I'm inspired by the other Tekken vs SC thread, so here goes!

I've been a SF fan till SF Zero 2. I loved the EX series, but didn't really like SF3. I was playing SF Zero 2 till death when KOF 97 came along and I never looked back. Been a KOFer ever since, and even wrote some FAQs back then. It's not about the graphics, and all about the game play. Sure the SF games had great animation and graphics, but it couldn't match the gameplay of the KOF games.

I'm not sure about you guys, but here in Asian arcades the KOF games are the crowded ones, where everybody gathers and watches when 2 experts are fighting it out. Just watch 2 pros play and you'll understand the sheer excitement and difference in pace from the SF games. KOF is not meant to be played alone. It's not as deep as the 3D fighters in terms of moves, but the depth of the games is still pretty much amazing. Every character can be mastered, so like in SF Zero 3 where some characters are simply overpowered or under powered.

Just my 2 cents. I like Street Fighter but I've grown to love KOF. Haven't been playing much these past 2 years, but I used to play KOF 97 and 98 every day back in school.