The 3D backgrounds and gallery are gone from this version, and the bosses need to be unlocked, plus the original KoF 2002 is no longer available, but it is a much cheaper alternative to the Japanese-exclusive PS2 release, and has been released worldwide. It was also released on the Xbox Live Arcade and Windows, much like KoF ’98. It only fixes various bugs and glitches, as there is no actual change in content. Unlimited Match received a small revision, which was released for the PS2 with the subtitle Tougeki Version. It’s a completely fantastic package, and even if someone still wants to play the original KoF 2002, it’s included on the disc, too. Additionally, there are tons of new ending pictures, most of them kinda cutesy, done by several different artists. All of the character illustrations have been redone by Hiroaki. In addition to several new themes, there are also remixes, of K’s ’99 theme, Krizalid’s theme, and Geese’s theme.
All of the backgrounds have been completely redrawn in 3D, many are entirely new, with even more cameos to pick up. Like Ultimate Match, many of the characters have new moves, including some for regulars like Terry and Mai, as well as new HSDM/MAX2 attacks. This brings the total roster up to 66 characters. Additionally, someone at SNKP must’ve felt that K9999 was ripping off Akira just a little bit too much, so they changed his design and remade him into the “new” character called Nameless. Compared to that revamp, though, which just added some characters and moves, and touched up a few things here and there, Unlimited Match is practically a whole new game.Īdded (compared to the Neo Geo version) are Foxy, Hinako, Lin, Jhun Hoon, Xiangfei, Bao, the Kyo clones, Kasumi, Heidern, Krizalid, the Zeros, Igniz, Shingo, Goenitz, Geese and King, along with EX versions of Kensou, Robert, Takuma and Geese. Much like KoF ’98: Ultimate Match, SNK went back and retooled KoF 2002 and rereleased it for the PlayStation 2 in 2009. The Xbox port is the same as the PS2 version along with Xbox Live online play. As usual, 3D backgrounds have been added. The Dreamcast version adds in Shingo and King (who were sadly missing from the arcade version.) The PlayStation 2 version features both of these characters, in addition to Geese Howard, Orochi Iori and Goenitz. Those include the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Once again, the American arcade version removes her jiggling, but this time it was restored in the home console releases.
It’s also the first instance of Mai nudity in the entire series, as she shows off her behind during her Hidden Super Desperation Move. The soundtrack also includes a bunch of music from older games like “Seoul de Ikou” (Kim’s Theme) from Fatal Fury 2 and “Diet” (Yuri’s Theme) from Art of Fighting 2, but they suffer due to poor sound quality.ĭue to its character roster and lack of superficial gimmicks, KoF 2002 is also regarded as a high point for the series. The Striker system has been ditched entirely, so it plays much like KoF ’98. The graphical presentation is much better, especially the backgrounds, which include plenty of cameos from other SNK titles. New to the game are Hidden Super Desperation Moves (HDSM) or MAX2 moves, which are even more complex and more powerful than everything that came before. Rugal once again returns as the final boss. While not as comprehensive as KoF ’98 in relation, it includes a fair representation of the series’ most popular fighters, including the return of Yashiro, Chris, Shermie, Vice and Mature, as well as newer characters like Angel, May Lee, Kula, K9999 and K’. With the NESTS storyline finished, this installment is another Dream Match, mixing up both old and new characters. Although once again produced by Eolith, The King of Fighters 2002 is a drastic improvement over its predecessor.