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CRITIK

The King of Fighters XV

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The King of Fighters XV
Item: The King of Fighters XV
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 14, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSNK Corporation

Overview

The King of Fighters XV, is the fifteenth installment of The King of Fighters series. Transcend beyond your limits with KOF XV! Classic popular characters, heroes and villains revived from the dead, new challengers, and more!

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of The King of Fighters XV are mixed, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as Gamer Escape and PlayStation Universe appreciate the character interactions and team cutscenes that advance the larger storyline, providing a light but appreciable single-player experience. Additionally, Cultured Vultures and GameSkinny commend the love shown in various cutscenes and the remixing of the roster's teams, catering to long-time fans of the series. These elements add depth and character to the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling experience for players. On the other hand, several critics point out various negatives in the Story Mode of The King of Fighters XV. CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Digital Chumps criticize the lack of narrative depth, character motivations, and substance in the story, with some comparing it to a standard Arcade Mode experience. Critics like Inverse and Siliconera note that the story falls flat compared to its rivals, lacking exposition, explanation, and a compelling narrative. Furthermore, Impulsegamer and Cubed3 mention the disappointing nature of the story mode, highlighting minimal cutscenes, a boring plotline, and substandard ending sequences with image stills. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a general disappointment with the Story Mode of The King of Fighters XV. While there are some positive aspects such as character interactions and unique cutscenes that add flavor to the narrative, the overarching sentiment is that the story lacks depth, engagement, and innovation. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and GamingBolt mention the story mode feeling more like a training ground than a substantial campaign, emphasizing the missed potential for a more immersive and captivating storytelling experience. The general consensus suggests that while the game may cater to fans of the series with its continuation of the ongoing storyline and character developments, it falls short in delivering a truly compelling and memorable narrative experience compared to other fighting game titles.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on The King of Fighters XV Story Mode. Positive reviews praise character interactions and team cutscenes, while negative feedback criticizes the lack of depth and engaging narrative. Overall, the consensus leans towards disappointment, with many feeling the story falls flat and lacks innovation. Despite some highlights, the general sentiment is that the game misses the mark in delivering a truly captivating storytelling experience compared to other fighting game titles.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised The King of Fighters XV for its engaging and deep gameplay mechanics. Critics like PlayStation Universe highlighted the polished version of its predecessor with distinctive features like Rush mode and Max mode, offering intricate systems for strategic gameplay. Additionally, IGN Adria noted the game's ability to simplify mechanics for new players while retaining complexity for competitive online play, showcasing a balance that caters to a wide range of players. The inclusion of new mechanics like Shatter Strike, as mentioned by VG247 and Hardcore Gamer, added depth to the combat system, providing both veterans and newcomers with fresh gameplay experiences. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain challenges within the gameplay of The King of Fighters XV. IGN Portugal mentioned the game's lack of beginner-friendliness, with a tutorial that only covers the basics and omits important mechanics like Max Mode and Quick Mode. Push Square highlighted the high execution requirements and the lack of an effective tutorial, which could pose challenges for new players looking to master the game's complexities. Additionally, Digital Downloaded noted that the lack of single-player content could impact the game's replayability, potentially leaving some players wanting more in terms of solo experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding The King of Fighters XV's gameplay. The game was commended for its deep combat system, diverse roster of characters, and the introduction of new mechanics that added layers of strategy and depth to the fights. Critics like Gamer Escape and Noisy Pixel praised the fluid and fast-paced nature of the gameplay, blending nostalgia with evolution to create an enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Despite some minor criticisms regarding tutorials and single-player content, the overall sentiment is that The King of Fighters XV delivers a solid and engaging fighting game experience that caters to a wide audience of players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud The King of Fighters XV for its engaging gameplay mechanics, including Rush and Max modes. The game strikes a balance between accessibility for new players and complexity for competitive play. New features like Shatter Strike enhance combat depth. However, some critics note challenges like lack of beginner-friendliness and insufficient tutorials. Overall, the game shines with its deep combat system, diverse character roster, and fast-paced gameplay, appealing to fans and newcomers alike.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised The King of Fighters XV for its impressive graphics and visual design. Many highlighted the game's gorgeous character models, vibrant 3D environments, and striking balance between naturalism and anime aesthetics. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Gamer Escape commended the significant improvement in visuals from the previous installment, with smooth animations, well-defined particle effects, and visually appealing stages. GameSpew and Player 2 specifically mentioned the crisp comic book style, detailed characters, and flashy effects that added to the overall visual appeal. Additionally, Finger Guns and TheGamer appreciated the diverse roster of colorful characters and the joyous spectacle of special moves and super moves. However, there were some criticisms regarding The King of Fighters XV's graphics and visual design. IGN pointed out that while the game looks modern, some character animations were recycled from the previous installment, which may disappoint some players. The Mako Reactor noted that while some characters had amazing special moves, others lacked the same level of detail and care, leading to inconsistencies in animation quality. Critics like Cubed3 and GameGrin, who played the game on PS4, found the character models to be bland and unappealing, lacking the detail and vibrancy seen in the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentioned that while the game lacked strong graphical detail, it made up for it with style and artistic substance. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding The King of Fighters XV's graphics and visual design. The game was praised for its improved character models, vibrant colors, smooth animations, and flashy effects that brought each character to life. Critics appreciated the balance between modern visuals and the timeless SNK charm, as noted by God is a Geek. While there were some minor criticisms regarding recycled animations and inconsistencies in character detail, the majority of reviewers found the graphics to be a significant improvement from the previous installment. The King of Fighters XV was commended for its stunning visuals that showcased the power of next-gen hardware, with critics like Cultured Vultures and GameSkinny highlighting the gorgeous and wacky visuals that made the game a joy to behold.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics laud The King of Fighters XV for its stunning graphics, vibrant character designs, and smooth animations, praising the balance between naturalism and anime aesthetics. While some noted recycled animations and inconsistencies in character detail, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the game's visual improvements from its predecessor and the joyous spectacle of special moves. The diverse roster of colorful characters and flashy effects add to the game's appeal, showcasing the power of next-gen hardware and the timeless charm of SNK.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The King of Fighters XV have received generally positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its extensive music catalog, with Gamepressure noting that it features one of the biggest collections of KOF music in any game to date. Additionally, Noisy Pixel described the soundtrack as the best produced in the series, featuring modern rock tracks, vocal songs, and big band jazz that create a unique vibe rarely seen in fighting games. The inclusion of a DJ Station, as highlighted by Destructoid and Hey Poor Player, allows players to customize the soundtrack with tracks from the franchise and other SNK releases, enhancing the overall experience. On the downside, some critics pointed out areas for improvement in the Sound Design and Music of The King of Fighters XV. CGMagazine mentioned that while the score is serviceable and lacks standout tracks, it manages to avoid heinous tracks. Cubed3 expressed frustration over the inability to alter menu colors and tiny text, impacting the overall user experience. Additionally, GameSkinny highlighted that while the soundtrack is excellent and impressively varied, the voice work is predominantly in Japanese, which may limit the appeal to a broader audience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The King of Fighters XV offers a solid Sound Design and Music experience. Critics like God is a Geek and The Mako Reactor praised the game for its exceptional soundtrack and wealth of classic music from the series, enhancing the nostalgia for longtime fans. Despite some minor criticisms regarding voice work and user interface issues, the majority of reviewers appreciated the game's music customization options, varied soundtrack, and the immersive experience created by the sound effects and stage-specific music. The overall sentiment suggests that The King of Fighters XV succeeds in delivering a satisfying audio experience that complements the gameplay and adds depth to the overall presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise The King of Fighters XV for its extensive music catalog and unique sound design, with standout features like a customizable DJ Station. While some critics note room for improvement, overall feedback is positive, highlighting the exceptional soundtrack and nostalgic appeal for fans. The game's solid audio experience enhances gameplay and presentation, despite minor issues like limited voice work and user interface concerns.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, the majority of critics praised The King of Fighters XV for its solid online gameplay experience. Reviewers like Comicbook.com and Gamepressure highlighted the use of rollback netcode, which contributed to smooth and lag-free online matches even with opponents with higher ping values. Additionally, IGN and Gamer Escape appreciated the fantastic rollback netcode that ensured a seamless multiplayer experience with minimal hitches. The game's stability and performance on the PS5 were commended by critics such as GameSpew and The Mako Reactor, with no major technical issues reported. On the other hand, when it comes to the Xbox Series X, reviewers like Gamers' Temple and Worth Playing noted the improved online performance thanks to the implementation of rollback netcode, providing smooth online play experiences with options for various game modes. However, GamingBolt highlighted issues with character animations and varying enemy AI levels that impacted the overall experience on the Xbox Series X. ZTGD also mentioned that while the online mode with rollback netcode felt incredible, the solo modes felt lacking, and the tutorial and mission mode were disappointing. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of The King of Fighters XV across all gaming platforms. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its stable online performance, smooth matches, and the implementation of rollback netcode, ensuring a seamless multiplayer experience. While there were some minor issues reported on different platforms, such as occasional connection errors on the PS5 and issues with character animations on the Xbox Series X, the general sentiment is that the technical performance of the game was very good. Critics like Digital Chumps and Metro GameCentral highlighted the game's accessibility and reliable online connections, contributing to a positive reception from the gaming community.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud The King of Fighters XV for its stellar online gameplay on PS5 with smooth matches and great rollback netcode. Xbox Series X also sees improved online performance but faces issues with animations and AI. Overall, the game's technical performance receives positive reviews across platforms, with stable online play and seamless multiplayer experiences.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The King of Fighters XV has garnered praise from several critics for its replay value. CGMagazine highlights the game's unlockable endings and various modes, while Comicbook.com and Gamepressure commend the multiplayer experience, roster of characters, and customization options that contribute to replayability. Finger Guns and Gamer Escape also appreciate the diverse modes available, such as Story, Ranked, Casual online multiplayer, training, and mission mode, which offer players different ways to engage with the game and enhance replay value. Additionally, Worth Playing notes that unlocking character voice packs, jukebox tracks, and playing through story mode with different teams contribute to the game's replayability. On the flip side, some critics, such as Digitally Downloaded and Inverse, point out the lack of single-player content like survival or time attack modes, high score challenges, or meaningful unlocks, which may impact the replay value for offline players. GameSpot and Metro GameCentral also mention the limited single-player offerings, with Metro GameCentral noting that the story mode resembles an arcade mode. Siliconera and NME echo this sentiment, highlighting the lack of additional modes beyond the main story as a downside. GamingBolt and Hardcore Gamer further emphasize the limited single-player content and lack of incentives for replays, suggesting that the game may be more suited for die-hard fighting fans who enjoy playing against others. Overall, while The King of Fighters XV excels in providing a robust online multiplayer experience, a large roster of characters, and various gameplay modes that enhance replay value, the game falls short in terms of single-player content and meaningful unlocks for offline players. Critics like COGconnected and Digitally Downloaded express concerns about the lack of additional content and unlocks compared to its competition, which may hinder the game's overall replayability. However, the consensus among reviewers, including Comicbook.com and Gamer Escape, is that the multiplayer experience and diverse modes offer engaging opportunities for practice, challenges, and enjoyment, ultimately making The King of Fighters XV a solid choice for fans of the fighting genre looking for competitive online play and varied gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

The King of Fighters XV earns praise for its replay value with unlockable endings, diverse gameplay modes, and a large roster of characters that enhance the multiplayer experience. However, critics mention the lack of single-player content like survival modes and high score challenges, impacting replayability for offline players. Despite this, the game is recommended for fans of the fighting genre seeking competitive online play and varied gameplay experiences.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The King of Fighters XV has garnered praise from multiple critics for its strong points. Critics like TheXboxHub and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its fast-paced and addictive fighting action, impressive graphics, solid story, and deep fighting system. They highlight the game's polished gameplay experience, generous content, and improved visual presentation. Additionally, reviewers such as Noisy Pixel and Player 2 appreciate the game's perfect gameplay formula, diverse character roster, robust online options, and deep gameplay systems, making it feel fresh and exciting in 2022. The improved graphics, refined mechanics, and large character roster are also lauded by Impulsegamer and GameGrin, who recommend the game for its great-looking visuals and fast-moving combat. On the flip side, some critics point out the shortcomings of The King of Fighters XV. Reviewers like Digitally Downloaded and Digital Trends note the game's lack of meaningful single-player content, impacting its appeal for offline players. Cubed3 criticizes the game for feeling too familiar, safe, and lacking key elements that would signify a significant advancement in the series. Furthermore, IGN mentions that while the game excels in online fighting and offers a reliable experience for longtime fans, it lacks ambition to innovate further and may not attract new players. Critics such as GameSpot and Gamepressure also highlight the game's deficiency in bringing anything particularly new or revolutionary to the fighting game genre and its lack of depth in the Story Mode. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The King of Fighters XV is a solid addition to the franchise that excels in gameplay mechanics, graphics, and online play but falls short in providing substantial single-player content and innovative features. While the game receives praise for its enjoyable fighting experience, diverse character roster, and satisfying gameplay, there is a recurring theme of disappointment regarding the lack of depth in the Story Mode and the absence of groundbreaking elements. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally recommended for fans of the series and fighting game enthusiasts who appreciate the refined gameplay, improved visuals, and deep combat system that the title offers.

TL;DR

The King of Fighters XV impresses critics with its fast-paced action, stunning graphics, and deep fighting system, offering a polished and content-rich gameplay experience. While praised for its diverse character roster and robust online options, some critics highlight shortcomings such as lack of innovation and depth in the Story Mode. Overall, the game is recommended for fans of the series and fighting game enthusiasts for its refined gameplay mechanics and improved visuals, despite falling short in single-player content and groundbreaking features.

CRITIK

Reviews

141 reviews found

100

VG247

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

King of Fighters 15 stays true to its roots as a classic arcade fighter, offering a visually appealing experience with diverse gameplay mechanics. Demands dedication and skill from players, providing a satisfying experience for fans of the genre.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Feb 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is highly positive about the game, praising the combat, character designs, and expressing excitement.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The King of Fighters XV is back and better than ever, with deep gameplay and impressive visuals. The inclusion of rollback netcode ensures a seamless online experience.

Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The King of Fighters 15 exceeds expectations and holds its own among the best in the franchise.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Feb 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends King of Fighters XV, praising its gameplay, graphics, and replayability. They describe it as a great looking and fast-moving fighting game with a huge selection of fighters.

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Gamer Escape

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

King of Fighters XV delivers a complex, engaging, and satisfying team fighter experience with deep gameplay, improved graphics, solid netcode, and mechanical changes, shattering expectations and earning a final score of 9/10.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a complete package with a perfect gameplay formula, the best character roster in the series, robust online options, deep gameplay systems, and stellar presentation. It is praised for feeling new and exciting in 2022.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The King of Fighters XV is a knockout entry in the series, with improvements in visuals, gameplay, and online performance, making it a worthy addition for fans of the franchise.

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Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Feb 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

King of Fighters XV is recommended as an incredible fighting game with beautiful visuals, diverse gameplay, and enough content to keep players engaged. It is praised for being a fantastic slice of 3D fighting action that appeals to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes the game as a delight, a new dawn for the series, and great fun. It praises the gameplay, character designs, matchmaking, and stable online experience. It also mentions the graphics not being groundbreaking and the lack of gameplay modes.

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