The King of Fighters 02/03 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SNK
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2005
The King of Fighters 02/03 Image
Metascore
73 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

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  • Summary: King of Fighters 2002 is a "greatest hits" collection that brings together all of the famous characters from the previous KOF 99-01 trilogy. The game features a total of 44 characters from KOF 96 through KOF 2001 available for the first time in one arena. Thirteen extreme 2D fighting teams with 5 bonus secret characters to unlock. Revives the extremely popular 3 on 3 battle format. Upgraded Max-On Power System. Over-the-top Super Special Moves to cause extreme damage. King of Fighters 2003 marked the beginning of a new epic saga in the KOF series. KOF 2003 also introduced SNK's now popular "Multi-Shift System" which allows for the free substitution of any team member during battle. KOF 2003 features a total of 35 characters yielding 11 of the most dangerous 2D fighting teams ever assembled. [SNK]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Thunderbolt
    90
    Visually dated, but they are arguably two of the deepest 2D fighters that SNK has ever released.
  2. 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.
  3. My Gamer
    72
    If you really want to get into the KoF series, but can’t deal with the low grade graphics, then pick up "KoF: Maximum Impact," but if you want a solid, fun, high-quality fighting game that delivers masses of playtime, then King of Fighters 2002/2003 is well worth the investment.
  4. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    40
    But no matter how many features they throw at it, there's little doubt that KOF is ready for the knacker's yard. [Mar 2006, p.106]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. JerradH.
    10
    Easily their best console port to date. The arranged tunes are nice, the new backgrounds add a lot of visual panache to the package, and as always, the gameplay is spot on.… Expand
  2. KamranM.
    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 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.… Expand
  3. MarinM.
    10
    The best game.
  4. RockKroc
    10
    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!… Expand