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. Thunderbolt
    90
    Visually dated, but they are arguably two of the deepest 2D fighters that SNK has ever released.
  2. eToychest
    85
    The best thing about this release, though, is that the gameplay for both titles is some of the best the King of Fighters series has seen since "King of Fighters ’98." Both games are exceptionally fast paced and offer a wide variety of characters.
  3. 1UP
    85
    But while King of Fighters 2002's old-school 2D graphics and 2003's 3D backgrounds may not win any visual awards, their fast-moving, hard-hitting gameplay more than makes up for it. Few games muster up the same sort of thrills that the KOF roster does.
  5. 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.
  6. BonusStage
    83
    In terms of sound, you’ll get plenty of typical arcade fighting game punches and grunts, but you’ll also hear a load of nice voice samples for each character and the music is pretty solid stuff as well.
  7. GameZone
    82
    The great gameplay, good graphics and inclusion of both games is enough to make this a must-have for fighting-game fans.
  8. 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.
  9. GameSpot
    80
    So what these games may lack in graphical prowess, they more than make up for in spirit and underlying quality.
  10. GamerFeed
    80
    2002/2003 will please the hardcore brawler in you.
  11. DailyGame
    80
    Old-school 2D fighting at its best.
  12. Game Over Online
    80
    "King of Fighters 2003" is a great addition to anyone's PS2 library. Just try to pretend it's the only game in its case.
  13. AceGamez
    80
    2003 is definitely a step in the right direction for the series and escapes being marked down as another recycled game; if they keep it up with 2004 then KoF may just become the king of 2D fighters after all.
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  14. Armchair Empire
    78
    You get both games in one case for just $40US. Fans of fighting games cannot pass on such a great deal.
  15. Inside Gamer Online
    76
    This double-pack contains SNK's best work to date, warts and all.
  16. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. TotalPlayStation
    75
    A fantastic distillation of the series' classic gameplay and KOF 2003 does a wonderful job of trying to update the formula without breaking things too much, but this is after all a classic collection, and should be taken as such.

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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