The King of Fighters 02/03

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SNK
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2005
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
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  1. My Gamer
    72
    If you really want to get into the KoF series, but can’t deal with the low grade graphics, then pick up "KoF: Maximum Impact," but if you want a solid, fun, high-quality fighting game that delivers masses of playtime, then King of Fighters 2002/2003 is well worth the investment.
  2. 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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  3. GameShark
    70
    It's not the kind of innovation that's required to mete out a stellar score. But for gamers who are interested in the KoF series but haven't collected all of the installments, this represents the best value in years.
  5. Warcry
    70
    I must admit that the lack of online play really took away from what could have been a great game.
  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. Gaming Nexus
    70
    King of Fighters 2003 is a step in the right direction and the inclusion of King of Fighters 2002 kind of sweetens the deal, though I’d say it soils an otherwise slightly above average fighting game compilation.
  8. games(TM)
    70
    It still feels so right.. Sketchy music and coconut-sized pixels are a small price to pay for the chance to dabble with one of the finest two-dimensional beat-‘em-ups ever made. [Aug 2005, p.107]
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  9. Game Revolution
    67
    While we’re generally pretty suspicious of anthologies and collections of this sort, King of Fighters 02/03 is a good combination of two complementary games for a reasonable price. If you’ve been looking for a decent fight, look no further.
  10. Gaming Target
    67
    It’s a nice change of pace and fights feel very nice now, but the super bosses are still impossible.
  11. G4 TV
    60
    $40 is a lot to pay for these games--even if they originally cost $300 each on the original Neo-Geo system.
  12. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    50
    If nothing else, it beats spending around $200 to $300 on a NeoGeo cartridge the size of a small rodent... Worthwhile for the hardcore crowd. [Jan 2005, p.109]

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. 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!… Full Review »
  2. MarinM.
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    The best game.
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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