THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
Game
Game2018
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 GLOBAL MATCH
Developer SNK CORPORATION, Code Mystics
KOF ’97 is the final entry in the Orochi Saga, the original storyline of the KOF series, which is still played by enthusiastic fans around the world. KOF ’97 makes a return with new features such as online matchmaking, a new gallery mode, and custom menu BGM settings! From the Steam store page
178 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Oct 30, 2026 · last updated Nov 4, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
83
LovedLoved
136 positive · 27 negative
95% range 77–88%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 136 | 27 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 15 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
180 of 213 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
84% recommend · 146 yes, 27 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 173 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (1,388 of 1,717 positive).
Players praise the addition of rollback netcode by CodeMystics, which greatly improved online play. [1][2][3] Many reviewers note the lack of features like training mode, arranged soundtrack, and color editing. [2][4][5] Some players appreciate the nostalgic value and solid port despite missing content. [6][7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [5]
KOF 97 got rollback before 98 UM... Can't really recommend this for any reason honestly. KOF 97 is good but: No training mode? No color editing? No arranged soundtrack? No playable Orochi? No option to disable flashing? Rebinding controls is jank. If I wanna make it so that LP is on X and LK is A on a Xbox pad, I have to then confirm with the X button and decline with A? Why is this an issue? Other PC fighters don't …
- [1]
Almost a perfect arcade port with some extras, still needs some small fixes with the game's cpu. Cons: It started very bad at the beggining when it was released, local and online performance (horrible). Pros: The developers are making an effort to fix it & they over did it, why? you ask. First they fixed the game's unstable performance by making it run very smoothly at 60fps, make sure you turn off the vsync in the …
- [2]
This game started out quite bad: Input lag, frame skips, and SNK’s signature works only in Japan netcode but CodeMystics fixed all of those issues and implemented a roll back netcode (without financial support from SNK)! Yes it’s still a cash grab, there’s no AST, no training mode, no color-edit mode, no ending gallery, no playable Orochi, etc, but the new netcode courtesy of CodeMystics makes this the best version …
- [4]
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 GLOBAL MATCH is the final chapter in the KOF Orochi Saga. Pros: + Gameplay is challenging, fun and satisfying. + Graphics and animations are good for it's time. + Music is great for it's time. + Huge diverse roster that plays very differently. + Online can be difficult to find players, but it is somewhat active. + Netcode is good. Cons: - No training mode. - Character balance is broken. - …
- [3]
Solid port! Kudos to CodeMystics that has been really active with this port and have solved many issues the game had when it came up (see patch notes list in discussions) and they keep listen to people for more bugs. (Unlike DotEmu) They also introduced ROLLBACK with the online and I'm be able to have stable matches with people that is far from my country. Matches that were ~180ms, now are stable and with not …
Summarised from 34 of the 187 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
84% of the 173 Steam reviewers we collected recommend THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 GLOBAL MATCH. The complaint that keeps coming up: no training mode included. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Reactions
60 of 178 · most liked firstAlmost a perfect arcade port with some extras, still needs some small fixes with the game's cpu. Cons: It started very bad at the beggining when it was released, local and online performance (horrible). Pros: The developers are making an effort to fix it & they over did it, why? you ask. First they fixed the game's unstable performance by making it run very smoothly at 60fps, make sure you turn off the vsync in the game's option. Then, they added something that many players have demanded for…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm gonna give this game a few days before asking for a refund to see if they patch it, but as of now, this is a joke. This is basically an emulator running a 22 years old rom, and as most reviews said, the lack of a training mode (present in the PS1 port of the game, released over two decades ago) is inexcusable. edit: Ok, they released a patch fixing some issues (like artwork not unlocking after finishing the game), but they also confirmed training mode (among other options) are not coming,…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game started out quite bad: Input lag, frame skips, and SNK’s signature works only in Japan netcode but CodeMystics fixed all of those issues and implemented a roll back netcode (without financial support from SNK)! Yes it’s still a cash grab, there’s no AST, no training mode, no color-edit mode, no ending gallery, no playable Orochi, etc, but the new netcode courtesy of CodeMystics makes this the best version of KOF ’97 yet. I really hope that CodeMystics adds the new netcode to KOF UM…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →7 years ago today, The King of Fighters '97 Global Match was originally released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PC via Steam worldwide. It was developed and published by SNK Corporation.
neutral · AI labelView post →8 years ago today, The King of Fighters '97 Global Match was originally released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PC via Steam worldwide. It was developed and published by SNK Corporation.
neutral · AI labelView post →The King of Fighters '97 Global Match Another day another King of Fighters remaster, and with such a rich and extensive history who can really complain? This one is for one of my more favored titles in the franchise, and while it lacks the completeness of a package that I'd really like for a throwback to such a celebrated old school fighting entry it makes up for that with some of the better and more refined netcoding seen in matchmaking for these games. This is the King of Fighters we all…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i mean...it's KOF...it's better than Street Fighter ;)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I mean, what did you expect? KOF 97 Global Match is simply a way for people to play this online in a place not called Fightcade. That's all there is to it. At best you get a command list for your troubles. Now I know most people at the time complained about not putting extra characters in the game, not having a training mode, the game suffering slowdows, and then I ask you all: Do you have ANY idea how these arcade ports work? Sure they added the online, but apart from that, the game is…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →KOF 97 got rollback before 98 UM... Can't really recommend this for any reason honestly. KOF 97 is good but: No training mode? No color editing? No arranged soundtrack? No playable Orochi? No option to disable flashing? Rebinding controls is jank. If I wanna make it so that LP is on X and LK is A on a Xbox pad, I have to then confirm with the X button and decline with A? Why is this an issue? Other PC fighters don't have this problem. Menu's are slow. Emulation is spotty. There's…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →On this day 8 years ago, the launch trailer for The King of Fighters '97: Global Match was released. The launch trailer can be watched below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=infH...
neutral · AI labelView post →I know people have their complains and rightfully so, but just to be able to play this game and multiplayer with my buddies is enough for me. Brings back so many good memories.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Controller's stick can't be used for directions wtf
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →KOF 97 was an amazing game back in the day. However, with all the tips and tricks out on the internet today, it is quite easy to see some characters such as Terry spamming his infinite combo (power charge) or Yamazaki spamming his Sand Kick. The infinite combos do end up breaking the enjoyment of the game. On the upside, you do see people playing more than just Iori, Chris, and Goro like KOF 98. I would still recommend KOF 98 though.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This ancient 2D fighting game has better jiggle physics than many modern 3D titles.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 GLOBAL MATCH is the final chapter in the KOF Orochi Saga. Pros: + Gameplay is challenging, fun and satisfying. + Graphics and animations are good for it's time. + Music is great for it's time. + Huge diverse roster that plays very differently. + Online can be difficult to find players, but it is somewhat active. + Netcode is good. Cons: - No training mode. - Character balance is broken. - Lack of arranged soundtrack. Overall, THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 GLOBAL MATCH…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →FIrst off, ignore all the "No training mode" complaints & naysayers because of it. If that's you, GROW. UP. AND. GROW. SOME. Arcade games don't have training mode, you learn by playing and figuring things out yourself. Outside of that, this is a direct port of the Neo-Geo fighter of the same name with a few tweaks, namely online multiplayer (no comment there, I don't do that) and it has at least 34 playable characters, as well as both team play (3 vs. 3) and single player modes. If you like the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →𝔸𝕞𝕒𝕫𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕘𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕕. The game where my obssession with fighting games had started. I still remember my tiny self back in the 90s, in the arcade, pulling off the craziest moves as Shermie. What a time that was... And when you kick everyone's rear, you're like the champion of the arcade... and everybody wanted to be my friend. Though in school I hardly had any friends, I was a movie star in the Arcades. Anyways, if you wanna relive…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →/ I remember the good old days when my brother, sister and I played this game on the PSP / . 11/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i think my dad is terry bogard because he keeps hitting me when i get home from school
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Definitely, Best game among whole "King of Fighters" series and in fact it is also among the best games released in 1990's. So in my opinion its a MUST play game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Solid port! Kudos to CodeMystics that has been really active with this port and have solved many issues the game had when it came up (see patch notes list in discussions) and they keep listen to people for more bugs. (Unlike DotEmu) They also introduced ROLLBACK with the online and I'm be able to have stable matches with people that is far from my country. Matches that were ~180ms, now are stable and with not delayed. They even make the online optional to use input delay, rollback or a mix…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's like KoF 98, but without music.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →5 years ago today, The King of Fighters '02 UM, The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition, The King of Fighters '97 Global Match, The Last Blade 2, Samurai Shodown V Special, & Garou: Mark of the Wolves were released for Amazon Prime Gaming. snk-corp.co.jp/us/press/202...
neutral · AI labelView post →7 years ago today, The King of Fighters '97 Global Match was originally announced as an updated version of the game implementing online multiplayer. The teaser trailer for the game can be watched below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku5c...
neutral · AI labelView post →I know this is a quick cashgrab in order to capitalize on China's obsession with '97 in particular, but even as such it's still a very poor effort, especially compared with the other Code Mystics works. No training mode at this day and age is a complete dealbreaker. Even the Orochi Saga Collection on the PlayStation/Wii gives you a superior experience aside from the loading times.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thks valve i was w8 for these tittle for so long, love these tittle, TKF 97 its my favorite of the all saga, feel free to add me, and invite me to play.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game's online support was terrible due to connection problems. I don't even want to try it now. I will continue to throw coins into the arcade machine.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Original Review The game's good, but the lack of a training mode and the difficulty in arcade mode makes it hard to recommend. If you want a classic KOF title, get either ‘98 or 2002, as both offer more game modes and bigger rosters. Updated Review I can only recommend if you're interested in the story mode, as this is the conclusion of the Orochi Saga, and both '98 and 2002 lacks a story mode. Plus, it gets very cheap on sale, so it's not really a bad deal getting an excellent fighting game…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters ’97 Global Match, developed by SNK CORPORATION and Code Mystics and published by SNK, serves as both a preservation effort and a renewed invitation to revisit one of the most influential entries in the long-running fighting franchise. Originally released during the height of the arcade era, KOF ’97 represents a pivotal moment in SNK’s competitive legacy—an installment that finalized the Orochi Saga narrative arc, expanded the roster, refined team-based mechanics, and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Laggy input, and horrible frame skipping. Arguably one of the worst ports that I've ever played. Don't waste your money.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My very first KOF (King Of Fighters) was the KOF 1994. Not KOF'97. Even to this day; I still extremely hope and patiently waiting, that one day SNK will remaster the original trilogy (KOF'94, KOF'95 and KOF'96). With arrange and original in-game background musics from Playstation 1 version.) as a bundle, just like Capcom Fighting Collection did with their classics. Hellooo, devs! Wink-wink-wink.. I love everything from this particular one. Most of the country stages are so accurate.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sorry Shermie, you may have a "Big SOUL" but I'm here for the story (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Like other KoF games on steam this isn't the Neo Geo version you grew up with or know of this is a completely different game however it is still worth it 9/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →'97 marks the climax of the first King of Fighters arc, the Orochi Saga. As this is my first exposure to the arc, I can tell you that you don't need to have played the previous three games to understand this one, it is a fighting game storyline after all. However, the dialogue is told through poorly arranged text boxes that seem to move on the second the last letter appears, so it's hard not to miss something in the moment. Thankfully, these little cinematics are preserved in the gallery…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I bought this game because i was excited about the new multiplayer mode but the moment I openend the mode there were no servers. I checked everyday and night that I might find a server but still no luck. So if you are wanted to buy this game because of multiplayer then don't because it doesn't work
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My Playthrough https://youtu.be/wffjGa1RUIM The Review Shermie is best girl!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Best fighting Game Ever played from child. one rupee coin for play match winner play continuesly loser get ego to defeat and spent many coins.this game remembered old memories on my child time.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A long time fan of SNK and the KOF series in general. I am going to buy anything (within reason) that SNK puts out there. If you are a casual player, i would say pick up KOF 98 or 2002; however, if you are a loyal SNK fan, this isn't a bad purchase. Pros: Legacy characters / SNK Nostalgia Cons: Lack of music / No Online Presence SNK is great but they do neglect the PC side of things... There are die-hard SNK fans who would absolutely love to purchase every game and play them…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game: The King Of Fighters '97 Global Match Genre: Fighting Developer: SNK CORPORATION/Code Mystics Publisher: SNK CORPORATION System: Steam (PC) Year of Release: 2018 Length of Playthrough: 6 Hours Total Score: 72/100 Value Score: 7.2/10 • Story: 5/10 • Characters: 7/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 7/10 • Sound: 8/10 • Music: 8/10 • Length: 5/10 • Replay Value: 8/10 • Player Value: 7/10 Pros +Unique endings for each team and more endings for old pair ups from previous games +Online MP +35…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'll answer the most important question as my "review" Question: Mai Shiranui's breasts, Me Bouncy or Censored? Answer: Me Bouncy. There, it has the most important feature, you can buy it now. :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →For the most part it is more classic KoF but one thing really irks me about this… WHERE IS THE MUSIC?!! Most stages and fights have no music and rely on sort of ambient sound and does it make you realize fighting games NEED some sort of consistent OST. As always, great pixel work. This copy allows for online fights and gallery view but sadly does not have an actual practice mode. Though the gameplay is solid, there is technically better games in the series around this time particularly that…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →brings back childhood memories :)) Leona, Athena, and Iori, my girls <3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I loved this game when I was a kid and still do now. Gameplay carries over nice to PC. Playing this in 2026 is impossible to match with anyone online tho. Game is dead in that regard but its great to pick up and play thru an arcade mode once in a while when youre in the mood for an old school 2d fighter. Definitely worth it when it's on sale
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →8 years ago today, The King of Fighters '97 Global Match was originally announced as an updated version of the game implementing online multiplayer. The teaser trailer for the game can be watched below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku5c...
neutral · AI labelView post →As cool as it was almost 30 years ago. And I am still quite bad at it as before unless playing with novice players, but at least its fun. Now if you excuse me, these fingers need some ice.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game for its time have most of them on PS1 and PS2 from back then. Fun if you like classic fighting games. The best part is with Steam you are not trapped behind a pay wall like you are now a days with Sony,Nintendo,Xbox to play online with random people or friends.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good game, the port is pretty good and the developer is communicating with the community with ways they can improve the online. Biggest downside is that there is no training mode.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a worst kof 97 version in the world
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A solid KoF game. Code Mystics put the same thought and care into this as they do with their other fighter ports. Not as refined as modern fighters, though it stands on its own for a game from '97, and holds up well all these years later. If you're patient and wait until it's on sale you can grab it for very cheap.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Didn't have a single issue at all. Emulation quality is good enough. Setting up the game to run at 480p (or lower) resolution (both display and in-game) on a CRT with flickering off, no smoothing and scanlines filter at 100% is the best way to resemble the original arcade experience (and probably the most satisfying way to play). Tested on GNU/Linux Debian btw.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The King of Fighters '97 Global Match can be bought on the following: Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/702120/T... PSN: store.playstation.com/en-us/produc...
neutral · AI labelView post →The King of Fighters '97 Global Match is a re-release of the series' 4th entry, primarily implementing online multiplayer. Additionally, '97 GM includes several other features including Gallery and Menu BGM Soundtracks.
neutral · AI labelView post →used to be my favourate arcade game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I loved this game years ago, but unfortunately no one plays online anymore. Still, if you want to revisit 1997, this is a great game that holds up visually even today.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best fighting games ever made with a wide range of unique characters all with their own blistering moves ! Banging graphics for the 90's and a whole lot of fun even today ! A timeless classic !
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Recommended. 8/10* One of the best fighting game franchises, gorgeous pixel art, absolutely cool character design, very good music, the controls and animations are top of the top, im not rating it higher cause this specific steam version have a problem with full screen the game crashes, already dig in the bottom of the internet for answers but the only solution is to never change the video setting to full screen, and being the max resolution around 900p in window mode, it sucks to play it in a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A classic, polished SNK fighting game residing at the peak of the first King of fighters story line. As the final canon entry to the Orochi Saga you get a lot of conclusions to character arcs that really hit you in the emotions. This make for a great finale to that era and has you excited for the next. The mechanics, moves and features are at their penacle surpassed only by 98. But with 98 being a dream match and 97 having such a dramatic and cinematic feel make sure you don't miss out on this…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The greatest King of Fighters of all time. Expert players only
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wanna play turbo mode does anyone know how to play it ???
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you're looking to play people online in KoF'97 and nothing else, definitely move along. You can always do some remote play with friends but finding a competitive scene for '97 means playing over on Fightcade. But if you just want to play through the arcade mode of '97 and have a good time? This is a pretty good purchase. It's a great way to enjoy the early days of the series and get the story of the last chapter in the Orochi saga. Great character design, great animations, awesome stages,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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