Every The King of Fighters (KOF) Game Ranked from Worst to Best

Welcome to the ultimate showdown, where fists, fury, and fantastic fighting come together in an electrifying ranking of “The King of Fighters” (KOF) games.

As we punch, kick, and Hadoken our way through this iconic series, we’ll discover what makes each game unique, and why some have landed a critical hit in our hearts, while others… well, let’s just say they could’ve used a few more training sessions.

15KOF ‘95 (1995)

Starting off with “KOF ‘95”, it’s like that old friend you have a soft spot for but don’t hang out with much.

It built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor but somehow lacked the charisma to stand out. I remember the first time I played it, thinking, “Hey, this is cool,” but it wasn’t long before the excitement fizzled out like a hadouken in the rain.

The characters were great, sure, but the gameplay just didn’t have that spark.

In “KOF ‘95”, you can play as the boss characters, Rugal Bernstein and Saisyu Kusanagi, by using a special code. This was a neat treat for players who enjoyed a little extra challenge.

14KOF 2001 (2001)

Next up, “KOF 2001”. Oh boy, this game was like a wild experiment that half-worked.

The changes to the team and Striker formats were ambitious, but they received mixed reviews like a pizza with pineapple toppings – some loved it, others not so much.

My experience was a rollercoaster; one moment I was loving the creativity, the next I was scratching my head in confusion. It’s like that weird indie movie you respect for trying something new but wouldn’t necessarily rewatch.

“KOF 2001” was the first game in the series where players could choose between a different number of Strikers and fighters, allowing for various team combinations.

13KOF XV (2022)

“KOF XV” is the new kid on the block, and it’s still trying to prove itself. With updated graphics and mechanics, it’s like a shiny new toy on Christmas morning.

But it’s too soon to tell if it’ll become a classic or just another flash in the pan.

Personally, I’m intrigued by the fresh look and the tweaks in gameplay, but it’s like a promising rookie in the first season – full of potential, but still finding its feet.

“KOF XV” includes a character named Isla, who shares a deep rivalry with Shun’ei, the protagonist from “KOF XIV”. This rivalry adds an interesting dynamic to the game’s storyline.

12KOF ‘94 (1994)

Now, “KOF ‘94” is where it all started. This game is like your first love – it has a special place in your heart, even if it wasn’t perfect.

Introducing the 3-on-3 team battles, it set the stage for what would become a fighting game staple.

Playing this game is like flipping through an old photo album; it’s nostalgic, a bit rough around the edges, but oh so charming.

“KOF ‘94” was unique for its time because it introduced the concept of team-based fighting, where players selected teams of three fighters instead of just one character.

11KOF ‘99: Millennium Battle (1999)

Ah, “KOF ‘99”. This game brought the ‘Striker’ character concept to the table, adding some much-needed depth to the battles.

It’s like that one movie sequel that adds a new character and suddenly everything feels fresher. I remember getting excited about the strategic possibilities the Striker system introduced.

It wasn’t just about brawling anymore; it was about smart, tactical fighting.

In “KOF ‘99”, the concept of a fourth member, the ‘Striker’, was introduced, adding a new strategic element to the gameplay that hadn’t been seen in previous entries.

10KOF 2000 (2000)

Then there’s “KOF 2000”. The ‘Striker’ system here was like a chef’s kiss – creative and engaging.

And let’s not forget the memorable roster, filled with characters that made you feel like you were reuniting with old friends at a high school reunion.

The game had a personality, a flair that made it stand out. Every match was like an episode of your favorite action-packed TV show.

“KOF 2000” featured a unique ‘Striker’ system where players could summon another character during battle for assistance, which included cameo appearances from other SNK games.

9KOF ‘96 (1996)

“KOF ‘96” is where things started getting spicy. The series’ mechanics evolved, and the introduction of new characters felt like a breath of fresh air.

Playing this game was like going to a party that suddenly gets a second wind when a new group of fun guests arrive.

The battles were more dynamic, the strategies deeper. It was like the series had finally hit its stride.

“KOF ‘96” was the first game in the series to introduce a new fighting engine, significantly changing the gameplay mechanics from its predecessors.

8KOF XII (2009)

“KOF XII” was a mixed bag. The small roster was a letdown, like going to a buffet and finding only a handful of dishes.

But the art style? Absolutely gorgeous. It’s like that artsy indie film where you don’t love the story, but the visuals are so stunning you can’t help but appreciate it.

I spent hours just admiring the graphics, even if I wished there were more characters to enjoy them with.

“KOF XII” was notable for its ‘hand-drawn’ style graphics, where each character was redrawn pixel by pixel, showcasing an impressive level of detail.

7KOF 2003 (2003)

With “KOF 2003”, the Tactical Shift System was introduced, adding a new layer of strategy to team dynamics.

It was like playing chess with boxing gloves; every move had to be thought out. I remember the thrill of perfectly timing a tactical shift, feeling like a genius tactician leading my team to victory.

It added a complexity that was both challenging and rewarding.

“KOF 2003” introduced the Tactical Shift System, allowing players to switch characters during battle, a feature that influenced future tag-team fighting games.

6KOF XIV (2016)

“KOF XIV” marked the series’ bold move into 3D graphics while keeping the classic KOF gameplay. It was like seeing your favorite comic book come to life in a movie – familiar yet excitingly new.

The transition to 3D was smooth, and while I missed the old 2D charm, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the modern look and feel.

It was a well-executed evolution.

“KOF XIV” was the first game in the series to use fully 3D graphics while maintaining the classic 2D gameplay, marking a significant visual evolution in the series.

5KOF ‘97 (1997)

“KOF ‘97” is where the series really hit a high note.

The storyline was engaging, like a good book you can’t put down, and the introduction of the ‘New Face Team’ was like adding a plot twist that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The characters had depth, the fights had meaning, and everything just clicked. Playing this game felt like watching a thrilling movie where the action and story are both top-notch.

“KOF ‘97” introduced the ‘Advanced’ and ‘Extra’ modes, giving players two different styles of gameplay to choose from, each with its own unique strategy.

4KOF XI (2005)

In “KOF XI”, the tag-team mechanics and fluid gameplay were like a dance – graceful, precise, and exhilarating.

The fights flowed seamlessly, and the tag system added an extra layer of strategy that was both fun and challenging.

It was like playing a symphony with your fists; every move, every combo, felt like a note in a grand musical performance.

In “KOF XI”, the tag-team system was further refined, allowing players to switch characters on the fly and create dynamic and strategic combos.

3KOF XIII (2010)

“KOF XIII” was a masterpiece of 2D fighting games. The detailed sprites were a visual treat, like a high-definition remake of a classic painting.

The fast-paced gameplay kept your adrenaline pumping, and the deep story added a layer of intrigue that was often missing in fighting games.

Playing it was like being in a high-stakes action movie where every fight was a climactic battle.

“KOF XIII” was praised for its extensive hand-drawn sprite work, which included over 30 minutes of hand-drawn cutscenes, a rarity in modern fighting games.

2KOF 2002: Challenge to Ultimate Battle / Unlimited Match (2002/2009)

Coming in at number two, “KOF 2002” and its Unlimited Match version were like the ultimate buffet for KOF fans.

The refined gameplay mechanics were a dream come true, and the massive selection of characters was like a reunion of all your favorite action heroes.

Every match was a new adventure, a new challenge, and it never got old.

“KOF 2002” was designed as a ‘Dream Match’ game, meaning it didn’t follow the storyline and included a wide array of characters from previous games, regardless of their status in the series’ ongoing plot.

1KOF ‘98: The Slugfest / Ultimate Match (1998/2008)

And at the top of the heap, “KOF ‘98” and its Ultimate Match version. These games are often cited as the pinnacle of the series, and for good reason.

The massive roster allowed for endless matchups, and the well-balanced gameplay meant that every fight was a test of skill, not just character choice.

Playing “KOF ‘98” was like attending the greatest party ever thrown – everyone was there, and everything was just right.

Similar to “KOF 2002”, “KOF ‘98” is also a ‘Dream Match’ game, not bound by the series’ storyline. This allowed for the inclusion of fan-favorite characters who might have been dead or otherwise absent in the narrative.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some fights to win =).