The King of Fighters XI

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    There is no need to attempt to cater to tastes when a game is this well put together. After the relative disappointment of Neowave and the simply appalling 3D Maximum Impact series, SNK: Playmore have finally come good with one of the finest 2D fighters around. If you are a fan of the genre, or even slightly curious, then you simply must pick up a copy of King of Fighter XI just as soon as you can.
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  2. Armchair Empire
    90
    Combined with an excellent soundtrack and the same stylish look that SNK is know for, this somehow manages to beat even Neo Geo Battle Coliseum as one of the best 2D fighters they’ve put out in a long, long time.
  3. Play Magazine
    85
    The most important quality in any relationship is personality, and The King of Fighters XI has personality in abundance. [JPN Import, Oct 2006, p.78]
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  5. Gamers Europe
    85
    It’s a mystery how two such very different games manage to share so many things in common. In away it’s almost a relief that Maximum Impact 2 is so poor, as it allows XI to bask in its own glory, an example of how the 2D fighting genre isn’t dead and hopefully an opportunity for younger gamers to appreciate the concept of gameplay being greater than eye-candy.
  6. Da Gameboyz
    84
    While King Of Fighters XI is somewhat average in the graphics department compared to other fighting games of the modern 3D era, it makes up for it with refreshingly and uniquely refined gameplay.
  7. Worth Playing
    84
    Balanced, a little hasty, and enjoyable, King of Fighters XI is what people were expecting: an enjoyable game with new features and a stylish look that keeps in line with the rest of the series.
  8. Gaming Age
    83
    If you've been looking to get a fix on some 2D fighting, you really can't go wrong here. Solid presentation, nearly non-existent load times, a large roster to pick from, and some really solid gameplay make this a definite buy for fans.
  9. GameZone
    81
    Sure, the game’s far from perfect. Still, it’s one of best fighting games ever to grace the PS2, and for only 20 bucks, it’s about the best deal in gaming today.
  10. NTSC-uk
    80
    The King Of Fighters XI is as easy on the eye as any version yet, and benefits from a playability overhaul and the inclusion of a majestic tag battle system. It is as frustratingly difficult to beat as ever, thanks to the joypad-smashingly evil bosses, but remains compulsive and playable. [JPN Import]
  11. Eurogamer
    80
    The cheap bordered 50Hz conversion is a touch disappointing but when the rest of the game is so damn great and taking into account the fact that you'll get change out of fifteen notes for this little beauty, it seems harsh to keelhaul XI over cut corners like this.
  12. Gamestyle
    80
    It does its best to dissuade you from playing, looking like it was put together on a budget of about 50p, yet offers one of the most superlative and complete 2D fighting experiences Gamestyle has had the pleasure of playing in recent years.
  13. Boomtown
    80
    With ample moves, special attacks, dozens of characters and a couple of extra good modes to boot, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything that matches the level of quality seen in SNK’s latest release.
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  14. IGN
    80
    While it doesn't bring anything new to the table, and its visuals fail to impress, the fast-paced tag-team battles and old-school challenge make this a title to look out for. Casual gamers beware: this is a game with an absurd amount of information to learn and master, so skip this one if you don't want to invest the time and sore thumbs.
  15. GameSpot
    80
    Despite the dated presentation, The King of Fighters XI is one of the best fighting games in the entire series.
  16. ZTGD
    80
    If you are a fan of classic arcade brawling action than King of Fighters XI is a no brainer, especially with a price tag criminally below twenty bucks.
  17. GameDaily
    80
    The bosses are somewhat cheap in single-player mode, but the game has multiplayer appeal to spare – and for $20, no less. If you love 2-D fighting, pay your respects to the King.
  18. My Gamer
    78
    At the budget price of $20, there’s absolutely no excuse for anybody who even tolerates fighting games to not rush out right now and buy this game.
  19. PSM3 Magazine UK
    77
    A very big, deep 2D scrapper. Not stunning, but worthy. [Aug 2007, p.78]
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  20. IC-Games
    77
    On the other hand you sure are getting a large slice of action for what tends to be a very moderate price tag and there is a place for a good hand to hand combat affair in everybody’s collection.
  21. Play.tm
    75
    All in all this is essentially a game for fans of the series. Its innovations will mostly go unnoticed by the masses and rightly so as they have been primarily designed to titillate the faithful.
  22. Play UK
    75
    For all the tweaking seen in KOF XI it's only really the followers of the series who are going to appreciate the subtleties that hve been introduced. [Issue#156, p.84]
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  23. Game Revolution
    75
    The third dimension's grip on the genre may be unshakable, but there are times when special games come along that can ease the transition. The King of Fighters XI is one such game.
  24. GamesRadar+
    70
    One of the series’ better outings as of late. The fighting engine, while not the deepest or the most technical out there, is solid, and the whole presentation drips with style. On top of that, you can get the game in exchange for a mere likeness of Andrew Jackson.
  25. Games Master UK
    68
    A finely honed beat-'em-up. Not much new but still does the job. [Sept 2007, p.85]
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  26. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    61
    King of Fighters XI is more of the same, giving fans exactly what they want and completely ignoring the possibility of opening up the series to new players. It’s perfectly balanced and intricately developed, improving upon its predecessors yet still offering nothing so ‘new’ that could improve its score.
  27. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    60
    A solid addition to the series. [Aug 2007, p.84]
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  28. Cheat Code Central
    60
    If you are a hardcore fighting fan with a sweet tooth for the past, then this game is worth checking out. The gameplay is fun and the moves are over the top, matched with colorful characters and powers.
  29. GamingExcellence
    60
    Nobody is going to be converted to this game series by this entry, it doesn’t offer anything phenomenal to gamers.
  30. Thunderbolt
    50
    So, King Of Fighters might be a much-loved series amongst its hardcore fans and it might deliver in all the areas that those familiar with the franchise would expect, but measured toe-to-toe against modern fighting games it just doesn’t fare well.
  31. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    40
    Special moves are simply executed but look feeble, so you never get the sense that you're shellacking the snot out of your opponent. [Aug 2007, p.114]
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS2 Game of 2007
48
#48 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2007
45
#45 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. FGC-Watcher
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    I have been playing fighting games since the 90's and The King of Fighters series is my favorite of all time because of its several traditionsI have been playing fighting games since the 90's and The King of Fighters series is my favorite of all time because of its several traditions like four action buttons, team 3-vs-3 battles, iconic SNK characters and the memorable soundtracks.

    However in this chapter, the level of innovation is unprecedented: we have a 3-vs-3 tag team mode with the highest speed, a variety of tools that accelerates the matches, a surprising judgment system to "time over" results and a powerful stylish selection of fighters. KOF XI has a poweful selection of new, old and returning fighters like Eiji Kisaragi, Kasumi Todo, B. Jenet, Sie Kensou and the splendid new protagonist, Ash Crimson.

    KOF XI was the most bold production of all time in the series, ahead of its time, that guarantees a mix of fun and competitive system. The game's balance has a lot of problems, but the new combo mechanics as Quick Shift, OTG hitting moves and juggle new system brings the best combo exhibitions since the KOF 2002. The artworks, menus and sound choices are praised by fans until the nowadays.

    The PS2 version added a lot of things to do: 40 missions - that unlocks 7 extra characters, 10 new high-quality BGM, an arranged collection of BGM, new backgrounds and even an arranged system of balance.

    The only poor decisions made by this game:
    1) The final boss battle. No one of SNK's bosses is capable to do things like Magaki does. (WE hate him).
    2) Absence of Mai Shiranui, Joe Higashi, Leona Heidern and Robert Garcia as playable characters. Two of them appears in PS2, as their 2005's Neo Geo Battle Coliseum appearances.

    In 2023, the Fighting games Community still waits for a modern consoles port; This game is in the memory of a lot of passioned fans of genre, as the perfect painting that was not showed to the world.

    Bring back my son, SNK!    … Full Review »
  2. Razerx379
    May 13, 2022
    9
    The King of Fighters series is my favorite in the fighting game genre. KOF 11 is not only one of the best KOF games but one of the best 2DThe King of Fighters series is my favorite in the fighting game genre. KOF 11 is not only one of the best KOF games but one of the best 2D fighters ever. Gameplay wise, while keeping the traditional four button layout, it has faster and smoother mechanics than its predecessors. The game modes of arcade, team, single, survival, and online play gives many options for players that want to have a fun experience. There is a starting roster of 36 characters with an additional 14 that you will have to unlock. Story wise, it may not be like a Final Fantasy story with rich detail but comparing it to other fighting games, it is one of the most compelling stories out there by taking place in the middle of the Ash Saga with suspenseful events. The soundtrack is my favorite in fighting games and the pixelated graphics are crisp. Overall, KOF 11 is an experience and I recommend getting this on the Ps2 or by emulating it. I played it on the Ps2. It will be very fun.… Full Review »
  3. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
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