The
King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match
STORY: In
terms of plot, KOF 2002 Unlimited Match does not have a story and was
developed as a "dream match" featuring characters from all previous
installments of The King of Fighters.
REVIEW:
The
King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match is an enhanced version of KOF
2002 first released February 26th, 2009 for PlayStation 2 in Japan
and on November 3rd, 2010 for Xbox Live Arcade. The main enhancements of KOF2002: UM
include a new
soundtrack (composed by Yasufumi Fukuda, Makoto Asai, Teruo Konishi &
Two-Five), new playable characters over the original KOF2002, many gameplay tweaks, new Desperation Moves, new 2D/2.5D stages,
Color Edit Mode, online
match support, and brand new cut-in character artwork appearing during super
moves.
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KOF
2002: UM character selection screen.
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A new character known as "Nameless" was
also introduced in KOF2002: UM, taking the place of K9999 (who was really a rip-off of Tetsuo Shima from
Akira - and SNK didn't want to get sued). 
For the record, Nameless
fights very similarly to K9999 even though he has completely different animations.
Most returning character updates are subtle, but hardcore players will notice some brand new hard-hitting Desperation Moves (which look better than ever thanks to the new cut-in artwork). The new backgrounds of KOF2002: UM are some of the best in recent times and feature a ton of classic character cameos.
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Tons of character
cameos in backgrounds.
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The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match features a whopping 66 playable characters (the largest roster
of the series)! Of course, this also includes alternate versions of some
characters, such as: The Kyo clones, "Nightmare" Geese Howard, SVC/'98UM
Geese Howard, KOF '99 Robert, and KOF '99 Sie Kensou. The original console version of KOF 20002: Unlimited Match also includes a NEOGEO
port of
the original King of Fighters 2002 and a Gallery featuring
character illustrations and more.
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Updated: |
October
25th, 2023
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| Developer(s): |
SNK Playmore |
| Publisher(s): |
SNK
Playmore |
| Artwork
by: |
Hiroaki |
| Platform(s): |
Arcade, PS2, PS4, Xbox Live, PC
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| Release Date(s): |
Feb. 26th, 2009 
PlayStation 2
July 9th, 2009 Arcade
June 24th, 2010 PS2 - Tougeki Version
Nov.
3rd, 2010 Xbox Live Arcade
Jan. 24th, 2011 Arcade - Final Version
Feb. 27th, 2015 Steam
Feb. 8th, 2021 PlayStation 4 |
| Characters: |
Nameless,
Kyo,
Iori, Benimaru,
Daimon,
Terry,
Andy,
Joe,
Leona,
Ralf,
Clark,
Kim,
Chang,
Choi,
Ryo,
Robert,
Takuma,
Athena,
Kensou,
Chin,
Mai, King,
Yuri,
May
Lee, Mature,
Vice,
Yamazaki, Blue Mary,
Billy,
Yashiro,
Shermie, Chris,
K',
Maxima,
Whip,
Vanessa,
Seth,
Ramon,
Shingo, Kula,
Angel, Bao,
Foxy,
Jhun
Hoon, Lin,
Heidern,
Li
Xiangfei, Hinako, Kasumi
Todoh, Goenitz, Rugal,
Omega Rugal, Orochi
Chris, Orochi Shermie, Orochi
Yashiro, Geese Howard, Krizalid, Zero,
Original
Zero, Igniz
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Featured Video:
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| Related Games: |
The King of Fighters 2002, KOF '98: Ultimate Match, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout,
KOF '95,
KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '99, KOF
2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2003,
KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII,
KOF XIV,
KOF XV, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF:
Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF:
Neowave, KOF
EX Neo Blood,
KOF EX2 Howling Blood,
KOF R1, KOF R2, Garou:
Mark of the Wolves, SNK Vs. Capcom
Chaos |
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Gameplay
Engine
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8.0 / 10
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Story
/ Theme
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8.0 / 10
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Overall
Graphics
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7.0 / 10
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Animation
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7.0 / 10
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Music
/ Sound Effects
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8.5 / 10
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Innovation
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6.5 / 10
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Art Direction
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9.0 / 10
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Customization
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9.0 / 10
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Options / Extras
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8.0 / 10
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Intro / Presentation
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7.5 / 10
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Replayability / Fun
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7.5 / 10
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"Ouch" Factor
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7.0 / 10
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Characters
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9.0 / 10
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BOTTOM LINE
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8.0
/
10
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Review based on PS2 (Japan
import)
version
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| Final
Words: |
KOF 2002: Unlimited Match offers a ton of replayability and fan service for old school fans and veteran hardcore players alike, boasting a huge roster and new ways to play classic characters of the long-running series. In essence, KOF2002UM is still pretty much "the same 2D KOF" that fans have been playing for decades. For hardcore
players,
it's a timeless game with tons
of team possibilities, fun combos, and new tech to try out. On the other hand, KOF2002:UM definitely lacks the graphical prowess and "flash" of more modern 2D fighters.
Despite looking "aged" as a 2009 / 2010 fighting game, KOF 2002: Unlimited Match gives
traditional 2D fighting fans a throwback to an older time... a simpler time... and is no doubt one of the definitive
2D experiences / remakes of the "classic KOF formula" if there ever was one.
Personally, I didn't enjoy playing KOF2002:UM for any long period of time. (I miss my Garou: MOTW team from KOF2003, for one.) However, I do absolutely love the amazing character
artwork in this game drawn by the legendary Hiroaki Hashimoto, along with the awesome roster and cool stages filled with cameos.
~TFG Webmaster |
@Fighters_Gen
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