite these flaws, World Heroes Anthology does offer a decent amount of content for fans of the series. The inclusion of all four games provides a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a chance for newcomers to experience the entire World Heroes saga. The variety of characters and their unique movesets offer some enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate classic fighting games.
In conclusion, World Heroes Anthology falls short of expectations. The lack of variety in gameplay, outdated graphics and sound design, clunky controls, and absence of online multiplayer make it difficult to recommend this collection. While it may hold some appeal for die-hard fans of the series, most players will find better fighting game experiences elsewhere.