To hype gamers up for its July 16th release, SNK Playmore has recently launched the official website for King of Fighters XII.

As you can see, SNK really put some effort into making KOFXII‘s website stay true to the game’s lineage with colorful artwork and creative navigation. Featured on the website are fighter biographies, news, all sorts of media, and details for a fan art contest.

According to the website, the contest runs from May 8th to July 31st and prizes range from a $1,000 grand prize to limited edition KOF figurines and Xbox 360 or PS3 consoles. Considering there is no purchase necessary, what do you have to lose?

You can hit up the website at www.kingoffighters12.com.

Publisher Ignition Entertainment sent out word that the hand-drawn SNK fighter King of Fighters XII will hit PS3 and Xbox 360 this July.

"While other fighting games have abandoned the time-consuming process of creating beautiful 2D art, KOFXII fully embraces the refined aesthetic beauty that only human hands can produce," said Ignition business development director Shane Bettenhausen. He seems to be taking a stab at Street Fighter IV, which was recently released to much fanfare.

More information and media on the game is expected closer to release.