The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
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  1. Thunderbolt
    90
    If there was ever a reminder of why The King of Fighters kicks ass, this is it.
  2. GameZone
    85
    In today’s world, a lot of gamers are looking for high-def graphics. As King of Fighters lacks that, it makes up for it in gameplay and sound, presenting a fighting experience that you won’t soon forget.
  3. Worth Playing
    85
    The King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match is a great example of how to update a good fighting game. The title doesn't make any changes that would drive away old fans of the series, but it makes a few good ones that would entice new fans to give it a try. With a solid package behind it, only the die-hard SNK haters would be resilient enough to turn down this game. It's a great addition to any fighting game fan's library.
  5. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    80
    A $20 price tag makes this a heck of a deal for hardcore 2D fighter fans. [Holiday 2008, p.84]
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  6. IGN
    78
    This game will probably please fans of the old-school stuff, especially considering the fact that Ultimate Match includes the original King of Fighters '98 on the disc, along with an extra disc with plenty of wallpapers and other goodies. And for only 20 bucks, it's definitely not a bad deal.
  7. PSX Extreme
    75
    The two biggest drawbacks are obvious to us: first and foremost, what we’ve been saying all along; i.e., there really isn’t much in the way of upgrades or enhancements, and secondly, the lack of balance.
  8. GamingTrend
    75
    Plain and simple The King of Fighter 98' Ultimate Match is pure fan service.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PS2 Game of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2009
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Onlyclassicvg1
    Oct 4, 2022
    10
    The Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney andThe Little Mermaid is one of my top 5 favorite princess movies, one of my top 10 favorite romance movies, one of my favorite Disney and animated movies, one of my favorite musical movies, and one of my favorite movies of all time. The soundtrack is stupendous especially the songs Pa… Full Review »
  2. HugoV.
    Jun 3, 2009
    9
    It's the best slugfest in the Neo Geo library. Classic isn't adequate. Masterful is better. It's a challenge which is It's the best slugfest in the Neo Geo library. Classic isn't adequate. Masterful is better. It's a challenge which is something you can't say about too many games today. You either learn to play well, or you just hang up the controller. This is what has made King of Fighters fantastic. This updated 98 edition includes a larger roster, more goodies, and perfect emulation. If you are an SNK follower, this is a no-brainer.… Full Review »
  3. RockKroc
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    The best possible King of Fighters game. While it naturally lacks the characters, moves, etc. from later titles, this disc has everything up The best possible King of Fighters game. While it naturally lacks the characters, moves, etc. from later titles, this disc has everything up to and through KoF '97. Even if you already have The Orochi Saga, I still recommend this game. New backgrounds, more comprehensive character roster, etc. etc. etc.… Full Review »
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