The King of Fighters 2002 (NGM-2650 ~ NGH-2650)

Returning to its classic roots, The King of Fighters 2002 pits two players against each other in intense three-on-three team battles. This installment abandons the previous games' four-player tag-team format, opting instead for a more focused, strategic experience reminiscent of King of Fighters '98. Players build up power gauges through attacking and special moves, utilizing them to perform counterattacks, powerful super moves, or enter a temporary "MAX Activation" state that boosts offensive and defensive capabilities. The game features a diverse roster of returning favorites alongside new characters like Orochi Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris, each with their own unique fighting styles and backstories developed by Eolith Co., Ltd.. Familiar character poses return, and players can even unlock alternate costume color schemes through specific button inputs after matches. A nostalgic soundtrack draws music from previous entries in the King of Fighters series, creating a sense of continuity for long-time fans. Running on SNK’s Neo-Geo MVS hardware with four buttons per player, The King of Fighters 2002 offers a tight and responsive fighting system demanding precision and strategic team composition. Hidden character selection tricks and pose customizations provide extra layers of discovery within this celebrated entry in the franchise.