Jump to content

The King of Fighters

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from King of Fighters)
This article is about video game series. For the film based on the series, see The King of Fighters (film). For the first game of the series, see The King of Fighters '94. For an unconnected game, see Fatal Fury: King of Fighters.

The King of Fighters
Genre(s)Fighting
Developer(s)SNK
Eolith
BrezzaSoft
Noise Factory
Publisher(s)SNK
Ignition Entertainment
Atlus USA
Rising Star Games
Deep Silver
Koch Media
Creator(s)Masanori Kuwasashi
Platform(s)Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Neo Geo Pocket, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Network, Game Boy, J2ME, Symbian, Game Boy Advance, Wii, Nintendo Switch, Virtual Console, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
First releaseThe King of Fighters '94
August 25, 1994
Latest releaseThe King of Fighters XV
February 17, 2022

The King of Fighters (KOF)[a] is a series of fighting games by SNK that began with the release of The King of Fighters '94 in 1994. The series was initially developed for SNK's Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware and received yearly installments up until its tenth entry, The King of Fighters 2003 — thereafter, SNK moved away from annual The King of Fighters releases and games adopted a Roman numbered format, while simultaneously retiring the use of Neo Geo. The first major installment after this change was The King of Fighters XI (2005) on the Atomiswave arcade board. The series' most recent arcade hardware is the Taito Type X2, first used with the release of The King of Fighters XII (2009) and continues with the latest entry in the series, The King of Fighters XV (2022). Ports of the arcade games have been released for several video game consoles.

The games' story focuses on the title tournament in which fighters from multiple SNK games take part. SNK also created original characters to serve as protagonists, with individual story arcs, interacting with fighters from Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury, among other titles. Multiple spin-off games, such as the R duology for the Neo Geo Pocket and Maximum Impact for the PlayStation 2, for example, have also been released. There have been multiple cross-over games in which the SNK cast interacted with characters created by Capcom, while some characters have been present as guest characters in other games, such as Mai Shiranui in the Dead or Alive games, Geese Howard in Tekken 7, Kyo Kusanagi in Fighting Days, Kula Diamond in Dead or Alive 6, and Terry Bogard in Fighting EX Layer, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Street Fighter 6. Critical reception of the video games have been generally positive with their use of teams and balanced gameplay often cited.

Games

[edit]
Main article: List of The King of Fighters video games

Main series

[edit]
Release timeline
1994The King of Fighters '94
1995The King of Fighters '95
1996The King of Fighters '96
1997The King of Fighters '97
1998The King of Fighters '98
King of Fighters R-1
1999The King of Fighters '99
King of Fighters R-2
2000The King of Fighters 2000
2001The King of Fighters 2001
2002The King of Fighters 2002
2003The King of Fighters 2003
2004Maximum Impact
The King of Fighters: Neowave
2005The King of Fighters XI
2006Maximum Impact 2
2007Maximum Impact: Regulation A
2008The KOF '98: Ultimate Match
2009The King of Fighters XII
The KOF 2002: Unlimited Match
2010The King of Fighters XIII
2011The KOF '98: Ultimate Match Final Edition
2012The KOF XIII: Climax
2013–2015
2016The King of Fighters XIV
2017
2018The KOF '97: Global Match
2019–2020
2021The KOF XIV: Ultimate Edition
2022The King of Fighters XV
2023The KOF XIII: Global Match
  • SNK released the first game in the series, The King of Fighters '94, on August 25, 1994.[1] It featured characters from SNK's previous fighting game series Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting, as well as original characters (including characters from other franchises such as Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldier, adapted for a versus fighting game). The game's success led SNK to release yearly installments for the series numbering the games for the year they were released.
  • The King of Fighters '95, as well as adding new characters, began the series' first story arc titled "The Orochi Saga". It was also the first game in the series that allowed players to create their own three-member teams with any character in the game.[2]
  • The King of Fighters '96 established the second part of "The Orochi Saga". Depending on the playable characters on a team, an exclusive ending would be played.[3]
  • "The Orochi Saga" story arc concluded in The King of Fighters '97.[4]
  • Unlike the series' previous games, The King of Fighters '98 did not feature a story. Instead, it was promoted as a "Dream Match" game that allowed players to choose most of the characters available from the previous titles, including ones that were supposedly dead. SNK refitted the Dreamcast version and renamed it The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999 with an extended cel animated introduction and 3D backgrounds.[5]
  • The King of Fighters '99 introduced "The NESTS Chronicles" story arc. In a new tactic, a specific person from a team would be an assistant called a "Striker". This person would be able to aid the team for a few seconds in combat. The Dreamcast version was titled The King of Fighters: Evolution, with several improvements in the game such as new Strikers and better animation.[6]
  • A new KOF story arc titled the "Tales of Ash" began in The King of Fighters 2003, the last KOF game to be released for the Neo Geo system. It allowed players to change characters while playing, but the number of team members was reduced to three. SNK returned to develop the franchise with this entry.[10] By 2004, SNK abandoned the series' yearly releases and numbered future games in a more conventional manner.[11]
  • The first main series' game released as such was The King of Fighters XI in 2005.[12]
  • In 2009, The King of Fighters XII was released. It used high-resolution, hand-drawn 2D sprites on detailed 2D backgrounds.[13] It is a storyless gathering of fighters, similar to KOF '98 and 2002.
  • The story arc ends with The King of Fighters XIII. Released during the summer of 2010, which features the entire roster from The King of Fighters XII as well as additional characters.[14]

Spin-offs and remakes

[edit]
  • In 2004, SNK produced the first 3D installment of the series, The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact.[22] The game and its sequel KOF: Maximum Impact 2, and its upgraded version Maximum Impact: Regulation A, revises much of the backstory for the characters and settings from previous games.[23] A second update called Regulation A2 was planned but cancelled. The producer of the Maximum Impact series, Falcoon, stated that the Maximum Impact games are in a different continuity from the original series of games.[24] Another spin-off video game, The King of Fighters Neowave, was released for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and Arcade during 2005 and 2006. Neowave is essentially a remix of KOF 2002, with a new presentation and a few roster changes. Like KOF2002, Neowave has no storyline and is considered a "dream match". Tomokazu Nakano created the character artwork.[25]
  • Two video games were released for the Game Boy Advance titled The King of Fighters EX: Neo-Blood and The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood featuring characters and backgrounds from KOF '99 and 2000, respectively.[26][27] The GBA games featured some exclusive content such as new stages and exclusive characters such as Moe Habana, introduced in EX: Neo-Blood, while EX2: Howling Blood featured more exclusive characters, including a new end boss. The data was based on the DC version of The King of Fighters '99 and put into The King of Fighters 2000 system. However, the game's quality was terrible according to Akihiko Ureshino.[28]
  • A role-playing video game was also created exclusively for the PlayStation under the title The King of Fighters: Kyo, adapting a manga with the same name.[29] An N-Gage version of the second Game Boy Advance game was released in 2005 titled The King of Fighters Extreme, which added Bluetooth multiplayer capability.
  • By late 2000s, at least three pachislot games were developed for the series. The first, The King of Fighters, is based on the Orochi storyline; the second, The King of Fighters 2, is based on the fight of K' against the NESTS cartel;[30][31] and the third, Maximum Impact focuses on the series' 3D titles. None of these was released outside Japan.[32] At least six games for Japanese mobile phones have also been developed. While a few of them are fighting games, others are mini-games like volleyball and quizzes.[33]
[edit]

Several characters from the series also appear in crossover video games. NeoGeo Battle Coliseum is a 2-on-2 tag team fighting game for the Atomiswave arcade board, and SNK Gals' Fighters is a fighting game for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Along with the KOF, characters from other SNK series also star in both of these games.[34] A rhythm game titled The Rhythm of Fighters was released for mobile phone games during 2015.[35] Capcom also produced a series of similar crossover fighting games with SNK. The SNK-produced fighting games of this crossover include the Dimps-developed portable fighting game SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium for the Neo Geo Pocket Color in 1999 and SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos for the Neo Geo in 2003. The games produced by Capcom are Capcom vs. SNK in 2000. This was followed by a minor upgrade, Capcom vs. SNK Pro, and a sequel titled Capcom vs. SNK 2, both released in 2001.[36] The three games were produced for NAOMI hardware and later ported to various consoles. SNK also produced SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos,[37] and the video game card game titled SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS.[38]

Multiple mobile phone games have also been produced including The King of Fighters All Star,[39] Kimi wa Hero,[40] Clash of Kings,[41] KOF X Arena Masters,[42] KOF: WORLD,[43] The King of Fighters Orochi Go, The King of Cyphers,[44][45] and a crossover with Fatal Fury.[46] An otome game King of Fighters for Girls is also in development.[47] The characters have also been guests in other mobile games such as Kyo in Fighting Days.[48]

Compilations

[edit]

In addition to the remakes of games such as KOF '94 Re-bout, KOF '98 Ultimate Match, and KOF 2002 Unlimited Match, SNK has released compilations of their KOF games. Two KOF compilations were released in Japan for the PlayStation 2 as part of the Neo Geo Online Collection.

The first compilation, The King of Fighters Orochi Hen (ザ·キング·オブ·ファイターズ -オロチ編-, The Orochi Saga) features KOF '95, KOF '96, and KOF '97, the three games comprising the Orochi story arc. The compilation features a Color Edit mode that allows the player to create a custom color palette for every character in each game, the choice to play each game with original and arranged soundtracks, and an online versus mode which supports the Multi-Matching BB (MMBB) service.[49] The second compilation, The King of Fighters NESTS Hen (ザ·キング·オブ·ファイターズ -ネスツ編-, The NESTS Saga), features the original Neo Geo versions of KOF '99, KOF 2000, and KOF 2001, as well as the corresponding Dreamcast versions of each game. It has the same features as the previous compilation but with online support available only for the Dreamcast games in the compilation.[50]

A separately produced compilation titled The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga was released for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Wii outside of Japan. This compilation has the same lineup of games as the Japanese Orochi Hen, along with KOF '94 and KOF '98. The extra features are different. There is an added Challenge Mode where the player must win certain matches against the CPU in KOF '98 under specific conditions, a media gallery featuring listenable tracks from each game, and a collection of official illustrations.[49]

There were also two double-pack compilations, the first being The King of Fighters 2000/2001 (The King of Fighters: The Saga Continues in PAL regions)[51] and The King of Fighters 2002/2003, both on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.[52]

Gameplay elements

[edit]
A fight between Kyo (an original character) and Kim (Fatal Fury). In the background are Kyo's two teammates (Benimaru and Daimon) who can replace him if he is defeated.

The basic gameplay system of KOF is similar to SNK's previous games like the Fatal Fury series, Art of Fighting and Samurai Shodown. The game uses a four attack button configuration like Fatal Fury 2 and Fatal Fury Special, that consists of light punch, light kick, strong punch and strong kick. Like Fatal Fury 2, specialized techniques are performed by pressing buttons in combination, allowing the player to dodge an opponent's attack or to launch a character's powerful knockdown attack. As with most other fighting games, each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves the player can perform using a specific series of joystick and button inputs.[53] Each new installment provides new ways to create stronger attacks such as The King of Fighters '97. Instead of charging the Power Gauge it is now filled when the player strikes the opponent or by performing Special Moves. The player can stock up to three Power Gauges. The player can use one stock of the Power Gauge to perform a Super Special Move or enter a "MAX" mode, in which the player's defensive and offensive strength are increased. Performing a Super Special Move while in MAX mode allows the player to perform a more powerful Super Special Move.[54]

The franchise is known for innovating the fighting genre by replacing a traditional round-based format used in preceding fighting games with a format consisting of 3-on-3 team-based matches dubbed the Team Battle System. Instead of choosing a single character, the player selects from one of eight available teams, each consisting of three members. Before each match, the players choose the order in which their team members enter the battle. When the match begins, the members chosen to go first on their respective teams will fight. When one character is defeated, the next member of the same team will take his or her place, while the character on the other team will have a small portion of their life restored (if energy was lost during the previous round). If a character is losing a match against the opponent, then the player can call one of the remaining teammates standing on the sidelines to jump in and perform a support attack. The match ends when all three members of either team lose.[55]

Three games—The King of Fighters '99, 2000, and 2001—added the idea of each team being given an extra character that can assist the player to produce more attacks or combos against the enemy.[56] While 2002 brought back the classic 3-o- 3 teams, 2003 and XI made the change so that each team switches fighters in the middle of combat with one of them being a "Leader" character who can perform stronger techniques.[57] Later games, however, returned to the classic way of fighting while still delivering different ways and rules of fighting.

Plot and characters

[edit]
See also: List of The King of Fighters characters
The King of Fighters employs different original characters as leads featuring (from left to right) K', Ash Crimson, Shun'ei and Kyo Kusanagi.

The titular King of Fighters tournament originated from SNK's previous fighting game franchises, Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting (canonically and chronologically beginning during the events of Art of Fighting 2). The first game in the series, KOF '94, centers on a black market arms dealer named Rugal Bernstein, who hosts a well-known fighting tournament to lure worthy adversaries into his trap so that he can kill them and turn them into stone statues, adding them to his collection of defeated martial artists. In addition to previously established fighting game stars Terry Bogard and Ryo Sakazaki, the game introduces a new hero: a young Japanese martial artist named Kyo Kusanagi, who serves as the lead character in the early KOF games. In making Kyo, SNK wanted his personality to contrast with those of earlier leads and stand out within the crossover.[58]

In KOF '95, Rugal, having survived the previous tournament, hosts a new one with the intention of seeking revenge against his adversaries. KOF '95 introduced Kyo's rival Iori Yagami to the series. It was the first game to mention the presence of the Orochi clan, which would serve as the central plot element in the series' following two games. The tournaments in KOF '96 and KOF '97 are hosted by a woman named Chizuru Kagura, who seeks to recruit allies (particularly Kyo and Iori, who are descended from the Three Divine Vessels along with Kagura herself) to fight against the Orochi clan. The Orochi storyline concludes in KOF '97.[59] The next game in the series, KOF '98, is a "Special Edition" with no plot development.

KOF '99 introduces a new story arc involving a mysterious corporation known as NESTS, which seeks to create an army of genetically altered fighters. The game introduces a new lead character named K', a fugitive from NESTS who was genetically enhanced with Kyo's DNA.[60] The next two games in the series, KOF 2000 and KOF 2001, continue the NESTS story line, with each game unraveling the mystery of the organization further. KOF 2002, like KOF '98 before it, is a "Special Edition" of the series with no particular plot. Like Kyo, K' was created as a different hero. Rather than the cocky Kyo, K' is a dark hero who reluctantly fights against the NESTS syndicate.[61]

KOF 2003 begins a new story line focusing on another new lead character named Ash Crimson, a young man who seeks to possess the powers of the Three Divine Vessels for his own unknown agenda. Similar to K', Ash is given a different characterization acting as a villain during his story arc.[62] The tournaments in KOF 2003 and KOF XI were hosted by "Those From the Past", an organization of inhuman warriors who try to break the Orochi seal to take its powers so they can give them to their shrouded master. While KOF XII does not have a story, KOF XIII follows another tournament hosted by them where Ash eventually confronts their superior despite him being Ash's ancestor.[63]

KOF XIV establishes a new storyline involving a new lead character named Shun'ei. Described as a "kind-hearted" person, SNK states that while Shun'ei is not a new main character, he is still important for the saga.[64]

Development

[edit]
An example of the Neo Geo CD port of The King of Fighters '95

The King of Fighters was originally conceptualized as a side-scrolling beat 'em up until SNK changed it to a fighting game that took its subtitle from the first Fatal Fury game: Fatal Fury: King of Fighters. The King of Fighters was created by game designer Masanori Kuwasashi. He enjoys Tensai Bakabon, Ashita no Joe, Tiger Mask and Devilman, as well as arcade and Super Famicom games. After working on package design for electronic products, he decided that he would leave to pursue a different career in the video game industry. SNK recruited much of its new staff back in the 1880s and early 1990s. Kuwasashi, Tanabe and Shimizu - under the stewardship of Nishiyama - would go on to form the core of a game development team.[65] The prototype version of the game was a River City Ransom-style TEAM-BATTLE side-scrolling beat 'em up. However, the idea was eventually abandoned. They eventually decided to turn their idea into a fighting game. This game was a team battle concept and there were not enough characters, so characters from Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldier were also added to the roster. The concept of a three-person team was one of the ideas kept from the side-scrolling version.[66] The title The King of Fighters was re-used from the subtitle of the first Fatal Fury game, Fatal Fury: King of Fighters.[67] The King of Fighters series' director Toyohisa Tanabe asserted that the Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury fighters were added specifically for adults. The newer KOF characters were intended to appeal to younger and recent audiences. Characters like Benimaru Nikaido and Chang Koehan were added to provide an off-beat variety to the cast, which he had previously said was too serious.[68] A major inspiration for this crossover idea was the usage of Ryo Sakazaki from Art of Fighting as a guest character in Fatal Fury Special; Bringing Ryo to Fatal Fury revolutioned the idea of the crossover concept that would conceptualize The King of Fighters.[69]

While the first two games used the Neo Geo MVS arcade, The King of Fighters '96 includes 68 KB of video RAM and 64 KB of RAM. This made The King of Fighters '96 the first game to break the technical limits of the MVS system.[70] SNK staff members noted that due to the great popularity of some of the series' characters, it is difficult to design new ones that might have the same appeal. This also happens during location tests of new games.[71] During the mid 1990s, The King of Fighters was SNK's most popular IP as their other famous works like Art of Fighting 3 and Fatal Fury 3 were poorly received by the gamers. Though Fatal Fury saw a revival through Real Bout Fatal Fury and Garou: Mark of the Wolves, these two games were released during the time SNK went bankrupt leaving the company to mainly focus on KOF.[72] The artist known as Shinkiro was responsible for the first artwork involving the cast. As a result, newcomer artist Hiroaki Hashimoto felt for his debut that he needed to draw appealing characters, despite his inexperience.[73] For the first time, former producer Takashi Nishiyama was not on the team for The King of Fighters 2000 which caused the team some concern.[74] Despite early unease over the game's state, SNK was pleased with the outcome and described it as an appealing arcade game. Following its release, SNK thanked the fans for their support.[75] Mexican company Evoga had a major influence on the games due to the franchise's popularity within Latin America.[76]

In 2000, SNK went bankrupt. Eolith negotiated a license agreement in the same year to keep producing the KOF series because of the franchise's popularity in Korea and worldwide. BrezzaSoft assisted Eolith with the game's production. Fearing disappointing returning fans, Eolith decided to maintain most of the common parts from The King of Fighters while adding new elements to it. One of the biggest changes is the optional use of Strikers where players can use between one and three characters to assist the playable one. The team aimed to refine the original gameplay system of earlier KOF games. While conducting a popularity poll of the characters, Eolith still aimed to include the least popular teams in the game. The great popularity of Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami led to their immediate inclusion in the game.[77] References to works from Evoga can be seen in the game's scenarios. While working on it, the team played The King of Fighters '98 for the developers to see if they could include a character within the game. A member from Evoga won, resulting in the team asking to add Angel to the game.[78] Starting in 2003, the games were again developed by SNK, now called SNK Playmore.[79] SNK Playmore discontinued the AES system in 2003, preferring to publish video games in cooperation with Sammy, using its Atomiswave arcade board, which provided a more secure, modern platform for new arcade releases. This allowed the new KOF games to feature better audio and graphics than earlier games.[80]

Following the release of the first game in The King of Fighters series, a new game was released each year. The last of these yearly releases was The King of Fighters 2003. In December 2004, Falcoon, the series' main illustrator, mentioned that the next game the SNK Playmore staff were trying to release was different from The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact or what could have been a The King of Fighters 2004. The game's development began when SNK staff finished making Neo Geo Battle Coliseum.[81] KOF 2003 would be followed by XI, XII and XIII which had major changes to appeal to the audience.[82] The decision to create The King of Fighters XIV was made when SNK Playmore's CEO Eikichi Kawasaki decided the company should return to producing appealing fighting games rather than Pachinko-Slot Machines and Mobile Apps. While it took some time, full production of the game began when more staff from Esaka joined the team in April 2014.[83][84] Yasuyuki Oda was the game's director. This was his first contribution to the franchise, leading a younger staff. During his first employment at SNK, games like Virtua Fighter motivated him to make a 3D game after he had left SNK. When Oda returned to SNK, there was never any debate about transitioning the series transition from 2D to 3D, though adapting some of the characters proved more difficult than others.[85] Many of SNK's staff consider KOF '98 and KOF 2002 the best games in the franchise. They gave them ideas to create new entries in the series that would surpass the quality of these two games.[86][87] During a contest, SNK used the DLC character Najd based on the Saudi Arabian artist Mashael. SNK Chairman Zhihui Ge expressed a desire to attract more Middle Eastern fans to play the game. He also hired new creators during the post-release of XIV.[88] In retrospect, Oda said the SNK game studio was revived with KOFXIV, resulting in the company finally making more Samurai Shodowns, Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting games in future years. Oda wishes the company could keep doing this.[89]

SNK decided to make XV while they were still working on XIV but only started development after Samurai Shodown was completed.[90] Feeling the previous title had outdated graphics for a 2016 game, SNK chairman Zhihui Ge said that XV would the Unreal Engine 4 to provide a better presentation.[91] Oda has compared Shun'ei to Rock Howard, and says that his story could end up being as fun to write as Rock's. Oda feels that unlike the older fighting game protagonists, Shun'ei has a one-of-a-kind world view, and his values change as he grows older.[92]

[edit]

Printed adaptations

[edit]

During 1995 Tatsuya Shingyoji wrote a manga adaptation of The King of Fighters '94. It was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Ace published by Kadokawa Shoten and collected into four tankōbon volumes. They were released from February 10, 1995, to December 1996.[93][94] There is also a spin-off manga story based on the adventures of the characters from The King of Fighters '96 centered around Kyo and Iori's rivalry entitled The King of Fighters: Kyo. It was written by Masato Natsumoto and published by Kodansha in two tankōbon volumes in 1997.[95][96] Ryo Takamisaki also developed another adaptation from KOF '96 which Shinseisha published in three tankōbon compilations from June 1996 to February 1998.[97][98] Akihiko Ureshino also wrote multiple novelizations based on the games with different artists contributing to each installment.[99][100][101]

A manhua adaptation of KOF titled The King of Fighters: Zillion was created by Andy Seto. Hong Kong artists Wing Yang and King Tung produced further manhua for the games, beginning with The King of Fighters 2001 through 2003 along with the Maximum Impact series.[102] Both authors also made a sequel, The King of Fighters 03: Xenon Zero (拳皇 XENON ZERO), to conclude the 2003 tournament.[103] ComicsOne licensed the series with its first volume tying in with the release of a new video game and kept publishing it after their transition to DrMaster.[104][105] They were published in five issues of 128 pages from May 25, 2005, to June 26, 2008.[106][107] Another manhua series is King of Fighters RX Project '00 (拳皇RX) in three volumes that was officially sponsored by SNK-Playmore Hong Kong. The NESTS saga version was illustrated by Ricky, and covers the fight against NESTS primarily focused on the 2000 tournament.[108]

The King of Fighters: A New Beginning is a shōnen manga authored by Kyōtarō Azuma. It is based on the events of The King of Fighters XIV. The series was serialized in Kodansha's Magazine Pocket since January 2018,[109] ending in August 2020.[110] Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga for a North American release with the first volume released in March 2020. light novel series Iori Yagami's Isekai Mu'sou by Nobuhiko Tenkawa which debuted in July 2019. The art was done by Eisuke Ogura. Centered after the events of KOF '97, Iori finds himself into another world.[111]

Film and animation

[edit]

A short series based on KOF titled The King of Fighters: Another Day was released in 2005. Production I.G produced the title as an original net animation with a total of four episodes, each about 10 minutes in length. It has since been released as a bonus DVD, packaged with KOF: Maximum Impact 2.[112] An English-language live-action film The King of Fighters was released direct-to-DVD in the United States in 2010.[113][114] New anime and live-action drama productions were announced in 2016.[115][116]

The CG anime series The King of Fighters: Destiny was released on Steam and YouTube beginning in 2017.[117][118] The first season retells the story of the first games with Kyo Kusanagi leading the Japan Team to participate in the title tournament, eventually encountering the host, Rugal, who is using the power of the mythical creature Orochi. The series has received over 800 million views.[119]

CDs

[edit]

SNK has released a series of CD soundtracks titled SNK Character Sounds Collection or SNK Sound Character Collection (SNKサウンドキャラクターズコレクション). As of 2008, there are 11 volumes; each one focuses on a single character. The CDs have different versions of the characters' themes, as well as quotes. Most of the albums' covers are illustrated by Masato Natsumoto.[120] The Band of Fighters, shortened as BOF, is a character image band that includes Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, Nakoruru and Athena Asamiya.[121]

Dengeki Bunko and Pony Canyon have released several radio drama CDs based on the series. Some of them are direct adaptations of the video games KOF '94 to KOF '00. Another CD is Iori Yagami Original Drama the Setting Sun and Moon ~ Prologue (八神庵オリジナルドラマ 夕陽と月〜プロローグ〜), which is centered on Iori Yagami. The drama originally aired on the Game Dra Night and Neo Chupi and was then released by Pony Canyon CD on July 7, 1999. The guidebook The King of Fighters Perfect Reader includes the bonus CD drama KOF: Mid Summer Struggle. There are two stories on it—one is serious the other is a parody focused on KOF '03. The scenarios were developed by Akihiko Ureshino and BoHyou. SNK also gave away a four-CD soundtrack featuring songs from past KOF games with the pre-order of KOF XIII on any GameStop in the United States.[122]

Other merchandise

[edit]

In December 2006, Sabertooth Games released a King of Fighters 2006 set along with Samurai Shodown V for its Universal Fighting System (UFS) collectible card game; character starter packs were released for Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui. Other merchandise includes a number of figures and statues, mostly of Mai. Additionally, scale figures based on Kyo's and Iori's original forms and their XIV looks have been released,[123] including a Nendoroid figure based on Kyo.[124]

Reception

[edit]
Aggregate review scores (main titles)
Game GameRankings Metacritic
The King of Fighters '95 PS1: 69%[125] —
The King of Fighters '97 iOS: 72%[126] —
The King of Fighters '98 DC: 71%
(Dream Match 1999)[127]
PS2: 77%
(Ultimate Match)[128]
X360: 74%
(Ultimate Match)[129]
iOS: 77%[130]
NS: 80%[131] 		PS2: 78/100
(Ultimate Match)[132]
iOS: 78/100[133]
The King of Fighters '99 PS1: 75%[134]
DC: 76%
(Evolution)[135] 		DC: 67/100
(Evolution)[136]
The King of Fighters 2000 / 2001
(dual-pack) 		PS2: 72%[137] PS2: 71/100[138]
The King of Fighters 2002 / 2003
(dual-pack) 		PS2: 75%[139]
Xbox: 75%[140] 		PS2: 73/100[141]
The King of Fighters XI PS2: 73%[142] PS2: 75/100[143]
The King of Fighters XII X360: 64%[144]
PS3: 60%[145] 		X360: 63/100[146]
PS3: 57/100[147]
The King of Fighters XIII X360: 82%[148]
PS3: 77%[149]
WIN: 76%
(Climax/Steam Edition)[150] 		X360: 79/100[151]
PS3: 77/100[152]
WIN: 77/100
(Climax/Steam Edition)[153]
The King of Fighters XIV PS4: 79%[154] PS4: 79/100[155]
The King of Fighters XV — PS5: 79/100
PS4: 80/100
WIN: 85/100
XSXS: 79/100[156]
Aggregate review scores (other titles)
Game GameRankings Metacritic
The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood GBA: 75%[157] GBA: 80/100[158]
The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood GBA: 78%[159] GBA: 80/100[160]
The King of Fighters Extreme NG: 71%[161] —
The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact PS2: 68%[162]
Xbox: 70%
(Maniax)[163] 		PS2: 64/100[164]
Xbox: 69/100
(Maniax)[165]
The King of Fighters M2 MOBI: 61%[166] —
The King of Fighters Neowave PS2: 60%[167]
Xbox: 65%[168] 		PS2: 57/100
Xbox: 62/100[169]
The King of Fighters 2006 / Maximum Impact 2 PS2: 70%[170] PS2: 66/100[171]
The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga PS2: 72%[172]
Wii: 73%[173]
PSP: 64%[174] 		PS2: 67/100
Wii: 70/100
PSP: 61/100[175]
The King of Fighters-i iOS: 83%[176] —
The King of Fighters-i 2012 iOS: 83%[177] iOS: 88/100[178]
The King of Fighters R-2 — NS: 71/100[179]

While the fighting system has been well-received, critics have had mixed feelings regarding the Striker system introduced in KOF '99.[180][181] In GameSpot's "The History of SNK" article, KOF '99: Evolution was described as one of the best fighting games on the Dreamcast, along with Garou: Mark of the Wolves. However, because it was released during the PlayStation 2's launch and Dreamcast's ending, the game did not sell well.[182] The boss character Rugal Bernstein, among others, has been described as one of the most challenging characters to defeat in fighting games; this feeling also led to some criticism.[183][184][185][186][187]

The developers of KOF noted that Kyo and Iori were also highly popular in Korea which led to their immediate inclusion in The King of Fighters 2001, the first game not developed by the original company.[188] In the book Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific, Kyo was regarded as one of the most popular video game characters in Hong Kong from the mid-1990s onward alongside Iori and Mai, among others, to the point of overshadowing the Street Fighter characters who were also largely well-known.[189] The Mexican company Evoga had a major influence on the game due to the franchise's popularity in Latin America and often playtested the games.[78] With KOF XIV, SNK noted the series' popularity was still dominant in South America and China, leading to the creation of teams composed of characters from those areas.[190] The popularity of the franchise in those markets has been attributed mainly to economic factors - machines featuring King of Fighters series were often cheaper and more easily accessible than those featuring competing titles from other companies.[191]

The Daily Star noted the games' popularity comes not only from the gameplay but also the characters who tend to develop across the series—for example the rivalry between Kyo and Iori. The franchise's story arcs were also found to be appealing as they stand out from other fighting game franchises.[192] Kakuchopurei.com felt the series offered a balanced cast which would help any newcomer while also agreeing with The Daily Star on how SNK handled the story lines.[193] There has also been censorship of some of the ports of the North American games, most notably Whip's gun and blood.[194] Singer Del the Funky Homosapien has recorded a song titled "The King of Fighters" whose lyrics involve the characters and special moves.[195] Ash Crimson's character received a poor response in Western regions. In an interview with Ignition Entertainment's director of business development Shane Bettehausen, Alex Lucard of Diehard GameFan said that North American SNK fans detested Ash and complained about his inclusion in The King of Fighters XII without a storyline while popular series' characters were overlooked.[196] After Ignition polled fans to choose an artbox for console versions of The King of Fighters XII. The company announced Ash's unpopularity reduced the number of potential covers to two featuring Kyo and Iori.[197]

Ben Herman, president of SNK Playmore USA, commented that although he received complaints about the English voices for the game, Maximum Impact sold over 100,000 units as of May 2006, becoming a commercial success.[198] Despite initial issues with the online mode and other features of the game The King of Fighters XIV Yasuyuki Oda said the fan response was positive especially after these issues were fixed.[199]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Japanese title: Za Kingu Obu Faitāzu (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ)
  1. ^ "The King of Fighters '94 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on August 5, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  2. ^ "The King of Fighters '95 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  3. ^ "The King of Fighters '96 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  4. ^ "The King of Fighters '97 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on March 20, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  5. ^ "The King of Fighters '98 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on February 20, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  6. ^ "The King of Fighters '99 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on May 2, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  7. ^ "The King of Fighters 2000 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  8. ^ "The King of Fighters 2001 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  9. ^ "KOF 2001 Team". SNK. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  10. ^ "The King of Fighters 2003 Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  11. ^ "King of Fighters skipping 2004". GameSpot. December 23, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
  12. ^ "The King of Fighters XI Official Profile" (in Japanese). King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  13. ^ Niizumi, Hirohiko (September 18, 2008). "King of Fighters XII knuckles up next year". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  14. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (March 25, 2010). "King of Fighters XIII Formally Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on March 29, 2010. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  15. ^ "The King Of Fighters XIV's Premium Edition Has A 3 Disc Soundtrack". Siliconera. May 26, 2016. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  16. ^ "King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  17. ^ "The King of Fighters 98 Ultimate Match official website" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on August 5, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  18. ^ "DC KOF '99 Evolution". NeoGeo. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  19. ^ "ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ 京". PlayStation. Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  20. ^ "King of Fighters R-1". GiantBomb. Archived from the original on April 25, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  21. ^ "King of Fighters R-2". GiantBomb. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  22. ^ "King of Fighters: Maximum Impact PS2 Video Game Review". Kidzworld. Archived from the original on September 1, 2009. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
  23. ^ "KOF Maximum Impact Regulation A: Character" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
  24. ^ "SNKプレイモア&FALCOON氏 独占インタビュー記事". 格闘ゲーム総合サイト FFL 〜Fighters Front Line (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 17, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  25. ^ "GameSpot: The King of Fighters NeoWave". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  26. ^ "GameSpot: The King of Fighters EX". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 20, 2006. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  27. ^ "GameSpot: The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  28. ^ "【SNK】血の色は？【KOF】" (in Japanese). July 11, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "GameSpot: The King of Fighters Kyo". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  30. ^ "The King of Fighters" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on February 28, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  31. ^ "The King of Fighters 2007" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on January 20, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  32. ^ "The King of Fighters Maximum Impact" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  33. ^ "KOF Mobile" (in Japanese). SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  34. ^ "Neo Geo Battle Coliseum". SNK Playmore. Archived from the original on December 29, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  35. ^ "How The Rhythm of Fighters Came To Be And Why It Changed To Free-To-Play". Siliconera. September 25, 2014. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  36. ^ Kasavin, Greg (November 15, 2001). "Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium [2001] Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  37. ^ Sheffield, Brandon (May 16, 2004). "E3 2004: SNK Interview". Insert Credit. Archived from the original on June 10, 2004. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  38. ^ "SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS". Giant Bomb. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  39. ^ "【新作】『KOF』シリーズの大ファンが見た『KOF ALLSTAR』の魅力とは？". Famitsu. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  40. ^ "｢キミヒロ×KOF｣コラボイベント第2弾開催！" (in Japanese). SNK. November 29, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  41. ^ "Clash of Kings". Appbank. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  42. ^ "【プレスリリース】『Arena Masters（アリーナマスターズ）』が『THE KING OF FIGHTERS』とコラボ！ 京・アテナ・庵がコラボヒーローとなって参戦！" (in Japanese). Nexon. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  43. ^ "About". KOF SDO. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  44. ^ "拳皇 AR 手機遊戲《拳皇大蛇篇 Go》已達最終開發階段 將展開體驗試玩活動". 巴哈姆特電玩資訊站. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  45. ^ "KYO AND IORI SHOW UP IN NEW KOREAN FIGHTING GAME "THE KING OF CYPHERS"". DreamCancel. March 30, 2015. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  46. ^ "King of Fighters X Fatal Fury Heats Up At SNK Playmore". Siliconera. April 28, 2013. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  47. ^ "SNK, Victor Entertainment Reveal 'King of Fighters for Girls' Smartphone Game". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  48. ^ "天天炫斗之草薙京" (in Chinese). TTXD. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  49. ^ a b "KoF Collection Orochi Releases dates". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  50. ^ "The King of Fighters NESTS". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 31, 2009. Retrieved August 21, 2008.
  51. ^ "The King of Fighters 2000/2001". GameFAQs. September 10, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  52. ^ "The King of Fighters 02/03". GameFAQs. September 10, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  53. ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (March 20, 2008). "King of Fighters '94 Review". IGN. Retrieved March 10, 2009.
  54. ^ "The King of Fighters '97 Review (Neo Geo)". Nintendo Life. February 11, 2012. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  55. ^ "THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2000 (IMPORT)". IGN. December 2, 2002. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  56. ^ "Cuatro ya son multitud". Uvejuegos. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  57. ^ Kalata, Kurt (December 8, 2008). "The King of Fighters XI". Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  58. ^ "Kyo Kusanagi Official Profile". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on April 10, 2008. Retrieved March 24, 2008.
  59. ^ SNK (July 28, 1997). The King of Fighters '97 (Neo Geo). SNK. Kyo: Finish it Kagura! Can you do it? /Chizuru: As a mirror keeper... I must do it! /Orochi: Fools! A waste of time! If I release my remaining power.../Iori: Waahh!/Chizuru: His power... too strong! Kusanagi! Quickly... /Kyo: Heeaahhh! Woooohh!
  60. ^ SNK (July 22, 1999). The King of Fighters '99 (Neo Geo). SNK. Shingo: Kusanagi! You're okay! How did you manage it?/K': Huh?!/Kyo: Who is this guy? /???: Meet you clone, Kusanagi. Unfortunately, he wasn't told. That's man-made life, huh K'? What now? The choice is yours./K': Shut up! I'll do as I please./???: Very well, we'll meet again. If you manage to survive... you too, Kyo Kusanagi./Kyo: I'll ruin you!/???: Yeah, right. Do as you like. That is, die trying...
  61. ^ Akihiko Ureshino, ed. (September 20, 2005). The King of Fighters Perfect Reader (in Japanese). Nikkei Business Publications. p. 139. ISBN 4-8222-1711-6.
  62. ^ "Ash Crimson's KOF 10th anniversary profile". King of Fighters 15th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on April 10, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2008.
  63. ^ Atlus. The King of Fighters XIII (Playstation 3, Xbox 360). SNK Playmore. Ash Crimson: I "erased" my ancestor so most likely... so I never existed then...
  64. ^ "GAMESCOM EXCLUSIVE KOF XIV Q&A WITH SNK". Ryan Joseph Art Blog. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  65. ^ "Birth of the cool: How The King of Fighters came to be". Eurogamer. June 25, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  66. ^ Akihiko Ureshino, ed. (September 20, 2005). The King of Fighters Perfect Reader (in Japanese). Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. pp. 136~137. ISBN 4-8222-1711-6.
  67. ^ "The History of SNK (page 6)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2009.
  68. ^ Akihiko Ureshino, ed. (September 20, 2005). The King of Fighters Perfect Reader (in Japanese). Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. pp. 140~144. ISBN 4-8222-1711-6.
  69. ^ Nick Thorpe (August 12, 2022). "Exploring the legacy of Fatal Fury: The legendary fighting game series that's returning after 23 years". GamesRadar. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  70. ^ "FEATURE – THE KING OF FIGHTERS 96 (RETRO REVIEW)". Atomix. August 26, 2016. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  71. ^ "This conclusion to the developers' section consists of two parts". SNK. Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  72. ^ "How King of Fighters has survived for 27 years". Polygon. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  73. ^ "Hiroaki". SNK. Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  74. ^ "Diary 6" (in Japanese). Neo Geo. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  75. ^ "KOF Diaries". Neo Geo. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  76. ^ "FEATURE – THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2001 DREAMCAST (RETRO REVIEW)". Atomix. August 27, 2016. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  77. ^ "KOF2001 "Dream Match Revival"(tentative title) to be released-". MMCafe. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  78. ^ a b "EVOGA, ESLABÓN ENTRE SNK Y MÉXICO – #ATOMIXSHOW 069". Atomix. August 26, 2016. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  79. ^ "History Of... The King of Fighters, SNK's classic team-based 2D fighting series". 1UP.com. UGO Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  80. ^ "SNK to Atomiswave: Company puts an end to the Neo Geo". IGN. February 20, 2004. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  81. ^ "King of Fighters skipping 2004". GameSpot. December 23, 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
  82. ^ "The King of Fighters XII Preview". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2008.
  83. ^ "The King of Fighters XIV is out today – watch the launch trailer". PlayStation Europe. August 26, 2016. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  84. ^ "『ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズXIV』正式発表！ 発表会でキャラクターやシステムの全貌が明らかに(1/2)". Famitsu. April 25, 2016. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  85. ^ "『ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ XIV』プロデューサーインタビュー！ 最新作は新旧スタッフが総力を挙げて開発(1/2)". Famtisu. December 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  86. ^ "「THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV」が目指すのは，これまでで一番遊びやすいKOF。小田泰之プロデューサーへのインタビューと直撮りプレイムービーを掲載". 4Gamer. Archived from the original on December 19, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  87. ^ O'Connor, Alice (June 8, 2011). "King of Fighters XIII coming to North America". Shacknews. Archived from the original on August 12, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  88. ^ "The King Of Fighters XIV New DLC Character And Stage Announced". Siliconera. November 20, 2017. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  89. ^ https://x.com/snk_oda/status/1852732515049775386
  90. ^ "「THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV」開発者インタビュー。アッシュやオロチチームなど意外とも言えるキャラたちの参戦経緯を聞いた". 4Gamer. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  91. ^ "SNK 갈지휘 회장 겸 개발총괄 "언리얼 엔진 사용 확대, KOF15도 언리얼로 개발중"" [SNK Chairman Gal Ji-Hwi and Head of Development "Expanding the use of Unreal Engine, KOF15 is also being developed with Unreal"]. GameFocus. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  92. ^ "『KOF XV』は何が"新鮮"なのか？新キャラ・イスラのこだわり、新システム、ネットコード…その全貌を開発陣に訊く【TGS2021】". Inside Games. October 11, 2021. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  93. ^ キングオブファイターズ'９４（1）. Kadokawa Shoten. ASIN 4047131016.
  94. ^ "キングオブファイターズ'９４（４）". Kadokawa Shoten. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  95. ^ "ザ・キング・オブ・ファイタ－ズ京（１）". Kodansha. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  96. ^ "ザ・キング・オブ・ファイタ－ズ京（3）". Kodansha. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  97. ^ ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズG(ギガ) (1) (ゲーメストコミックス) コミックス – 1997/5. Shinseisha. ASIN 488199350X.
  98. ^ ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズG(ギガ) (3) (ゲーメストコミックス) コミックス – 1997/5. Shinseisha. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  99. ^ ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ'99―BEYOND THE"K". ASIN 475720597X.
  100. ^ ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ2000―ICICLE DOLL. ASIN 4757702795.
  101. ^ "ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ 2000 Strikers Strike Back". Kadokawa Shoten. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  102. ^ Shiroi, Eiji. "Remembrances of KOF: An Interview with Eiji". King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved January 18, 2008.
  103. ^ "このページの商品は全て です。". Hong Kong Manga. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  104. ^ "THE KING OF FIGHTERS COMES TO COMICS". ICv2. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  105. ^ "San Jose, CA – July 28, 2004". ComicsOne. Archived from the original on February 4, 2005. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  106. ^ "The King of Fighters 2003 volume 1". Dr. Master Books. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  107. ^ "The King of Fighters 2003 volume 5". Dr. Master Books. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  108. ^ "拳皇RXKOFRX". Manhuagui. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  109. ^ "King of Fighters Games Inspire 'New Beginning' Manga". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  110. ^ Azuma, Kyōtarō [@az_ky_] (May 10, 2020). "KOF-ANB-本日最終話更新です。おおよそ2年半、ありがとうございました。" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved August 23, 2020 – via Twitter.
  111. ^ "THE KING OF FANTASY 八神庵の異世界無双 月を見るたび思い出せ！". Kadokawa Shoten (in Japanese). Retrieved May 24, 2019.
  112. ^ "Neo Geo Freak" (in Japanese). No. Tokyo Games Special. Geibunsha. p. 3. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  113. ^ Plunkett, Luke. "Nobody Ever Learns ~ Gordon Chan Directing King Of Fighters Flick". Kotaku, the Gamer's Guide. Archived from the original on March 12, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  114. ^ Frater, Patrick (May 18, 2007). "Chan takes on 'King of Fighters'". Film Festival by Variety. Archived from the original on February 13, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  115. ^ Effendi, Sean (January 10, 2016). "THE KING OF FIGHTERS Anime and Live Action Announced". Kitakubu. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  116. ^ Franz "d3v" Co (January 11, 2016). "King of Fighters Anime, Live Action Drama in the Works". Shoryuken. Archived from the original on January 13, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  117. ^ "THE KING OF FIGHTERS: DESTINY on Steam". Steam. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  118. ^ @SNKPofficial (August 10, 2017). "3D Animation: THE KING OF FIGHTERS: DESTINY. The episode 1 "SOUTH TOWN" is now available for free on YouTube! #KOF (link: https://youtu.be/YH2qwCgeYIg) youtu.be/YH2qwCgeYIg" (Tweet). Retrieved August 17, 2017 – via Twitter.
  119. ^ "SNK拳皇火热开年 IP业界估值超百亿". Veryol. October 26, 2018. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  120. ^ "SNK Character Sounds Collection Volume 1 ~ Kyo Kusanagi – VGMdb beta". VGMdb. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
  121. ^ "Scitron 10th Anniversary Special: The King of Fighters THE BEST -Selected by Characters-". VGMDB. Archived from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  122. ^ Lai, Marcus (August 3, 2011). "The King of Fighters XIII PS3, Xbox 360 sales heat up with bonus". Punch Jump. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  123. ^ "The King Of Fighters Gantaku Scale Figures Shown Off At Taipei's 2018 Comic Exhibition". Siliconera. August 16, 2018. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  124. ^ "Kyo Kusanagi Nendoroid Certainly Seems To Be On Fire". Siliconera. September 30, 2016. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  125. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  126. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  127. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on May 16, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  128. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  129. ^ . GameRankings http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/953206-the-king-of-fighters-98-ultimate-match/index.html. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link‍]
  130. ^ . GameRankings http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/822338-the-king-of-fighters-98/index.html. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link‍]
  131. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  132. ^ "The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Reviews". Metacritic.
  133. ^ "The King of Fighters '98: The Slugfest Reviews". Metacritic.
  134. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on April 13, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  135. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  136. ^ "The King of Fighters '99 Reviews". Metacritic.
  137. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  138. ^ "The King of Fighters 2000/2001 Reviews". Metacritic.
  139. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  140. ^ . GameRankings http://www.gamerankings.com/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/920517-the-king-of-fighters-0203/index.html. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link‍]
  141. ^ "The King of Fighters 02/03 Reviews". Metacritic.
  142. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  143. ^ "The King of Fighters XI Reviews". Metacritic.
  144. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  145. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  146. ^ "The King of Fighters XII critic reviews". Metacritic.
  147. ^ "The King of Fighters XII critic reviews". Metacritic.
  148. ^ "The fice fighting games wuth the highest payout in e-sports". BetSpider.
  149. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  150. ^ . GameRankings [726729-the-king-of-fighters-xiii-steam-edition 726729-the-king-of-fighters-xiii-steam-edition]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link‍]
  151. ^ "The King of Fighters XIII critic reviews". Metacritic.
  152. ^ "The King of Fighters XIII critic reviews". Metacritic.
  153. ^ "The King of Fighters XIII Climax Reviews". Metacritic.
  154. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  155. ^ "The King of Fighters XIV critic reviews". Metacritic.
  156. ^ "The King of Fighters XV Reviews". Metacritic.
  157. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  158. ^ "The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood Reviews". Metacritic.
  159. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  160. ^ "The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood Reviews". Metacritic.
  161. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  162. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  163. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  164. ^ "King of Fighters: Maximum Impact Reviews". Metacritic.
  165. ^ "King of Fighters: Maximum Impact - Maniax Reviews". Metacritic.
  166. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  167. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  168. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  169. ^ "The King of Fighters NeoWave Reviews". Metacritic.
  170. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on March 11, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  171. ^ "The King of Fighters 2006 Reviews". Metacritic.
  172. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  173. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  174. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  175. ^ "The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga Reviews". Metacritic.
  176. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  177. ^ "Archived copy". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  178. ^ "THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i 2012 Reviews". Metacritic.
  179. ^ "King of Fighters R-2 Reviews". Metacritic.
  180. ^ "The King of Fighters '99 Review". GamePro. December 21, 2000. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
  181. ^ Park, Andrew Seyoon (December 13, 2000). "The King of Fighters '99: Evolution Review, page 2". GameSpot. Retrieved March 12, 2006.
  182. ^ "The History of SNK, page 22". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 31, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  183. ^ "15 Of The Coolest Boss Battles Ever". Complex. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  184. ^ Keely, Jeff. "King of Fighters '99- Evolution". Gaming Age. Archived from the original on November 23, 2002. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  185. ^ Edwards, Matt (December 10, 2008). "The King of Fighters: The Orochi Saga Review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2008.
  186. ^ "The King of Fighters 2001". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 15, 2004. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  187. ^ "The News That Never Was". GameAxis Unwired. Singapore Press Holdings: 29. April 2005. ISSN 0219-872X.
  188. ^ "KOF2001 "Dream Match Revival"(tentative title) to be released-". MMCafe. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  189. ^ Hjorth, Larissa; Chan, Dean (2009). "Consuming and Localizing Japanese Combat Games in Hong Kong". Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific. Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 978-0415996273.
  190. ^ "『ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ XIV』発売直前インタビュー――開発秘話からアップデート情報、懐かしのネオジオ話まで！(1/4)" (in Japanese). Famitsu. August 22, 2016. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  191. ^ "The King of Fighters Lives On in China and Latin America". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  192. ^ "King of Fighters XIV". The Daily Star. March 16, 2017. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  193. ^ "Hail to the King (of Fighters)". Kakuchopurei. September 12, 2018. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  194. ^ "King of Fighters '99, The". Hardcore Gaming. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  195. ^ "The Best Hip-Hop and Videogame Crossovers". Paste. June 8, 2016. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  196. ^ Lucard, Alex (April 28, 2007). "Interview with Ignition Entertainment's Shane Bettenhausen About The King of Fighters XII". Diehardgamefan. Archived from the original on April 29, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  197. ^ "King of Fighters Fans Choose Official Box Art" (Press release). IGN. May 6, 2009. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  198. ^ Jursudakul, James (May 13, 2006). "E3 2006: Interview with SNK Playmore USA President Ben Herman". Kombo.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  199. ^ Moreno, Tania (August 18, 2017). "Yasuyuki Oda y Yuji Watanabe hablan sobre el desarrollo y futuro de KOF". IGN (in Spanish). Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to The King of Fighters.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_King_of_Fighters&oldid=1261456349"