Korigama

Actually, KoF XII didn't (its dub was included, and was terrible), but that was what happened with XIII (dub also bad, but ultimately omitted from the final release).

Yes. Having cards to cancel into other kicks wasn't mandatory until AC.

Was bored, so I decided to take a crack at translating Hazama's spiel from the end of the trailer.

Did the new announcer sound like the one from CT to anyone else?

I don't see Litchi having any effect on Tsubaki, for pretty much the reasons you've already mentioned (no connection outside of the gag ending, and separate responsibilities potentially limiting interaction). More than likely, Noel and Makoto will try to bring Tsubaki back, but won't make much progress without involving Jin.

To be honest, I think Hakumen is the only one of those four who would care all that much. Jin would probably just think "Pfft, whatever!" as usual, unless Litchi actually attempts to obstruct him again. It seems very unlikely that Rachel would be particularly interested one way or the other, and I question the chances of Litchi running into Jubei by then (who would likely consider Terumi and Relius to be of greater priority).

That's always a possibility as well. I wouldn't have any idea how that would work without seeming too similar, but obviously that's Arc's job to think up.

-I suppose I could see it if Carl didn't decide to head to Ikaruga until later, but it would require something to put either Relius or Carl out of commission later to prevent having two of the same character playable, as was the case with the shift from Nu to Lambda (I don't see anything happening to Carl, but that's just my take). -Litchi's story established that Linhua wasn't capable of fighting, though (I know you mentioned that these were gameplay theories, but it is relevant). Based on what Platinum told Bang, back when Trinity awakened, about his Nox being able to sever ties to the Boundary, I'm thinking he'll be more likely to play a role in saving Litchi. With no substitute for Litchi's gameplay to account for, I'd think Arakune would be safe for now.

Thank you, seipherzero. I appreciate it.

And here I thought I was the only one. I focused a lot on the Hakumen matches before, but I overlooked the Tager ones.