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The best...and last.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: February 25, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I've been playing "The King of Fighters" series pretty regularly since its inception in 1994, and pound for pound, it is the best 2D fighting game series out there. The "Street Fighter" series may have pretty much started it all as far as fighting games go (and was pretty innovative at the time), but when you count depth, strategy, animation, and flat out fun factor, "Street Fighter" doesn't come close to KOF. The evolution of this series from 1994 until now has gained more fans worldwide every year, and innovation reaches its pinnacle with KOF 2002/2003 (mostly with 2003).
KOF was the first fighting game in history to use the 3-person team concept, and no other fighting game (except "Marvel vs. Capcom 2") has duplicated it since. In 1994, all of the fighters were grouped into teams, and they featured several familiar faces from many different SNK games. Art of Fighting, Fatal Fury, and even Ikari Warriors was represented, and the fact that whole teams (with fighters having several different styles and moves) smacked down with one another offered unparalleled strategy. It evolved further in '95, with the option to put any 3 fighters in a team (as well as several new and original characters). The fight combinations were almost endless at this point. SNK also started experimenting with melding elements from their other fighting games into KOF, and it met with more success.
Well, 10 years later, here we are. KOF is nowhere near the same game as 1994, and fans of the series couldn't be more thankful. It's hard to improve upon near perfection, but the folks at SNK/Playmore have done it. The evolution is complete, with the most gorgeous, in-depth, and just plain fun version of them all. This is actually a collection of two games (on two different discs), as you may have guessed from the title, and there are lots of things to like about both of them. Once you've played them both for a little while, though, the differences between the two are clear. The 2003 version is clearly superior to 2002, as 2002 is basically a thrown-together remix/slugfest combining elements from past KOF games, while 2003 introduces new characters, new gameplay elements, and an all-new storyline (what's that? A storyline in a FIGHTING GAME?).
Both games have most of the same features: single-player, vs. play, survival mode (single or team); the usual fighting game features. But let's get to the important stuff: what will make you want to buy this collection?

2002:
THE GOOD:
--Lots of characters from which to choose (44 in all). All of the fighters in '02 are from the '96-'01 games, so veterans of the series will likely already be familiar with them. Even the end boss, Omega Rugal, is selectable from the get-go. There are 2 or 3 "secret" characters to unlock as well. This adds a great amount of strategy to an already challenging fighting game and makes for some interesting combinations.
--The graphics. As far as hand-drawn 2D games go, it doesn't get any better. The fighters, backgrounds, and special move effects are all gorgeous and have amazing detail.
THE BAD:
--Control. The control in 2002 is a bit less responsive than 2003, which can lead to a little frustration. In order to execute special moves, you've got to be pretty deliberate with the D-Pad. Super moves can sometimes be torture to pull off, which is very annoying in a heated match. Highly recommend having a controller with an 8-way pad.
--Sound/BGM. Considering every other home version of KOF uses an arranged soundtrack (with real musical instruments as opposed to MIDI files, making even listening to the game a joy), it's a real downer to hear such clunky background music in a PS2 game. I fail to see the reasoning behind that. The music is one of the best parts of the KOF series. Also, even in stereo, the sound effects seem to fade in and out from time to time.
--NO ONLINE PLAY! What the heck is THAT all about? Talk about a game that screams to be online capable, and it's not. Disappointing, really; I was looking forward to having my rear end handed to me by Japanese 10-year-olds.
THE UGLY:
--Difficulty. In single-player mode, you will not find a cheesier end boss than Omega Rugal `02. On any difficulty setting above 4 (normal), forget beating him unless you're a champion-caliber player. The AI in the matches leading up to the end is crazy as well. Unless you just plan on smacking down with your friends, which is where the real fun is, you'd better know what you're doing before you even turn on the game. There are no "endings" to speak of in the game anyway, so there's almost no point in playing it through in single-player.

2003:
THE GOOD:
--Gorgeous graphics. This is the most well-drawn of the series. You almost feel as if you're watching anime when the fighters go at it. The fluidity of the animation is awesome. In normal graphics mode, the special moves' effects are also enhanced, and the backgrounds are even more detailed and unique. It's a true work of art.
--Control. 2003 is a sheer joy to play control-wise. Even though the execution of several of a fighter's moves is similar (a KOF curse from '94 on), the controller knows the difference and you rarely miss a move. The most responsive control of any home version of KOF.
--New storyline means multiple endings. 2003 marks the dawning of a new era for the tournament, as this year the bad guys (from a place called "His Distant Land", whatever that means) behind the scenes are starting something even more evil than NESTS or the Orochi. Each team has what's called a "good" ending, revealed after beating the "true" end boss, Mukai (have fun figuring out how to get it; it's easier than you think), that reveals just a bit about the developing story, adding replay value. Some of them are pretty hilarious, especially if you're familiar with the series.
--Depth/Strategy. The "tag out" concept is very fresh for this series, and you can also pick a "leader" for your team, which enables that fighter to pull out an extra-devastating Super move. The team combinations alone make for great replay value for a fighting game. There are 35 different characters to master in all.
THE BAD:
--No online play. See 2002.
Forget THE UGLY. There's nothing ugly about it, unless you want to consider the lack of online play ugly.

For fighting game aficionados, there is no greater find than the KOF series. The depth, the longevity, and especially the intriguing characters make this series one of the most well-known and well-loved fighting game series in the world. SNK (now Playmore) saw something great in the Street Fighter series and basically said, "How can we make that better?". They did, and it's made for a great run. Sadly, 2003 marked the last time we'll see a 2D KOF game, probably ever. It's also very doubtful the next wave of 3D KOF games (if any more come down the pipe) will advance the potentially "chilling" storyline started in 2003. There's just not enough of a market for these types of games anymore, but there will always be old-school aficionados like me who've played `em for over 15 years now, and will continue to look out for them. If you share my passion, you'll not regret purchasing this game collection, despite the nuances. If you've never played a KOF game before, this would be the ultimate starting point.

KiNg Of FiGhTeRs 4EvEr

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: March 29, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game is the best King of Fighters game that has come out in the USA. I have played all of the King of Fighters games in other countries and this one is a very good one. You must however be a true King of Fighters lover to fully appreciate what this game is bringing. Capcom is always faster but I don't like playing games were all you do is press all the buttons really fast at the same time and then you win. King of Fighters games are usually more about thinking and being able to anticipate you're opponents next attack it's more of a THINKING fighting game not a going CRAZY pressing all the buttons game. So for what it's worth buy this game and enjoy! KOF 4EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

King of fighters 2002, For the PS2!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: December 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is truly what a dream match should be like.
From Neo-Geo and better to the PS2!
This game has some of the greatest KOF characters ever to be found in the KOF game and also some Console extra's.
It also has revived 3 on 3 battle but no striker system and 3D polygon backrounds that add more detail and animation to the fighting areas( But might not fit well with 2D people :-/. )
Although this game has no storyline, I will guarantee you it will be as great like the others ;-). Sure the graphics arn't a Matrimelee game or a guilty gear game but they have improved since that Funny show in the year 2001 ^_^.
This also has more characters exclusively for the PS2!
Of course this is the year 2004 and this game is titled
"King of fighters 2002, Be the fighter!"
It takes time and effort to create a game for the PS2.
This game has 3 fighters from KOF 96 through KOF 2001
and some official team names.
This game has over 41 characters to play as, Now this is what a real Dream match is!

Old school at its best!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 03, 2006
Author: Amazon User

For anyone who's ever played king of fighters this is a highly recommended package.
2002 is more or less a "best of" king of fighters from the past 10 years. Even the most jaded of players will find some of their favorite characters here with over 44 to choose from. The fighting system is great, and has more depth than most fighters on the market today.
2003 puts a slightly new spin on the series, and introduces a tag system which is refreshing to see. Some of the older character sprites have been updated, and some new characters have been introduced as well. All in all '03 seems to be a stepping stone for a new direction in which the series is going.
This package is great investment for those of you who want to kill some time with classic fighting, and as always praise to SNK Playmore for keeping this series alive in the ever growing trend of thoughtless eye-candy type games.

Old Style Arcade Bashing - Lots of Game for the Money

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: February 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

If you're a fan of fighting games, it's a great deal to get the combo pack of The King of Fighters 2002 and 2003. There are tons of characters, tons of stages, and quite interesting fighting action.

First, the gameplay. This is traditional 2D fighting where you move left and right across the screen, bashing your opponent down to zero health. Different characters have different moves and techniques. You can choose three characters to tag-team between, using each character's advantages as appropriate.

The graphics aren't of course as great as modern releases. The characters are cartooney and rather jagged on the edges. The backgrounds are mostly static, with random little movements to add some life. There are an interesting variety of them, but they are not nearly as fantastically detailed as modern games are.

The sounds are very simple. Bash. Slash. A repetitive musical score plays along with you. It has a very arcadey feel to it.

But really, you don't get this game to have a cutting edge experience. You get it for the fun history of this series, and for the down and dirty arcade fun of button mashing. You don't even really notice what the background is when you are setting up for a tag-team in for the ultimate kill.

They have a nice mix of male and female characters, something I always appreciate. I do have to say that the females seem to fall into two categories - precocious girl or big-breasted bouncy babe. I suppose sometimes progress comes slowly.

Also, the pacing is a bit uneven. You can go through several matches without any problem at all - and then slam into an enemy that seems completely unbeatable. It would be nicer for younger players especially if they ramped up the difficulty at a consistent level.

Still, this is a great combo pack to really appreciate what The King of Fighters is all about. You can probably pick it up at a discount, so grab a copy, have fun playing for hours and hours with your friends, and get to know the characters before the next version comes out!

Terrible! Worse than Equine Fellatio!

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 2 / 23
Date: February 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game last night, and holy shIyte.
It's garbage. It comes w/2 discs, 2002 & 2003, which are the exact same slow, lame game.
The character's profiles are changed for the worse on both,
there is no option to speed it up...
I was playing Fatal Fury for the Sega Genes the other day, and the speed is about equal.

I have KOF '99 for the PS1, and that just blows both of these peices of Sh** out of the water.
Better Graphics, faster gameplay, better looking characters,
and a hell of a better made game.

Save your money, and try to find a good copy of
Marvel Vs.Capcom 2 or Capcom Vs. SNK 2.
Capcom fighting evolution is 10 times better than this.

Not recommended.

awsome

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 4
Date: March 09, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Oh Men this game is awsome cuz it has more fighters ,and is combined with new and old fighters that we have seen before and i like it

king of fighters rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Yo Once again SNK outdones itself with kof2002 and 2003. KOF 2003 is my faviorite game to date the grafics are nice, the ability to perform moves have gotton much easier and to swich fighters during game play is sick!!!!! I recommend this game to any true hardcore fighting game fan!!!!!!!!

Quarter Circle forward, light punch

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 11, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Two games for the price of one, if you like the King of Fighters series then who could complain?

Challenge Mode in 2002 is an awesome gaming experience

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 14, 2008
Author: Amazon User

If you like 2-D fighting games and have a chance to pick this collection up... do it! It's awesome.

Lately at the local Gamestops I've picked up a bunch of different 2-D fighting games on the cheap side. This one (specifically King of Fighters 2002) is my favorite.

I'm good at fighting games. I went through King of Fighters 2003 in a half an hour; beat it on my first try. Much like King of Fighters 2006. Similarly, I found the Street Fight Anniversary Collection, and the Fatal Fury Battle Archives not worth many playthroughs. I even tried one of the Guilty Gear games (Isuka), but found it overrated with wonky controls (have to manual turn your character around in 2D?).

Now let me sing the praises of King of Fighters 2002. It has over 40 playable characters, and a few more you can unlock. It has a survival mode. It has a team battle mode (arcade and versus). The final boss in Arcade mode is really, really hard (this was a plus for me), but I finally managed to beat him with a 3-person team including Kula Diamond. You get the same boss in both Arcade and Team Arcade, but he is easier in team mode because you don't need to win 2 out of 3 against him. Still haven't beaten him in normal Arcade mode.

That's not all... the best part about KoF 2002 is Challenge mode. There are 40 Challenges. Each of them is beat X Fighters in YY seconds. For example early you get something like 'beat 3 fighters in 150 seconds.' These are fun, and the later ones are HARD. I've probably played King of Fighters 2002 for at least 20 hours, just doing the challenge modes. For me, this meant the game was a great investment.

Your mileage may vary, but I had a lot of fun with this game (and continue doing so), and recommend it.

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