The
King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match

STORY:
In terms of plot, KOF '98: Ultimate March does not have a
story and was developed as a "dream match" with characters from all
previous installments of King of Fighters.
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The definitive version of King
of Fighters '98.
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REVIEW:
Originally featuring a total of 38 characters, The
King of Fighters '98 was no doubt a fan favorite installment to the series
due to the large character roster and quality 2D gameplay. 10 years later, the
Ultimate Match re-release enhances the classic game with 7 new playable characters, special
EX versions of characters not featured in the original version, and several new stages.
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One more Powaa Gyssaaaa
for old times sake.
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Along with the "Advance" & "Extra" play options from the original, a new "Ultimate" mode is now selectable,
which is a customizable style that lets players choose between features from
Advance or Extra mode, such as which kind of power gauge to use. A "Neo
Geo"
mode is also available in the package, which is a direct port of the original
Neo Geo console version. The home package of Ultimate Match also includes
Gallery Mode with a variety of classic artwork to browse through.
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Eiji is so ninja, he
wasn't even in the original KOF '98!
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A
"Final Edition" of King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match
was released in Japanese arcades in January 2011 and on PC via Steam on December
16th, 2014. This version features several tweaks to characters and game
mechanics.
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Page Updated: |
September 24th, 2019 |
Developer(s): |
SNK |
Publisher(s): |
SNK |
Artwork
By: |
Hiroaki
& Shinkiro Poster Art |
Platform(s): |
Arcade,
PlayStation
2, PSN ,
Xbox 360, PC
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Release Date(s): |
Mar.
18th, 2008
Arcade
June 26th, 2008
PS2
Mar. 3rd,
2009
PS2
July 1st,
2009
Xbox 360
Jan. 24th, 2011
Arcade - as KOF '98: UM Final
Edition
Dec. 16th, 2014
Steam - as KOF '98: UM Final Edition
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Characters: |
Kyo,
Benimaru,
Daimon,
Andy,
Terry,
Joe,
Ryo,
Robert,
Mai,
King,
Yuri,
Ralf,
Leona,
Clark,
Athena,
Kensou,
Chin,
Chizuru,
Yashiro,
Shermie,
Chris,
Mature,
Vice,
Iori,
Chang,
Kim,
Choi,
Yamazaki,
Blue
Mary, Billy Kane, Heidern,
Takuma,
Saisyu,
Heavy
D, Lucky,
Brian,
Shingo,
Eiji,
Kasumi,
Geese,
Krauser,
Mr.
Big, Goenitz,
Orochi,
Rugal, Omega
Rugal |
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Featured Video:
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Related Games: |
KOF '98,
KOF 2002: Unlimited
Match, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, KOF
'94, KOF '94: Re-bout,
KOF '95,
KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '99, KOF 2000, KOF 2001,
KOF 2002, KOF 2003,
KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII, 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 |
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Gameplay
Engine
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7.5 / 10
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Story
/ Theme
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7.5 / 10
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Overall
Graphics
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6.0 / 10
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Animation
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6.0 / 10
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Music
/ Sound Effects
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6.5 / 10
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Innovation
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6.0 / 10
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Art Direction
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7.0 / 10
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Customization
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8.0 / 10
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Options / Extras
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8.5 / 10
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Intro / Presentation
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8.0 / 10
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Replayability / Fun
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7.0 / 10
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"Ouch" Factor
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7.5 / 10
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Characters
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8.5 / 10
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BOTTOM LINE
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7.8 /
10
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Review based on PS2
version
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Final
Words: |
For a decade-old 2D fighting game, KOF '98 holds up rather well. In some
ways, it does look and sound it's age in this high-def era of gaming. For fighting
game fans looking to be "wowed" by graphics
or animation, KOF '98 is definitely going to look last-gen.
However, if you've never
checked out KOF '98, this updated version is a great way to
experience the classic... and get you acquainted with some of the KOF series'
most iconic characters. For hardcore KOF '98 players, obviously, Ultimate
Match is pretty much a timeless, must-own title. Get those old teams back in
shape! ~TFG
Webmaster
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