King of Fighters '98, The - Ultimate Match (Europe)
PlayStation 2
🇬🇧
Reviewed in 2008
88
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✪ Reviewed on November 11, 2024
82
Ultimate Match version of KOF '98, widely considered the best franchise entry. The perfect roster balance, depth of combat mechanics and infinite replayability make it the absolute benchmark. A 2D fighting game masterpiece, still played in international competition.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Description
A Western SNK Playmore reissue released in 2009, subtitled "Ultimate Match." An expanded version of The King of Fighters '98, widely considered by fans as the absolute peak of the classic series. Seven additional characters, reworked balance and a new Challenge mode. A late PS2 release praised by purists.
King of Fighters '98, The - Ultimate Match review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
An anthology of the early King of Fighters, the compilation gathers energetic themes blending rock, funk and jazz, the sonic signature of the SNK studio. Each team has its standout track, from the famous "Esaka" to frenzied saxophones, galvanising the clashes. This retro musical generosity delights fans of nervy fighting.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
A benchmark of 2D versus fighting, this ultimate edition refines a colossal roster and two play styles that radically reshape your approach to combat. Crisp inputs, readable exchanges and a deep system reward the time you put in. The pixel art has aged beautifully, and fans of demanding fighters will find a balance that remains as sharp as ever.
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Considered one of the most balanced in the saga, this dream match gathers the elite of SNK fighters for anthology duels, here polished and enriched. The chiselled handling and the edge of the exchanges make every clash a joy. Accessible yet deep, gorgeous to watch, a peak of 2D versus and an ideal entry point into the King of Fighters universe.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Composing a team of three from a gigantic roster and then chaining rounds in a finely honed combat system sets up a versus pleasure whose rematches you endlessly relaunch. Mastering a character and testing new trios sustains the practice. The technique stays demanding, but this careful balancing and this density of fighters keep a pull that purists never let go of.
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Renowned for its colossal roster, this ultimate edition of King of Fighters lines up countless fighters and teams to assemble. Mastering each character, fine-tuning your combos and battling in versus restarts the pad indefinitely. That richness, paired with careful balance, earns the title a stubborn reputation as an endless fighting game.
Technical info
💾2,6 GB📅24/06/2008
Published by SNK Playmore
King of Fighters '98, The - Ultimate Match (PS2) price, value & rarity
An enriched reissue of The King of Fighters '98, dubbed Dream Match and held as one of the series' most balanced, expanded with fighters and tweaks in this Ultimate Match. Still common in the West, its interest lies in this status as the definitive version of a versus classic rather than scarcity. A prime piece for SNK fighting fans wanting the most complete edition.
Better with friends
A peak of three-on-three team fighting, gathering a dream cast for clashes of exemplary clarity and balance. The competition is straight and gimmick-free, carried by the joy of building your trio and watching your favorite fighters go at it. Easy to discover and deep to master, it remains a safe bet for versus nights where rivalries sharpen match after match.
Is King of Fighters '98, The - Ultimate Match still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2008 on PS2, SNK's reworking of The King of Fighters '98 takes the entry often cited as the most balanced of the saga and enriches it with a vast roster gathering nearly every fighter from the previous chapters. The three character system, the choice between Advanced and Extra modes and the precision of the gameplay make it a benchmark of two dimensional versus fighting. The sprites carry the full SNK touch and the playability keeps an exemplary rigour. The austere presentation and the technical demand target an informed audience. Essential for devotees of SNK fighting games and competitive two dimensional play.
