Top 10 Best King of Fighters Games
Released in 1998, this installment is often referred to as a "Dream Match" as it doesn't follow the series' main storyline. It features characters from previous games, including those who were canonically dead, offering a large and balanced roster. This really should have been the last game. Not one KoF or Fatal Fury that followed (not even the overrated trash that is Mark of the Wolves) lived up to this.
The best balanced game overall. And Coming to Esaka music is everyone's favorite while fighting in this game.
At least the KoF fans here have taste. This deserves the top spot.
A 2002 release, this game serves as another "Dream Match" installment, with characters from various King of Fighters storylines making an appearance. It focuses heavily on 3-on-3 battles, refining the mechanics from previous entries. It's a great KoF game too. Even though I kinda prefer KoF '98, I also like 2002. 2002 UM is the best!
Great KoF with beautiful combos.
Released in 2010, this game concludes the "Ash Saga" with detailed 2D sprite animations. It includes a variety of new gameplay mechanics such as the Hyper Drive system for extended combos. Beautiful sprites (although it's very expensive to make sprites like that).
Awesome effects (yes, sprite effects such as fire, ice, etc.).
Pretty great backgrounds/stages (just like character sprites, they improved the stages and backgrounds too).
Awesome system (Drive Cancel, Super Cancel, HD Cancel, and other types of cancels).
Characters from other games appear as well, even some that already appeared in KoF. Kim from Art of Fighting appeared later in KoF games. Raiden and Hwa Jai from Fatal Fury make an exciting comeback with awesome designs. Terry and the others from Fatal Fury as well - they appeared in plenty of KoF games. Ryo and the others from Art of Fighting appeared in a couple of KoF games, and others.
Great comebacks: Classic Orochi Saga Kyo (although he is Kyo's alternate color), Classic Iori, Mr. Karate, Classic Raiden, NESTS Kyo, Billy Kane, and probably more.
Well, that might not be all, but I would consider KoF XIII the best KoF game. It's really enjoyable as well. Even if it may not have that many characters (if you don't count the DLC), it's still a great game. Steam Edition is the best!
Launched in 2000, this game continues the "NESTS Chronicles" arc and introduces the "Active Striker" system for calling in assist characters. It builds on the gameplay mechanics introduced in earlier titles while expanding the storyline. KoF 2000 is not the best in the series, but I'm voting for it because it was the game that introduced me to KoF.
That game was great! The first game I played - so good.
"Introduced me to KoF."
Same here. I liked KoF 2002, but after playing KoF 2000, I was more interested in KoF.
Released in 2005, this entry continues the "Ash Saga" and introduces new gameplay systems, including the Quick Shift feature for fast character swapping. It marks the transition to the Atomiswave arcade platform for better graphics and performance.
This game, released in 1997, concludes the "Orochi Saga" and offers players the choice between two gameplay modes: Advanced and Extra. It also includes multiple endings based on the player's team, impacting the narrative outcome.
Launched in 2009, this title was created as a reboot of sorts, focusing primarily on refining the series' 2D combat mechanics. It features completely redrawn, high-definition sprites but offers a smaller roster compared to other entries.
Released in 2016, this game transitions the series to 3D graphics while retaining its traditional 2D gameplay. It features a roster of 50 characters and introduces new mechanics such as the Climax Cancel system for advanced combos. The most complete, the best.
Released in 1999, this game introduces the "NESTS Chronicles" arc and a new gameplay mechanic, the Striker system, allowing players to call in assist characters during battle. It marks the beginning of a new storyline with fresh characters. Very good memories.
This 2001 entry concludes the "NESTS Chronicles" arc, offering a unique Ratio system that lets players allocate power to either characters or Strikers. The game was co-developed by Eolith after SNK's financial difficulties.
The Newcomers
A 2006 release, this 3D installment is known as "KOF: Maximum Impact 2" in Japan and features fully 3D environments and characters. The game includes multiple gameplay modes and a wide array of unlockable content. This game is super underrated and deserves more love and respect. It has the best single-player content in the series, period.
The specials are cranked up. Even though some characters are overpowered, the physics are better with fully revamped music. A game changer and an epic turnabout in KoF games. They made 4 KoF games and took more than 2 years to fully perfect this one. A lot of hard work and creativity were applied in this game.
Released in 2003, this installment begins the "Ash Saga" and introduces multi-shift tagging, allowing players to swap characters during battle. The game emphasizes fast-paced, team-based combat with strategic depth.
As the inaugural title of the series, released in 1994, this game introduced the 3-on-3 team battle system that would become a franchise staple. It brings together characters from multiple SNK franchises in a crossover format.
Released in 1995, this game continues the "Orochi Saga" while refining the team battle system introduced in the previous entry. It also introduces the ability for players to edit teams, allowing for more personalized gameplay. This is the one that, for better or worse, introduced Iori Yagami to the world.