The King of Fighters 2006

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 4 out of 23
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  1. GameSpot
    73
    The next fully 3D installment in SNK's long-running fighting game series is a lot better than the first and features a surprising number of interesting characters to play around with.
  2. GamesRadar+
    70
    It's easily the most improved fighter in recent memory, and if you've got some local competition, it's a steal at 30 bucks.
  3. GameDaily
    70
    Between the missions, the tightened gameplay, and the various fighters scattered in the game, there's fun to be had for hours on end...especially if you bring over your fighting fanatic friends and get some old-school SNK brawling on. 2-D, 3-D, who cares? It's about the power of the punch, and King of Fighters 2006 packs a pretty good wallop.
  5. Gamestyle
    70
    It's quite sad when what we have here is a solid beat em up that really deserves quite a bit of attention. It's not the best fighting game on the PS2, but for the budget price which it's being released at, it's certainly worth a shot.
  6. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    Not the most stylish fighter, but those desperately seeking a bruising helping of Tekken-lite action should look here. [Aug 2007, p.84]
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  7. PSM3 Magazine UK
    67
    Frustratingly difficult. [Sept 2007, p.81]
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  8. G4 TV
    60
    Neither the best looking 3D fighting game on the market nor is it the most innovative, but the characters ooze with personality and the move lists are impressive.
  9. Games Master UK
    60
    Simple button-bashing amusement for a quick fix of clobbering. [Sept 2007, p.85]
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  10. GamePro
    55
    If they ever invent a time machine, SNK should set it for the date of the PS2 launch and chuck KoF 2006 through; that, and that only, might make this game relevant.
  11. IC-Games
    55
    Kingdom of Fighters was an interesting experiment but its impact, I’m sorry to say, will be less than to the maximum.
  12. NTSC-uk
    50
    On the one hand SNK Playmore should be applauded for attempting to develop the King of Fighters series beyond its traditional 2D heritage and to take it somewhere new, but on the other it is difficult to see exactly who SNKP expects actually to buy the game.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best PS2 Game of 2006
48
#48 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. shootingstars99
    Aug 23, 2019
    10
    King of Fighters, in 3D?! Yes please, I'll have another scoop of that! This game takes everything good about the KOF franchise and gives itKing of Fighters, in 3D?! Yes please, I'll have another scoop of that! This game takes everything good about the KOF franchise and gives it combat similar to that of Dead or Alive and Virtua Fighter; complete with sidesteps and stellar movement. There are so many characters to unlock by going through the arcade mode, and many different challenges to take on in the form of various modes to keep game play fresh and interesting. The alternate costumes are something KOF doesn't do too often, so having a new look to each fighter is a neat little addition as well. I love KOF 2006 and the Maximum Impact spin-offs of KOF, maybe there will be another someday. Here's to hoping!… Full Review »
  2. walterfast
    Jan 13, 2012
    9
    The King of Fighters 2006, the sequel to KOF: Maximum Impact, continues the storyline from the previous installment. There's a lot of content,The King of Fighters 2006, the sequel to KOF: Maximum Impact, continues the storyline from the previous installment. There's a lot of content, like character specific intros with voice dialog in both English and Japanese. All characters have 2 different outfits with 8 colors total, many of which are throwbacks and references of other characters in the SNK universe. The soundtrack is very memorable, as opposed to the OST of other KOFs during that same period. The only downside, in my opinion, is that the combo system is too loose, but otherwise any and every combo from the 2D games is here, and then some.… Full Review »
  3. JamyE.
    Oct 10, 2006
    8
    KoF 2006 is a really fun game with great gameplay but graphics wise, it can't really compare to Tekken 5. After all, fun is what is KoF 2006 is a really fun game with great gameplay but graphics wise, it can't really compare to Tekken 5. After all, fun is what is important and KoF 2006 delivers fun in tons.… Full Review »
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