The King of Fighters 02/03

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SNK
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2005
The King of Fighters 02/03 Image
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

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  • Summary: King of Fighters 2002 is a "greatest hits" collection that brings together all of the famous characters from the previous KOF 99-01 trilogy. The game features a total of 44 characters from KOF 96 through KOF 2001 available for the first time in one arena. Thirteen extreme 2D fighting teamsKing of Fighters 2002 is a "greatest hits" collection that brings together all of the famous characters from the previous KOF 99-01 trilogy. The game features a total of 44 characters from KOF 96 through KOF 2001 available for the first time in one arena. Thirteen extreme 2D fighting teams with 5 bonus secret characters to unlock. Revives the extremely popular 3 on 3 battle format. Upgraded Max-On Power System. Over-the-top Super Special Moves to cause extreme damage. King of Fighters 2003 marked the beginning of a new epic saga in the KOF series. KOF 2003 also introduced SNK's now popular "Multi-Shift System" which allows for the free substitution of any team member during battle. KOF 2003 features a total of 35 characters yielding 11 of the most dangerous 2D fighting teams ever assembled. [SNK]… Expand
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The King of Fighters 2002 & 2003 Gameplay Movie 6

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Thunderbolt
    90
    Visually dated, but they are arguably two of the deepest 2D fighters that SNK has ever released.
  2. Worth Playing
    85
    There's enough variation between the two games to keep you coming back to both versions, and plenty of characters and moves to keep you thoroughly occupied.
  3. Game Chronicles
    82
    These games will remain as the last examples of one of the longest-running 2D fighting game series ever created, and fine examples at that.
  4. Play Magazine
    75
    With one simple change, everything old in KOF is new again, and that change is an actual tag system that allows players to swap characters at almost any time. [Jan 2004, p.66]
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  5. PSM Magazine
    70
    The graphics aren't particularly impressive - the game looks slightly better than prior efforts - but it's perhaps the best KOF roster yet, and it's a great history lesson for newbies. [Feb 2005, p.80]
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  6. Gamenikki
    70
    An interesting study of a series in transition, but ultimately not a compelling purchase. KoF 2002 is a failed attempt to recall "KoF '98 Dream Match," and 2003 is, while more accessible to new fans, lacks the eye-candy if not necessarily the depth of newer games like "Guilty Gear X2."
  7. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    40
    But no matter how many features they throw at it, there's little doubt that KOF is ready for the knacker's yard. [Mar 2006, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. JerradH.
    Oct 29, 2004
    10
    Easily their best console port to date. The arranged tunes are nice, the new backgrounds add a lot of visual panache to the package, and as Easily their best console port to date. The arranged tunes are nice, the new backgrounds add a lot of visual panache to the package, and as always, the gameplay is spot on.… Expand
  2. KamranM.
    Feb 9, 2005
    10
    KOF 2002 is probably the best 2D fighting game to date. If not the best, then certainly among top 3. Anyone who claims to be a fan of 2 D KOF 2002 is probably the best 2D fighting game to date. If not the best, then certainly among top 3. Anyone who claims to be a fan of 2 D fighting games or fighting games in general should have this game in their collection. Vs Mode will have you addicted. KOF 2003 boasts engine tweaks from the Neo Geo version, THANK GOD! which makes the game much more playable and enjoyable. Great extras also in both games, definately a GREAT buy for all fighting fans.… Expand
  4. MarinM.
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    The best game.
  5. RockKroc
    Mar 20, 2009
    10
    Even though the game is visually dated (which doesn't even matter except to graphics-lovers), these two games are among the best Even though the game is visually dated (which doesn't even matter except to graphics-lovers), these two games are among the best fighting games ever released on the PS2. Do not miss it!… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best PS2 Game of 2005