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. 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.
  2. 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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  3. 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.
  5. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    60
    A solid addition to the series. [Aug 2007, p.84]
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  6. 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.
  7. GamingExcellence
    60
    Nobody is going to be converted to this game series by this entry, it doesn’t offer anything phenomenal to gamers.
  8. 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.

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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