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Series
Position in the series
Saga/Story Arc
Chapter
Is it canonical?
The King of Fighters
14th
New Age Saga
1st
Yes

"Burn To Fight."

- Tagline

The King of Fighters XIV (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ XIVフォーティーン) is the fourteenth installment of The King of Fighters series. It was first announced during the SCEJA Press Conference 2015.[1] The game was developed for the PlayStation 4 and released in August 2016, it was later ported to the Microsoft Windows platforms (Steam and GOG) and Japanese arcade cabinets (NESiCAxLive) in 2017 (the GOG version was released in 2020). This game is the first chapter of the fourth canonical saga for the series. It is also the first game in the series to not be developed first for the arcades, and the first game after SNK renaming to this original name. Garou: Mark of the Wolves battle designer, Yasuyuki Oda, is the director and chief producer.

Oda said in an interview with the website 4Gamer that the main goal for this title is to make it "the easiest to play" of the series. According to him, the two major reasons for making the transition to 3D is to adapt to high-end machines and give 3D experience to SNK so they can compete in the console market again. He thinks it's difficult to properly convey the KOF cast's charm in 3D but expects the models to continue improving from its initial revealing. Oda hopes to cater to fans of KOF '98, KOF 2002 and KOF XIII this game's mechanics and improve the online matchmaking for this entry.[2]

A graphical patch (Ver 1.10) to boost the game's visuals is released on January 11, 2017. On April 5, 2017, the 2.00 update is released along with 4 additional DLC characters and 2 free classic stages. On April 12, 2018, the 3.00 update is released along with another 4 additional DLC characters and 1 new stage. Besides, the Ultimate Edition, with all DLC characters and costumes and 10 new PS4 themes is released in Digital format on January 7, 2021, for Europe, and January 20, 2021, and the Physical format was released on March 11, 2021.

Development[]

After considering the current market and the future, the staff agreed that things would be best if they challenged 3D right now and started building up experience, knowledge and libraries in their company.[3]

  • The game engine was internally developed by SNK. They were considering using the Unreal Engine but decided not to because SNK didn't feel confident after overviewing the potential risks and budget at that time. Four years later, SNK finally decided to use Unreal Engine, starting from developing Samurai Shodown (2019), and continuing with The King of Fighters XV;
  • They decided against cell-shaded graphics due to wanting to emulate the look of '94. Originally the game used a more realistic style, but it was eventually tweaked so it would not clash with certain characters' designs. The cel-shaded graphic is then utilized in Samurai Shodown (2019) via Unreal Engine three years later;
  • Hitboxes are added manually in 2D;
  • Ogura has no remorse in leaving behind pixel art since it was a method to bring out the best in low-resolution graphics. Now that times have changed, even if doing 2D he'd rather take a different approach than pixel art;
  • Making the game run in full 60 FPS proved to be difficult and as a result, the flashier looking graphics and effects were cut. There was the option of having a variable framerate, but the team decided to keep it consistent partially due to concerns about the quality of the online multiplayer;
  • They only had 3-4 designers but Oda decided to have 50 characters in the game. To save production time and budget, he allowed for three characters to obscure their faces so they would not require facial animations.

SNK has a lot of development teams especially in the mobile/smartphone side of things, but they only have two studios. One of them is making the KOF series, and they barely had enough staff to make XIV.[4]

Story[]

The King of Fighters has become a major business, generating huge profits and numerous spin-off tournaments worldwide. However, this led to a lowering of the overall quality, and voices began to rise across the globe demanding the formation of one unique, worldwide KOF competition.

A billionaire self-proclaimed “first champion” bought out all the rights for the KOF Tournament. The announcement of a new KOF Tournament created unprecedented enthusiasm around the world. This excitement reached many of the classic participants of the legendary tournament directly in the form of an official invitation...

Gameplay[]

Kof xiv

Gameplay of Kyo vs. Iori in 1.10 version (Graphical Update)

Unlike previous main entries, which employed hand-drawn sprite animation, The King of Fighters XIV uses 3D models more akin to the KOF: Maximum Impact series. However the fighting area remains on a strictly two-dimensional plane and keeps the same basic mechanics as its predecessors.

New Max mode systems allows players to access the EX special moves; activating this state requires one bar of the power gauge. EX super move can also be executed with just one attack button, instead of two.

Using three bars of the power gauge can allow players to unleash Climax Desperation Moves, the current "Strongest Level DM" in this game that follows somewhat in the prior Neo Max's footsteps. Some characters gain new moves as a Climax DM, while others instead have their prior Neo Max reprised as a Climax DM.

Super Cancels are based on 2003 along with XI's Dream Cancel, except it is available to all members and has new traits available, such canceling a normal DM to an EX or Climax DM, or EX DM into a Climax DM.

Kof xiv yuri

Yuri, right after applying her Climax move in Leona.

Repeatedly hit the light punch button to perform an automatic combo attack called Rush mode; this will do lower damage compared to normal combo attacks. However, there some conditions involving Level gauge:

  • If the Level gauge is 0, the fourth Rush mode combo goes to a certain special move.
  • If one Level gauge is filled, the fourth Rush mode combo goes to a certain Super Art.
  • While entering Max Mode, the fourth Rush mode combo goes to an EX version of a certain special/super moves.

CD/Blowback attacks cause opponents to hit the wall with a unique form of wall-slam, which causes them for a period of time to remain vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Kofxivarcadebenivsiori

Gameplay of Benimaru vs. Iori in the Arcade version.

Online multiplayer mode will feature a Party Battle mode which will allow three players to form a single team together to challenge another three player team. Players will be allowed to choose the same character if they wish while forming teams. The lobby is designed to support up to twelve players so spectators can join to watch the match up with an integrated voice and text chat. A "Crowd SE" option is additionally available for spectators will allow them to root, applaud, and boo their favored competing teams. Players will be allowed to set their online profiles to be private. An online training mode is available as well.

The Story Mode is composed of ten rounds and five cutscenes. Depending of the chosen team, the fourth cutscene can vary. The Japan, China, Official Invitation and Another World Teams earns special cutscenes. Before the two first cutscenes, the player can face a team with a character of 1, 2 or 3 DLC characters, mixed with 1 or 2 original characters.

Controls[]

Note: These are the default control schemes. You can change them at any time with the Options Menu or by pausing.

Battle Controls[]

Movement Console Terminology
PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Neo Geo
Light Punch PS4 Square PS5 Square Neo Geo A Button
Light Kick PS4 Cross PS5 Cross Neo Geo B Button
Heavy Punch PS4 Triangle PS5 Triangle Neo Geo C Button
Heavy Kick PS4 Circle PS5 Circle Neo Geo D Button
Emergency Evasion PS4 L1 or PS4 Square + PS4 Cross PS5 L1 or PS5 Square + PS5 Cross Neo Geo A Button + Neo Geo B Button
Blow Back PS4 Triangle + PS4 Circle PS5 Triangle + PS5 Circle Neo Geo C Button + Neo Geo D Button
MAX Mode Activation PS4 R1 or PS4 Cross + PS4 Triangle PS5 R1 or PS5 Cross + PS5 Triangle Neo Geo B Button + Neo Geo C Button
Both Punches PS4 L2 or PS4 Cross + PS4 Triangle PS5 L2 or PS5 Cross + PS5 Triangle Neo Geo A Button + Neo Geo C Button
Both Kicks PS4 R2 or PS4 Cross + PS4 Triangle PS5 R2 or PS5 Cross + PS5 Triangle Neo Geo B Button + Neo Geo D Button
Pause Menu PS4 Options PS5 Options ???

Menu Controls[]

Note: In the Japanese PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 version, the Buttons used for Confirm and Cancel are reversed.
Movement Console Terminology
PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Neo Geo
Confirm PS4 Cross PS5 Cross Neo Geo A Button
Cancel PS4 Circle PS5 Circle Neo Geo B Button

Characters[]

Overview[]

KOF XIV also marks a huge change for the series in that the large majority of the returning cast currently sport new voice actors, including those who have been voiced by the same actors since their debut or for several years. The exceptions include Benimaru, Chang, Choi, Geese, Athena, Kula, Maxima, King, Whip and Oswald (Athena remains with the same voice actress since KOF '98 and Chang, with the same voice actor since KOF '96. The other characters who remain with the same voice actors dub them since their first appearance in the series), characters with recent changes, such as Kim, Ralf and Mai, still retain their new voices (some earned in KOF XII and KOF XIII).

This game is the only in the series with a large quantity of new characters. The new additions to the roster (between originals and of the other franchises) are:

Shunei-kofxiv
Shun'ei, the new protagonist of the series' fourth saga and leader of the China Team (A.K.A. New Hero Team). He is a teenager whose parents abandoned him in the streets when he was a little boy, until the master Tung Fu Rue rescued him shortly, as soon as the elder felt the boy's strange power and the good in him, taking him as his student. He is Meitenkun's best friend.
Meitenkun-kofxiv
Meitenkun, other member of the China Team, is a heavy sleeper who is very carefree and calm. He rarely exerts himself, often preferring to nap instead. He is Shun'ei's best friend and Tung's student.
Tung-kofxiv
Tung Fu Rue, from Fatal Fury series, an another member of the China Team. He enters to the KOF tournament to help his new and last students, Shun'ei and Meitenkun, to enter in the KOF world. Aside being the former master of both Bogard family (Jeff and his adoptive sons Terry and Andy) and the criminal Geese Howard, he also has other connections with Saisyu Kusanagi (Kyo Kusanagi's father) and Chin Gentsai (Psycho Soldier Team's elder master) about the tournament.
Gang-il-kofxiv
Gang-il, Kim Kaphwan's master and Chairman of the World Taekwondo Federation. He is the complete opposite of his student: a man who is a farrier and womanizer. On one of his world trips, he ended up meeting Luong, his actual girlfriend.
Luong-kofxiv
Luong, a mysterious femme fatale woman and lover of Gang-il, who likes to "play" with her opponents and feels excited in the heat of battle. Outside of battle, she shows less of her cold side and rather shows affection towards Gang-il and his star student Kim, much to the latter's dismay given that he's already married with children.
Xanadu-kofxiv
Xanadu, a legendary criminal and leader of the new team known as Villains, who is currently imprisoned in an underground jail. A superior intellectual, he is considered to be the "King of the Underground" by the other prisoners. He also talks about subjects and concepts that are supposedly very difficult for most people to understand, when in reality it is far more likely that he is extremely delusional and deranged.
Sylvie-kofxiv
Sylvie Paula Paula, the leader of the new team known as Official Invitation (an Antonov's invitation), is an underground fighter and was once a experiment of NESTS cartel, considered useless by the organization until she she demonstrated her electromagnetic powers.
Kukri-kofxiv
Kukri, a mysterious man who hides his face in a hood, is one of the members of Official Invitation Team and member of an underground society. He also is a very rude, foul-mouthed, arrogant and sadistic fighter that also sports a bit of an openly perverted affection for women. He also has an unknown rivalry with Shun'ei.
Mian-kofxiv
Mian, the last member of the Official Invitation Team, is a Sichuan opera dancer, and uses traditional masks to fight. She is an extremely shy person, and doesn't drop her mask often, except for rare instances where she displays self-confidence.
Nelson-kofxiv
Nelson, the leader of other new team, known as South America, is a boxing prodigy that lost an arm after a terrible accident, but has been able to quickly return to the ring thanks to advanced robotic prosthetics. He fights to seize the world championship while hoping his fiancée will someday awaken from her coma.
Zarina-kofxiv
Zarina, one of the members of South America Team, is a cheerful Colombian girl raised in Brazil. She enters to the tournament to protect the nesting place of her pet toucan companion "Coco", whose species is facing the threat of extinction.
Bandeiras-kofxiv
Bandeiras Hattori, the last member of the South America Team, is the founder of the “Brazilian Ninja Arts” Dojo. He enters to the tournament hoping to attract new students to his dojo, which has none yet.
Kingdino-kofxiv
King of Dinosaurs, member of the new Mexico Team, is the heel persona (in pro wrestling, a wrestler who acts as a villain or a bad guy) of Tizoc, from Garou: Mark of the Wolves. He adopts this identity to avoid tarnishing the honorable image of his face persona and the disgrace from being defeated.
Hein-kofxiv
Hein, a butler and member of Howard Connection recruited by Geese Howard to participate to KOF tournament, is a mysterious man. Although modest, mild-mannered, and never seeming to break his polite tone, he does have a sadistic side.
Nakoruru-kofxiv
Nakoruru, from the Samurai Shodown series, is a girl and a Ainu priestess from Feudal Japan (end of 18th century). She senses a terrible malice coming from a crack in spacetime. To prevent the disaster of its potential release and to find its source, she traveled to the modern times (21th century) and enters to the tournament.
Muimui-kofxiv
Mui Mui, from the Dragon Gal pachinko series, a hearty and hungry girl who is the last successor of her Dragon Clan martial arts and a master of Kung-Fu. She travels on a never-ending quest to find gems with mysterious powers. She was transported by this world by Nakoruru, along with Love Heart.
Love-kofxiv
Love Heart, from the Sky Love pachinko series, is the captain of the Peace Air Pirates. She was transported from her world by a dimension disturbance. She is approached by Nakoruru, who requests her help to investigate the phenomenon.
Alice-kofxiv
Alice Garnet Nakata, from Garou Densetsu: The Legend of Wild Wolf (a pachinko game), is the new member of the Women Fighters Team, replacing Yuri Sakazaki. She is a huge fan of Terry Bogard, and enters to the tournament to prove her newfound strength to him.
Antonov-kofxiv
Antonov, the sub-boss of the game, is the host and KOF tournament current rights holder. Proclaiming himself as the "first champion", he eagerly sends out invites across the world, challenging teams to take his title.
Verse
Verse, the final boss of the game, is an entity that was introduced in the storyline when Ash Crimson erased himself and Saiki from spacetime. It's a being created from eternal negative energy and thrives from the darkness of people's wishes. Within its being, it traps numerous fighters' souls from many ages.
RockXIV
Rock Howard, from Garou: Mark of the Wolves, is one of the eight DLC characters released for the game. He is the biological and illegitimate son of the crime boss Geese Howard, who grew up under the wings of Terry Bogard and friends.
Najdkofxivrender
Najd, one of the eight DLC characters released for the game, is a Saudi girl. Dressed in an Abaya, she uses the cover of night and becomes a vigilante to protect her fellow citizens. In contrast to her mysterious appearance, she is a college student during the day.
Note 1: Some teams remain with their classic formations. The list of teams available in the game is as follows:
Kofxivchina
The legendary martial arts master Tung Fu Rue enters to the tournament to help his last students, Shun'ei and Meitenkun, to better understand their powers. The three forms a new version of the China Team.
1kofxivjapanteam
Kyo Kusanagi continues to unite with his personal friends and teammates, Benimaru Nikaido and Goro Daimon, reforming the Japan Team.
2kofxivyagamiteam
Iori Yagami continues to summon his victims in The King of Fighters '96 and Orochi Hakkesshu's servants, Mature and Vice, forming the Yagami Team once more.
4kofxivartoffightingiteam
Yuri Sakazaki returns to the Art of Fighting Team after 6 years to help her elder brother Ryo Sakazaki, who is currently the new master of the family's dojo, and Robert Garcia, the family's friend. Takuma Sakazaki, Ryo and Yuri's father and Robert's master, retires and takes care of the family's steakhouse.
Kofxivkimteam
Desiring to bring his rebellious students back to his side, Kim Kaphwan joins, against his will, with his master Gang-il and his girlfriend Luongforming again the team that bears his first name.
Kofxivvillainsteam
Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge joins with Xanadu, in order to return to their former criminal life, forming the Villains Team, led by the legendary criminal. As a result, Chang returns to the series after 13 years and Choi, after 15 years.
Kofxivoinvi
Antonov, the sponsor of the tournament, invites three underground fighters to match him in the finals, the NESTS reject Sylvie Paula Paula, the mysterious Kukri and the Sichuan opera dancer Mian, forming the Official Invitation Team.
Kofxivsouthamericateam
A new team formed during the South American qualifiers is composed by the Brazilian boxer Nelson, the Colombian-Brazilian young girl Zarina and the Brazilian ninja Bandeiras Hattori. It is the South America Team.
Kofxivteammexico
The mercenary and luchador Ramón and the former NESTS agent Ángel returns to the series (he after 11 years and she, after 15 years [7 if counting her last participation]), forming, along with King of Dinosaurs, the Mexico Team, led by the freelancer agent.
Kofxivsouthtownteam
The crimelord Geese Howard also returns to the series (in his second canonical participation) and, along with his bodyguard Billy Kane and his newcomer butler Hein, form the South Town Team. The team is led by the criminal businessman.
Kofxivteamikari
The Ikari Warriors Team continues with its second classic formation (Leona Heidern, Ralf Jones and Clark Still), remade in KOF XIII.
Kofxivanotherworldteam
In order to stop Verse, Nakoruru, the traveler Mui Mui and the Peace Air Pirates leader Love Heart form the Another World Team, led by the Ainu priestess.
Kofxivteamk
The K' Team continues with the entry formed in KOF XI.
Kofxivwomenfightersteam
King and Mai Shiranui remains in the Women Fighters Team, and receives a new teammate: Alice Garnet Nakata.
3kofxivfatalfuryiteam
Kofxivpsychosoldierteam
The Fatal Fury and Psycho Soldier Teams continues with its classic formation from the first KOF games.
Note 2: All DLC characters enters alone in the tournament, despite their appearances are not canonical. However, some DLC characters released in this game appears in canonical teams in the following game of the series, The King of Fighters XV. In the order of appearance, they are: Blue Mary, Vanessa, Heidern and Whip. Besides that, Rock Howard and Ryuji Yamazaki, another DLC characters released in this entry, appears in DLC teams in the 15th mainline game of the series.
Note 3: Some characters, although they have debuted canonically or officially in this game, have already appeared in other games in the series or in spin-offs. Therefore:

Initial Team Roster[]

Japan Team (A.K.A. Kyo Team)[]

Kyokofxivnew
Kyo Kusanagi
Benimarukofxivnew
Benimaru Nikaido
Daimonkofxivnew
Goro Daimon

Yagami Team[]

Iorikofxivnew
Iori Yagami
Maturekofxivnew
Mature
Vicekofxivnew
Vice

Fatal Fury Team (A.K.A. Garou Densetsu Team)[]

Terrykofxivnew
Terry Bogard
Andykofxivnew
Andy Bogard
Joekofxivnew
Joe Higashi

Art of Fighting Team (A.K.A. Kyokugenryu Team)[]

Ryokofxivnew
Ryo Sakazaki
Robertkofxivnew
Robert Garcia
Yurikofxivnew
Yuri Sakazaki

Kim Team[]

Kimkofxivnew
Kim Kaphwan
Gangilkofxivnew
Gang-il
Luongkofxivnew
Luong

Villains Team[]

Xanadukofxivnew
Xanadu
Changkofxivnew
Chang Koehan
Choi-kofxiv
Choi Bounge

Official Invitation Team[]

Sylvie-kofxiv
Sylvie Paula Paula
Kukrikofxivnew
Kukri
Mian-kofxiv
Mian

South America Team[]

Nelson-kofxiv
Nelson
Zarinakofxivnew
Zarina
Bandeiraskofxivnew
Bandeiras Hattori

Mexico Team[]

Ramon-kofxiv
Ramón
Angel-kofxiv
Ángel
Kingdino-kofxivconcept
King of Dinosaurs

South Town Team (A.K.A. Geese Team)[]

Geese-kofxiv
Geese Howard
Billy-kofxiv
Billy Kane
Hein-kofxiv
Hein

China Team (A.K.A. New Hero Team or Shun'ei Team)[]

Kofxivshunneinew
Shun'ei
Meitenkun-kofxiv
Meitenkun
Tung-kofxiv
Tung Fu Rue

Psycho Soldier Team (A.K.A. Athena Team)[]

Athenakofxivnew
Athena Asamiya
Kensou-kofxiv
Sie Kensou
Chin-kofxiv
Chin Gentsai

Ikari Warriors Team (A.K.A. Ikari Team)[]

Leona-kofxiv
Leona Heidern
Ralf-kofxiv
Ralf Jones
Clark-kofxiv
Clark Still

Another World Team[]

Nakoruru-kofxiv
Nakoruru
Muimui-kofxiv
Mui Mui
Love-kofxiv
Love Heart

K' Team[]

K-kofxiv
K'
Kula-kofxiv
Kula Diamond
Maxima-kofxiv
Maxima

Women Fighters Team[]

King-kofxiv
King
Mai-kofxiv
Mai Shiranui
Alice-kofxiv
Alice Garnet Nakata

Sub-Boss[]

Antonov-kofxiv
Antonov

Final Boss[]

Verse-kofxiv
Verse

NPC Characters[]

DLC Characters[]

Note: As in KOF XIII, the DLC characters (including Rock Howard, from Garou: Mark of the Wolves, and the newcomer Najd) have no impact on the story of the game.

Season 1[]

Whipkofxivnew2
Whip
Yamazakikofxivnew2
Ryuji Yamazaki
Vanessakofxivnew2
Vanessa
Rockkofxivnew2
Rock Howard

Season 2[]

Oswaldkofxivnew
Oswald
Heidernkofxivnew
Heidern
Najdkofxivnew
Najd
Marykofxivnew2
Blue Mary

Special Edit Teams[]

Note: By playing with these formations in Story Mode, the player unlocks special illustrations. All of them were drawn by Eisuke Ogura.

Tung's Disciples Team[]

Terrykofxivnew
Terry Bogard
Geese-kofxiv
Geese Howard
Kofxivshunneinew
Shun'ei

NESTS Girls Team[]

Sylvie-kofxiv
Sylvie Paula Paula
Kula-kofxiv
Kula Diamond
Angel-kofxiv
Ángel

"Lucky Sevens" Team[]

Muimui-kofxiv
Mui Mui
Love-kofxiv
Love Heart
Alice-kofxiv
Alice Nakata

Ninja Team[]

Andykofxivnew
Andy Bogard
Mai-kofxiv
Mai Shiranui
Bandeiraskofxivnew
Bandeiras Hattori

Masters Team[]

Chin-kofxiv
Chin Gentsai
Tung-kofxiv
Tung Fu Rue
Gangilkofxivnew
Gang-il

Dragon Team[]

Ryokofxivnew
Ryo Sakazaki
Muimui-kofxiv
Mui Mui
Kensou-kofxiv
Sie Kensou

Tiger Team[]

Ramon-kofxiv
Rámon
Robertkofxivnew
Robert Garcia
Joekofxivnew
Joe Higashi

The Mysterious Newcomers[]

Hein-kofxiv
Hein
Luongkofxivnew
Luong
Kukrikofxivnew
Kukri

Birds(?) Team[]

Nakoruru-kofxiv
Nakoruru
Zarinakofxivnew
Zarina
Kingdino-kofxivconcept
King of Dinosaurs

Beautiful Longhair Team[]

Athenakofxivnew
Athena Asamiya
Kula-kofxiv
Kula Diamond
Nakoruru-kofxiv
Nakoruru

DLC Costumes[]

Kyo Kusanagi Classic Version
Iori Yagami Classic Version
Sylvie Paula Paula Little Red Riding Hood
Ángel Diabla
Nightmare Geese
Kofxivshuneikungfusuitnewdlc
Shun'ei Kung Fu Suit
Meitenkun Pajamas
Athena Asamiya KOF '98/UM Costume
Nakoruru Kamui Kotan School Girls' Uniform
Kula Diamond Sundress


Story Cameos[]

Characters who appear as cameos in Team Stories and Endings.

The King of Fighters series[]

Fatal Fury/Wolves series[]

Art of Fighting series[]

Metal Slug series[]


Stages[]

Note 1: In this game, the stages are again associated with the teams and the bosses, which hasn't happened in a canonical game of the series since KOF '96 (and in a mainline game of the series since KOF 2002 UM).
Note 2: When the player fights in DLC stages or in the Training Stage (exclusively available in Versus and Tranning Modes), the music of the stage is associated to the first character chosen to fight. In the Story Mode and Versus Mode against CPU, it's the first character in the right team; in Versus Mode with two players and we fight in the Training Stage, it's the first character of the left team.
Note 3: In Story Mode, the Japan and Official Invitation Teams are the only teams to be faced after the first cutscene, and the DLC characters are always faced before the second and the third cutscenes, respectively.

Team Stages[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
KOF-XIV-Stage-Neo-Esaka
Neo Esaka, Osaka, Japan
Japan Team & Oswald
Set on a raised platform overlooking the Esaka Station area of Osaka, Japan. Numerous sponsorship boards line the arena along with low fences to keep the fight contained to the platform. In the background, a billboard with portraits of the active fighters can be seen.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Industrial-Area
Industrial Area
Yagami Team
An industrial rooftop covered with pipes with a large refinery in the background. The stage takes place at night, with dark clouds and a crescent moon visible in the sky. Similar to the Rivals Team stage in The King of Fighters '95.
Navajoland
Navajoland, USA
Fatal Fury Team & Blue Mary
The fight takes place amidst the gas station pumps of a truck stop diner in the middle of the desert of Arizona (the dinner visible on the right side of the stage). Spectators are casually gathered around to witness the battle and semi-trucks can be seen parked on the left side of the stage. Also features, in the background, the Monument Valley. Similar to the South Town stage in The King of Fighters '96, Terry and Rick's shared stage in Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers and to the Big Bear's stage in Fatal Fury 2 and Fatal Fury Special.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Maple-Garden
Maple Garden
Art of Fighting Team
A patio-like area next to a maple tree forest, with a small Japanese temple on the right side, a small waterfall at the left side and two wooden braziers in the center. There is a view over a calm bay in the background, and the stage takes place at night, with the sky filled with black clouds and a small full moon in the distant background. Similar to the Korea stage in The King of Fighters '94.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Hotel-Marine-Paradise
Hotel Marine Paradise
Kim Team
A submerged restaurant and a hotel reception with large pillars. The battle takes place in a roped-off area in the center of the restaurant. In the background people can be seen sitting and observing the aquatic life swim by the large glass panes that separate them from the water outside. Marine life, such as whales and sharks, can be seen passing outside. Similar to the Aquarium stage in The King of Fighters 2000.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Undeground-Prison
Underground Prison
Villains Team
A dungeon-like area with ruined, crumbling stone walls strewn about and prisoners observing the fight. There are two suspended cages, an empty cage on the left edge of the screen and another cages with a prisoners inside near the center and in the left.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Masquerade
Masquerade
Official Invitation Team
A high-class opera house. The battle takes place on the stage and the wealthy elite mill around at ground level and in the upper balconies, all wearing face masks to keep with the masquerade theme. Banners with sponsorship logos can be seen surrounding the stage and Pegasus statues are situated at opposite ends of the stage.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Iguazu Falls, Brazil
South America Team
The Iguazu Falls, in Brazil, near the Triple Frontier. The stage is set on a balcony in the midst of several rainforest plants such as palm trees. In the distant background a large waterfall can be seen cascading down the sheer cliffs. The balcony is covered in glowing blue hexagonal tiles and there are several domed structures erected on the cliff-side. The closest dome has a banner with yellow text that reads "KING OF FIGHTERS in Latin America".
KOF-XIV-Stage-Guanajuato-Dynamite-Ring
Guanajuato Dynamite Ring, Mexico
Mexico Team & Vanessa
A large wrestling ring situated in the town square of Guanajuato, Mexico. The ring ropes are colored red, white, and blue and the turnbuckles have print on them with phrases such as "KOF IN MEXICO" and "LUCHA LIBRE". Spectators are seen at the ground level watching the brawl. Día de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead") decorations adorn the town square and a King of Dinosaurs banner is draped over one of the buildings. In the background, can be seen the Cathedral of León.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Geese-Tower
Geese Tower, South Town
South Town Team
The Geese Howard's inner sanctum at the top of his skyscraper, overlooking the city of South Town. An elaborate centerpiece of Buddhist statues adorns the middle of the room and thick, red, Asian-inspired columns flank it to the left and right. A pair of vases and a large ceremonial drum are placed in the area in front of the centerpiece. The floor is composed of finely polished wood and rainfall can be seen outside. An American flag banner is hanging from the awning, alluding to Geese's affinity for blending American and Asian culture.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Great-Wall
The Great Wall of China
China Team
A wide stone platform on the Great Wall, with the wall itself in the background curving across to the right. The platform has a pagoda-like gold sculpture on the right side, whilst the left side has an archway with some sort of decorative tassel hanging in the center.
KOF-XIV-Stage-The-Bund
The Bund, Shanghai, China
Psycho Soldier Team
The Bingjiang Da Dao riverside, near the Huangpu River, in Shanghai, in a celebration to the Chinese New Year. This stage takes place at night with a full moon, and the city's downtown district is visible across the river in the background. The river features a multi-decked boat with a large dragon-shaped prow.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Heidern-Fleet
Heidern Fleet, Mediterranean Sea
Ikari Warriors Team, Whip & Heidern
A large aircraft carrier with bunting depicting army flags strung in the air. Jet fighters are positioned in the foreground, whilst the carrier's control tower is in the background. Similar to John Crawley's stage in the first Art of Fighting.
Another
Dream World
Another World Team
Some kind of amusement park. The fighting area is surrounded by a castle like stone wall, with numerous red and gold banners hanging from the wall; the banner in the top-center reads 'THE KING OF FIGHTERS'. There are several costumed figures, including two stilt-walkers, standing in the foreground watching the fight, with the central figure wearing a large cartoonish bodysuit of a patchwork animal in a witch's hat holding a staff. There are three dioramas of fairground rides just behind the costumed figures; the one on the left is of a 'teacup' ride, the one on the right is of a roller coaster, and the one in the center is of a carousel. The carousel has a large sign on the bottom reading 'THE KING OF FIGHTERS SPECIAL PARADE'.
KOF-XIV-Stage-Derelict-Church
Derelict Church
K' Team
An abandoned church where one wall has crumbled away. The pews can be seen up the center while statues and stained glass windows adorn the side opposite the crumbled wall.
Old Castle
Old Castle
Women Fighters Team
The gardens of a large castle, with the castle itself taking up most of the background. The stage takes place at sunset, and there are two small fountains, one on each edges of the stage, with the fountain on the left being in the foreground and the fountain on the right being further away. Similar to the Women Fighters Team's stages in The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout.

Boss Stages & Special Stage[]

Stage
Stage's Name
Team/Character
Description
99 BG Stage 17 MBS
Antonov Super Arena, Russia
Antonov
Similar to the arena where the concluding battles of The King of Fighters '96 take place. An outdoor stage area surrounded by packed grandstands and cameras both on the ground and raised above the fight via boom arms. In the background a platform can be seen, presumably where the winning team will receive their commendation.
99 BG Stage 18 LBS
Destroyed Arena, Russia
Verse
A destroyed variant of Antonov Super Arena where the final boss battle takes place Can be seen a cloudy sky and Clemence Bellamy's cameraman.
99 BG Stage 00 TRA
Training Stage
Random
A sparse arena used for training. The back wall is covered in white tiles whilst the floor is covered in grey tiles. There are several thick black lines painted across the tiles, including vertically across the center, the left edge and the right edge, as well as horizontally across the floor; the combatants stand upon this horizontal line whilst fighting. The vertical line across the center features a small gold shield positioned halfway up the wall, with the letters 'KOF' engraved across it. The update 1.10 (graphical update) adds a customizable digital billboard beneath the KOF shield, much like the one in the Neo Esaka stage. In the 19th chapter of the Manga adaption of this game, The King of Fighters: A New Beginning, it's revealed to be located in the Antonov Super Arena, provided for the fighters to train for the next matches.
Note: The concept of this stage is very likely inspired on the Capcom's Street Fighter series stage.

DLC Stages[]

Season 1[]

Stage
Stage's Name
Team/Character
Description
Transcon
Transcontinental Railroad, USA
Rock
Terry Bogard's stage from Fatal Fury 2 and Fatal Fury Special. The differences between the versions of the stage are: the logo in the wagon floor and outdoors over all the stage, besides crates, barrels and bags.
Note: When Terry fights in this stage, the song "Kuri Kinton Flavor" plays, no matter in which order and team he was chosen to fight.
City
City Circuit, Monaco
Yamazaki
The Monaco stage from The King of Fighters '97. The differences between the versions of the stage are: the crowd, the sponsors, flags, an animated panel with Antonov's photo and can be seen a yacht and two trucks passing, one with covers of SNK's first editions of games in the carriage.
Note: The truck with cover games of SNK appears only in the end of the round, and only for three winner characters: Terry (Fatal Fury), Ryo (Art of Fighting) and Nakoruru (Samurai Shodown).

Season 2[]

Stage
Stage's Name
Team/Character
Description
Riyahd Masmak Stage
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Najd
The terrace of the Masmak Fort, overlooking the skyscrapers of Riyadh, the Saudi capital city. The Kingdom and the Al Faisaliyah Centers, along with the Al Majdoul Tower can be seen in the background. The AMBC's cameraman can also be seen, along with a zeppelin broadcasting the fight, some spectators from the City Circuit and Navajoland stages. There are also flags with the championship logo and the sponsors.

Music[]

Main Theme[]

Ending Theme[]

VS. Themes (Fateful Battle)[]

In this game, there are special songs that play during specific matchups. These themes can be either original or from past games.

Music Theme
Character Matchup
Game/Series' Source
Full Burst
Shun'ei vs. Kukri
Original Theme
New Order -KOF XIV ver.-
Kyo vs. Iori
The King of Fighters XI (Kusanagi-Yagami [Kyo & Iori] Team Theme)
Soy Sauce for Geese -KOF XIV ver.-
Terry vs. Geese
Fatal Fury Special (Geese's Theme)
Pasta -KOF XIV ver.-
Andy vs. Tung
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Andy's Theme)
A Kiss for Geese, Cyber Edit -KOF XIV ver.
Ryo vs. Geese
Art of Fighting 2 (Young Geese's Theme)
Micha Iya! (Don't Look!) -KOF XIV ver.-
Ryo vs. King
Art of Fighting (King's Theme)
Seoul Road -KOF XIV ver.-
Kim vs. Chang & Choi
The King of Fighters '96 (Korea Justice Team Theme)
London March -KOF XIV ver.-
Billy vs. Hein
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Billy's Theme)
tachi bou ke (Sung Version)
Athena vs. Kensou
Original Theme
Ikari -KOF XIV ver.-
Ralf vs. Clark
Ikari Warriors (Main Theme)
KD-0079 -KOF XIV ver.-
K' vs. Ralf
The King of Fighters '99 (Hero Team Theme)
Ice Place -KOF XIV ver.-
Kula vs. Ángel
The King of Fighters 2000 (Kula's Theme)

DLC Characters Themes[]

With exception of Rock and Najd, the DLC Character themes are extracted from past games (the most played in the first appearance in the series). Below, the list:

Music Theme
DLC Character
Game/Series' Source
W.W.III -KOF XIV ver.-
Whip
The King of Fighters '99 (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
C62 -KOF XIV ver.-
Ryuji Yamazaki
Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory (Yamazaki's Theme)
Secret Circumstances -KOF XIV ver.-
Vanessa
The King of Fighters XI (Agents Team Theme)
Emergence
Rock Howard
Original Theme
Joker -KOF XIV ver.-
Oswald
The King of Fighters XI ("Hero" Team Theme)
Desert Requiem -KOF XIV ver.-
Heidern
The King of Fighters '95 (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
Successor
Najd
Original Theme
Kiss Me -KOF XV ver.-
Blue Mary
Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory (Mary's Theme)

Comic & Manga Versions[]

On January 31, 2017, SNK announced a manhua which would cover the game's main story. The first chapter is released on February 1, 2017.[5] The series ended with only 8 chapters released.

A new manga series titled The King of Fighters: A New Beginning illustrated by Kyoutarou Azuma is released on January 1, 2018. The series is published bi-weekly on Pocket Shonen Magazine online and is collected monthly on the Shonen Sirius magazine. The manga had its last chapter published on August 24th, 2021.

Critical Reception[]

Overview[]

The King of Fighters XIV received generally positive reviews in video game media:

  • On Metacritic it holds an average score of 79 out of 100;
  • Gaming Age's Chris Dunlap gave it a perfect score, saying it is the best of The King of Fighters games. He recommended it to fans of the fighting game genre because of its appealing features such as the Rush System which makes fights easier for newcomers and the possibilities for rematches against the artificial intelligence.

Many reviewers commented on the fighting system;

  • GameSpot praised its appeal to newcomers, while EGM praised the game's core mechanics and the use of the Rush System to appeal to a wider audience.
  • Despite the difficulties of mastering characters' moves without the Rush system, Game Informer felt the game's online mode was well executed despite some slowdowns during the game's launch;
  • While also enjoying the multiple mechanics, Hobby Consolas considered the online gaming modes among the most fun in the genre;
  • Metro liked it for appealing to skilled fighting game fans while still being a good starting point for players unhappy with Street Fighter V;
  • GameRevolution said the gameplay remains true to earlier KOF games, most notably The King of Fighters XIII, and was pleased that it retained the challenge needed to execute special moves. IGN praised the large number of modes, characters and unlockable material, GamesRadar and Destructoid appreciated the multiple game mechanics which made the game unique within the franchise.

Reviewers also commented on the narrative and its cast:

  • GamesRadar thought the story mode too simple;
  • Destructoid felt it not reach the appeal of its predecessor due to its lack of narrative;
  • Despite issues with the graphics, Gaming Age found the characters interesting, noting each has a unique fighting style and theme songs that are played when facing rivals.
  • Like Gaming Age, PCMRace found the arcade mode fitting for the series due to how rivals interact before their matches and enjoyed the art behind endings unlocked through a main team;
  • IGN saw the story as appealing but not noteworthy until the clash between rivals which the reviewer felt were few.

The game's 3D characters received negative comments for their poor designs compared to other games of the same generation:

  • Hobby Consolas judged the designs in general to be up to the series' high standards, but described Andy Bogard's model as overly stylized and lacking in grace.
  • Destructoid lamented that the 3D models did not do justice to the excellent character designs, which suffered from bland coloring and lack of detail.
  • Juan Garcia of IGN's Spanish site praised the redesigns of Robert Garcia and Kyo Kusanagi, which he found visually striking in contrast with the other characters, something which Destructoid agreed favoring the redesign of veteran character Maxima and newcomer Kukri. 'Juan also said the game looks poor despite running at 60 fps, but enjoyed the large number of characters and the detailed backgrounds.
  • EGMNOW shared similar comments about the graphics and the surprisingly large number of characters, stating that despite problems with the visuals, there is a large amount of content to entertain players. GameRevolution enjoyed the interactions between the characters when engaging in a rival fight, citing Kyo and Iori Yagami's interactions, but was disappointed there was not as much of it as in previous titles, like Joe Higashi competing with King.

The Steam version of The King of Fighters XIV received mixed reviews:

  • GameSpew appreciated that SNK had updated the dated graphics of the PlayStation 4 version, making it more competent in comparison with other fighting-game franchises such as Street Fighter and Tekken;
  • Despite giving it a positive review, PCMrace said the port could have benefited from a cross-platform play with PlayStation 4 players and that the cast still needed to be more balanced in terms of move sets.

Reception Table[]

Aggregation scores[]

Aggregator
Info
Metacritic
79 (PlayStation 4)

Review scores[]

Publication
Info
Destructoid
8/10
EGM
8.5/10
Famitsu
31/40
Game Informer
7.3
GameRevolution
8/10
GameSpot
80
GamesRadar+
90
IGN
  • 8/10 (American)
  • 8.2/10 (Spanish)
Gaming Age
A+
Metro GameCentral
8/10
GameSpew
9/10 (Steam)
Hobby Consolas
89/100

Gallery[]

Trailers[]

Teaser Trailers[]

Promotional teasers of the game, showing some characters.

Game Trailers[]

Promitional trailers of the game.

Team Gameplay Trailers[]

Showcase of the game's teams and bosses.

Teams[]

Bosses[]

DLC Characters Trailers[]

Showcase of game's DLC characters.

Season 1[]

Season 2[]

DLC Characters Fighting Demonstration Trailers[]

This videos appears only during the DLC Season 1.

DLC Season Trailers[]

Promotional teaser of DLC seasons' characters of the game.

DLC Contents Trailers[]

Promotional trailers of DLC content for the game.

Promotional Trailer[]

Content Trailers[]

DLC Costumes Trailers[]

KOF STATION CHANNEL[]

Main promotion program of the game. Yasuyuki Oda, Nobuyuki Kuroki, Tomoaki Maeno (Kyo's voice) and Ai Kakuma (Yuri's voice) are some of the guests.

KOF XIV DREAM MATCH Videos[]

External links[]

References[]

The King of Fighters series
Mainline '94'95'96'97'98'992000200120022003XIXIIXIIIXIVXV
Remakes Dream Match 1999'99 Evolution'94 Re-Bout'98 Ultimate Match2002 Unlimited Match'98 Ultimate Match Final Edition
Offshoots R-1R-2EX: Neo BloodEX2: Howling BloodNeowave
Spin-offs Quiz King of FightersThe King of Fighters: KyoBattle de ParadiseKOF: Maximum ImpactKOF: Maximum Impact 2KOF Maximum Impact Regulation "A"KOF Sky StageOnline'98 Ultimate Match WebSNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy
Mobile The King of Fighters -Mobile- / R-2-Volleyball-KOF Gals MahjongThe King of MillionaireThe King of ReversiMahjongKOF Kentei - Mezase Cult Quiz Ou!Moeyo! KOF DaiundokaiKOF x Garou DensetsuBattle Festa-i/AndroidEncounterThe Rhythm of Fighters'98 Ultimate Match OnlineBeast Busters featuring KOFWorldDestinyAll StarOrochi GoM: Fighting Stars AssemblyKOF: Chroniclefor GirlsArena
Pachinko The King of FightersChapter of NESTSMaximum ImpactIIICR The King of Fighters
Compilations Orochi CollectionThe Orochi SagaNESTS Collection
Films/Animations Another DayThe King of Fighters (movie)DestinyAwaken
Mangas/Comics/Novels/Manhwas The King of Fighters: Kyo (Manga)The King of Fighters: A New BeginningThe King of Fantasy (Manga)The King of Fighters Side Story: The Origin of Flame - Shingo Travels Through Time! Let's Go!The King of Fantasy (Novel)The King of Fighters: R's Letter
Cancelled Online (UnoTechnology)Fighters' WorldKOF MI "A2"KOF: Maximum Impact 360Online (DragonFly/Triple A Games)
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The King of Fighters games
Prologue KOF '94 Logo Sprite
Orochi Saga KOF '95 Logo Sprite KOF '96 Logo Sprite KOF '97 Logo Sprite KOF '98 ENG Logo Sprite
NESTS Chronicles KOF '99 Logo Sprite KOF 2000 Logo Sprite KOF 2001 Logo Sprite KOF 2002 Logo Sprite
Tales of Ash KOF 2003 Logo Sprite KOF XI Logo Sprite KOF XII Logo KOF XIII Logo
New Age Saga KOF XIV Logo The King of Fighters XV Logo
Remakes KOF Dream Match 1999 Logo KOF '99 Evolution Logo KOF '94 Re-Bout Logo KOF '98UM Logo KOF 2002UM Logo KOF '98UMFE Logo
Maximum Impact series KOF MI Logo KOF MI2 Logo KOF MIRA Logo
Offshoots Kofr1logo Kofr2logo KOF EX Logo KOF EX2 Logo KOF Neowave Logo
Spin-offs Quiz King of Fighters Logo Sprite KOF Kyo Logo KOF Battle de Paradise Logo Sprite KOF Sky Stage Logo The King of Fighters Online (MOBA) KOF '98 UM WEB Logo SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy ENG Logo
Mobile The King of Fighters -Mobile- / R-2The King of Fighters -Volleyball-KOF Gals MahjongThe King of MillionaireThe King of ReversiMahjongKOF Kentei - Mezase Cult Quiz Ou!Moeyo! KOF Daiundokai KOF x FF logoBattle FestaKOF-i 2012 LogoEncounter ROF logo KOF98UMOL logo Beast Busters KOF logo The King of Fighters: World The King of Fighters Destiny (拳皇命運) KOF All Star LogoOrochi GoSNK All Star Logo KOF Chronicle (Logo) The King of Fighters for Girls (Logo) KOF Arena Logo KOFSC Logo
Pachinko The King of FightersChapter of NESTSMaximum Impact Kof3 logo CR KOF Logo
Compilations The King of Fighters Orochi Collection KOF Collection -The Orochi Saga- LogoThe King of Fighters NESTS Collection
Cancelled The King of Fighters Online (UnoTechnology)The King of Fighters' WorldKOF Maximum Impact Regulation "A2"KOF: Maximum Impact 360The King of Fighters Online (Cancelled)
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