THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
Game
Game2015
THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2002 UNLIMITED MATCH
Developer SNK CORPORATION, Code Mystics
The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match is a 2009 fighting video game developed and published by SNK Playmore for arcades. It is a remake of 2002 video game The King of Fighters 2002, the ninth main game in The King of Fighters series. The game was initially ported to the PlayStation 2 only in Japan, and later internationally to the Xbox 360 in 2010, Windows in 2015, and the PlayStation 4 in 2021. Similar to… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
208 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy) · newest Oct 30, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
97
LovedLoved
147 positive · 5 negative
95% range 93–99%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 147 | 5 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 7 | 0 | 46 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 3 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Overwhelmingly Positive
1,318 of 1,363 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
96% recommend · 153 yes, 6 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 159 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (5,136 of 5,415 positive).
Players praise the massive roster and fluid gameplay, calling it one of the best in the series. [1][2][3] Some find the high difficulty and lack of story a barrier for newcomers. [1][4] A few reviewers criticize online issues and outdated feel. [5][6]
Liked
Representative posts
- [1]
This game is really for hardcore SNK and King of Fighters fans, specifically. If you're just casually looking to get started in fighting games or in the KoF series, this might be tough to get into, but also... if you love jumping into the deep end of the pool and having lots of choices, then maybe it's for you. It offers an immense roster, including some of super-broken characters (though you can turn those off in …
- [4]
PLAY THIS IF: +One of the largest roster in not just KOF but fighting games in general +One of the definitive "E-Sports" KOF (yeah either this or 97, your call) +You want (and love) the solid controls of NEO-GEO era, and it's optimized for modern systems +Is in DEEP SALE (it priced less than a fried chicken-rice-and-drink yet you can play indefinitely) DON'T PLAY THIS IF: -You look for story (there is none, you just …
- [2]
As always, KoF has one of the best pixel art graphics in the world. This game also has the largest roster in the entire franchise's history. It brings back characters from the entire NESTS Chronicles saga, including dead/missing and the original character Nameless. It also has more smooth and variety of combos than KoF 98, which was one of the main cons of that game. Some of the challenges are still ridiculous, but …
- [3]
One of the best KOF games. A staggeringly large roster, fantastic presentation, and fluid combat system make this a perfect entry point for newcomers. It's fun to dig into KOF then return to Capcom vs. SNK and go "Hey, I know these characters!" If I had to point out any specifics, I'd say the fighting here is just... superb. Man, I've only played Tekken and Street Fighter for so long that I couldn't predict …
- [7]
THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2002 UNLIMITED MATCH is a refined and ambitious reimagining of one of the most beloved entries in SNK’s long-running fighting game franchise. Originally released in arcades and consoles in the early 2000s, this updated version, available on Steam, offers a definitive experience that both honors the series’ roots and updates the gameplay for competitive modern audiences. With a cast of over 60 …
Summarised from 34 of the 216 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 9, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
96% of the 159 Steam reviewers we collected recommend THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2002 UNLIMITED MATCH. The complaint that keeps coming up: high difficulty and complex combos. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Critics, per Wikipedia
The game was well received in Japan. During its release week, Unlimited Match sold 19,000 copies in Japan. In Issue 114 from Arcadia, the game was featured at ninth in its Top Ten Video Games list. By 2009, the game reached 28,216 units sold in Japan. Critical reception to the game's PlayStation 2 port was positive with Eurogamer and PALGN acclaiming large number of playable characters, although mixed opinions were given to its aging graphics. In addition, despite lacking a plot, the large interaction between characters was praised for adding depth to the game according to Wired. While enjoying the gameplay and the balance of the cast despite its large amout, GameZone lamented SNK did not…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 208 · most liked firstWeekend PC Game Deals: Free Half-Life, returning bundles, cozy indies, and more. Big Deals - Remnant II – $34.99 on Steam - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition – $29.99 on Steam - Victoria 3 – $24.99 on Steam - Grounded – $23.99 on Steam - Half-Life: Alyx – $20.39 on Steam - Way of the Hunter – $19.99 on Steam - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – $19.79 on Steam - EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 – $17.99 on Steam - The Riftbreaker – $17.99 on Steam - Satisfactory – $16.49 on Steam - HROT – $15.99 on…
neutral · AI labelView post →10 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released on PC via Steam worldwide. It was developed by SNK Corporation/Code Mystics and published by SNK Corporation.
neutral · AI labelView post →17 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match was originally released on the PlayStation 2 in JP. It was developed and published by SNK Playmore.
neutral · AI labelView post →4 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released on PlayStation 4 worldwide. It was distributed by SNK Corporation.
neutral · AI labelView post →"Kyokugenryu Dojo" from "The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match" SNK/2009 #KOF #SNK #FGC #Pixelart
neutral · AI labelView post →"Rugal's Stage" from 'The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match" SNK/2009 #SNK #KOF #FGC #Pixelart
neutral · AI labelView post →This game is really for hardcore SNK and King of Fighters fans, specifically. If you're just casually looking to get started in fighting games or in the KoF series, this might be tough to get into, but also... if you love jumping into the deep end of the pool and having lots of choices, then maybe it's for you. It offers an immense roster, including some of super-broken characters (though you can turn those off in online-matchmaking and just have fun with them yourself or in other modes if…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →4 years ago today, the physical version of the PlayStation 4 port of The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released in JP. It was distributed by SNK.
neutral · AI labelView post →Weekend PC Game Deals: Lunar New Year Sales and fresh bundles heat things up. ``` DRM-free Specials The DRM-free front for discounts has plenty of deals this weekend from GOG too. It focuses on simulators, PlayStation PC ports, and some Lunar sales of its own. Here are a few highlights: UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection - $24.99 on GOG Days Gone - $12.49 on GOG Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition - $12.49 on GOG Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA - $11.99 on GOG Kerbal Space…
neutral · AI labelView post →They should teach Street Fighter 6 composers how to make a proper fighting game soundtrack
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you're looking for a good fighting game with a modern combat system but retains the old 2000s look, this is the first one I'd recommend
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →15 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match Tougeki Ver. was originally released at arcades at JP. Alongside making new balance adjustments, the boss characters were disabled from being playable. It was developed and published by SNK Playmore.
neutral · AI labelView post →Weekend PC Game Deals: Fallout for cheap, BAFTA winners and nominees, and more. Big Deals - Psychonauts 2 – $29.99 on Steam - Old World – $27.99 on Steam - Darkest Dungeon II – $26.79 on Steam - Hogwarts Legacy – $26.39 on Fanatical - RimWorld – $25.54 on Fanatical - Warhammer 40,000: Darktide – $23.99 on Steam - Pacific Drive – $23.99 on Steam - Thirsty Suitors – $22.49 on Steam - Sifu – $19.99 on Steam - Stray – $19.79 on Steam - HighFleet – $19.49 on Steam - The Callisto Protocol – $17.99…
neutral · AI labelView post →Day 24 of @abadidea.bsky.social 's #Combotober 24. Ode to the 2-Hit Combo Character - Randolph Fuckin' Jones Game - The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match Addendum: A REAL MAN'S PUNCH! Done in dedication to Dant and @rought.bsky.social
neutral · AI labelView post →5 years ago today, the physical version of the PlayStation 4 port of The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released in JP. It was distributed by SNK.
neutral · AI labelView post →11 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released on PC via Steam worldwide. It was developed and published by SNK Corporation.
neutral · AI labelView post →14 years ago today, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match Tougeki Ver. was originally released at arcades at JP. Alongside making new balance adjustments, the boss characters were disabled from being playable. It was developed and published by SNK Playmore.
neutral · AI labelView post →PLAY THIS IF: +One of the largest roster in not just KOF but fighting games in general +One of the definitive "E-Sports" KOF (yeah either this or 97, your call) +You want (and love) the solid controls of NEO-GEO era, and it's optimized for modern systems +Is in DEEP SALE (it priced less than a fried chicken-rice-and-drink yet you can play indefinitely) DON'T PLAY THIS IF: -You look for story (there is none, you just given targets and that's it, the game even lacks gallery) -Is NOT ON SALES…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Five Kyos, zero dodgy footballers. What more could you ask for?
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Happy Birthday, The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match! 🎂🥳👏
neutral · AI labelView post →Little me always wanted to play this game, even tho I suck badly at executing combos
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Over 60 unique characters, with at least 16 teams, 7 bullshit boss characters and 4 versions of Kyo Kusanagi. Truly, this is the most King of Fighters to ever King of Fighters. My review of The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match on @backloggd.com: bckl.gg/rgQD
positive · AI labelView post →The ultimate version of KOF2002. It's probably better than 98UM. Definitely a good time, assuming you enjoy KOF. Good luck beating Omega Rugal, unless you're one of these dudes that does 40 hit combos and crashes arcade machine.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's very possible that SNK simply shot and murdered all 3 American Sports Team characters and thats why they've only ever been in 2 games. They're in less games than Choi Bounge who is a one foot tall gremlin creature that runs around like a little rat and pokes you with his big claw hands. Some things just don't make a whole lot of sense I guess.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →On this day 4 years ago, it was announced that The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match was receiving a port on PlayStation 4, utilizing the rollback implementation added prior with the Steam version. The reveal trailer is shown below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsBy...
neutral · AI labelView post →On this day 5 years ago, the April 2021 patch for the PlayStation 4/Steam version of The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match was released, incorporating Brazilian Portuguese language support to the game. twitter.com/SNKPofficial...
neutral · AI labelView post →As always, KoF has one of the best pixel art graphics in the world. This game also has the largest roster in the entire franchise's history. It brings back characters from the entire NESTS Chronicles saga, including dead/missing and the original character Nameless. It also has more smooth and variety of combos than KoF 98, which was one of the main cons of that game. Some of the challenges are still ridiculous, but I feel like they are better than KoF 98 challenges. Nonetheless, the game is fun…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i love the king of fighters and when i grow up i will become the king of fighters. im for real
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →What's there to know? This is the best King of Fighters game ever made, and I'll stand by that statement. It's got a gigantic roster of characters, the sleek futuristic look of NESTS Saga, and that classic KOF gameplay, honed to perfection. Sure the later games are in 3D, but where gameplay is concerned, 2002 UM is unmatched.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →On this day 5 years ago, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match's Community Beta Test on Steam had originally begun, allowing players to play online with rollback netcode until October 15, 2020. The announcement can be viewed below: store.steampowered.com/news/app/222...
neutral · AI labelView post →The fact that you have 66 playable characters with their unique combos, beautiful visuals and effects, makes it one of the best fighting games that I've played. And speaking about combos I gotta say that in this game they are a little bit harder to pull off but, honestly they are worth the effort and you'll get used to them eventually. No big deal. Also, Kasumi best girl.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An incredibly beautiful and fun arcade fighter with a huge roster of interesting fighters!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Played for the first time with my ex, i cant play this without thinking about her
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match: Sunglasses Team Ending #ClarkStill #KDash #ChoiBounge #KOF2002UM #SNK #KOF
neutral · AI labelView post →Day 19 of #Combotober! Today's prompt... "Ode to the 2 Hit Combo" (Ends in exactly 2 hits) - The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Do you hear what Ángel is baking???) [ No music version ]
neutral · AI labelView post →On this day 6 years ago, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match's Community Beta Test on Steam had originally begun, allowing players to play online with rollback netcode until October 15, 2020. The announcement can be viewed below: store.steampowered.com/news/app/222...
neutral · AI labelView post →On this day 6 years ago, it was announced that The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match was receiving an update to implement rollback netcode support, with an open community beta test set to begin on October 1, 2020. The announcement is shown below. twitter.com/SNKPofficial...
neutral · AI labelView post →classic game good rollback netcode
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →a list for the curious: Formless Star, Type Help, TR-49, Hermit and Pig, MOONROT, Horripilant, Fragile Feelings, Terraria, Lost and Found Co., Funi Raccoon Game, The Perfect Tower II, Lucid Blocks, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match, Flotsam, and CorgiSpace
neutral · AI labelView post →A childhood classic. Absolute masterpiece. Bought the double pack to play with my friend, but he never plays with. There's always online fights and a large community. Of course I stick to the arcade fights because I'm still a noob, but hey, it's worth every cent.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best KOF games. A staggeringly large roster, fantastic presentation, and fluid combat system make this a perfect entry point for newcomers. It's fun to dig into KOF then return to Capcom vs. SNK and go "Hey, I know these characters!" If I had to point out any specifics, I'd say the fighting here is just... superb. Man, I've only played Tekken and Street Fighter for so long that I couldn't predict something could play as fast and brutal as this: keep in mind that I'm talking about…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2002 UNLIMITED MATCH is a refined and ambitious reimagining of one of the most beloved entries in SNK’s long-running fighting game franchise. Originally released in arcades and consoles in the early 2000s, this updated version, available on Steam, offers a definitive experience that both honors the series’ roots and updates the gameplay for competitive modern audiences. With a cast of over 60 fighters, finely tuned mechanics, and a striking visual style that captures the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Biggest and best roster for probably any fighting game, ever. Multiplayer is still very much populated. Awesome!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best in the series, and it shows. Me and my friends could play for several hours in a row and never get bored.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match: Masters Team Ending #Heidern #TakumaSakazaki #ChinGentsai #SNK #KOF2002UM
neutral · AI labelView post →Very fun, great soundtrack, massive roster, and cool sprites. The inputs are a little tough though. I suggest using an arcade stick.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My brother and I used to play this with MAME32, on the same keyboard :)))) [obviously not Unlimited match edition] Such a joy to get this again. CLASSIC FIGHTING GAME
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best fighting games ever with biggest roster of unique characters
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I suck ass but its still a great fighting game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →angel so hot i wish mexicans were real
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →ARE YOU READY ?!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best fighters ever, even though I get whooped every time I play it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match is a remake of the original game, containing gameplay adjustments as well as new characters, stages, music, and artwork. Additionally, the previously playable character K9999 was replaced with the newcomer Nameless.
neutral · AI labelView post →Happy Birthday, The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match! 🎂🥳👏
neutral · AI labelView post →I played hundreds of hours on a non-Steam version, btw. So I know it's very hard to master, and if you do it's terribly unbalanced, but despite everything, even playing casually is just so much fun. KOF 2002 is said to be the best of all KOFs, or at least the best of the older ones. It is DEFINITELY worth checking it out if you like more traditional FGs. I can't say about the advanced gameplay, because I never got to level up my technical skills, but I believe it follows the "if everything is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters 2002 remains one of the most solid entries in the franchise, and one of my personal favorites. Great roster, tight gameplay, and a fun art style.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I hate this game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →On this day 4 years ago, Brazilian Portuguese language support for The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match was added for the game's PlayStation 4 and Steam ports. The announcement can be seen with the link below. twitter.com/SNKPofficial...
neutral · AI labelView post →On this day 4 years ago, console combo showcase videos for The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match had begun to be posted in commemoration of the recent PlayStation 4 release at the time. The first console combo showcase video can be watched below.
neutral · AI labelView post →DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME ON AN 8BITDO PRO 2 WIRED GAMEPAD IT WILL LITERALLY KILL YOU!!!!!!!!! ALSO THE GAME IS REALLY NICE!!! IT'S THE BEST BLEND OF JUGGLE BASED GAMES AND CLASSIC FOOTSIE GAMES!!!!! TRY IT WITH YOUR PALS!!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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