KoF fanboys might be at a loss to hear that fan-favorite Mai Shiranui will not be featured in the upcoming King of Fighters XII. Shane Bettenhausen, who is the director of business development at Ignition, confirmed that Mai will not be making an appearance. Although, he did mention that there will be downloadable content. However, he didn't say whether she will be featured as a DLC character, let alone what the DLC will be. Asked why they decided to do this, he gave the example of Capcom dropping Chun-li in Street Fighter III (though she did appear later in 3rd Strike). Keep your fingers crossed for Mai's appearance.

We have dutifully inquired about the whereabouts of one Mai Shiranui and halted an analogy to ripening fruit.

While it's been established that I know little about The King of Fighters series, I am not without a sense of reportorial obligation to cover the series well. So when I returned from my E3 meeting with The King of Fighters XII publisher Ignition without having asked about Mai Shiranui's whereabouts in the game.

I vowed to make amends and did so when I met with Ignition folks in New York today.

I did want to know why she was in such heavy demand. Not that I hadn't seen pictures of her and couldn't guess. And, sure enough, I was informed that it was not because of her love of making boxed lunches (which I have verified). It is assumed it is because she has large breasts. (87cm, 55cm, 91cm according to the official site, that first number converting to 34 inches).

McClubbin via kotaku.com »