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Series
Position in the series
Saga/Story Arc
Chapter
Is it canonical?
The King of Fighters
15th
New Age Saga
2nd
Yes

"Shatter All Expectations."

- Tagline

The King of Fighters XV, officially abbreviated as KOF XV, is the fifteenth main installment of The King of Fighters series, released in February 17, 2022 for the consoles PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC through Steam, Windows 10/11 and Epic Games, with the pre-order copies coming out February 14, 2022. The game features a small cross-play between PS4 and PS5 and between Steam and Epic Games.[1][2]

During EVO 2022, SNK announced that the game will receive crossplay between all platforms for which it was released. This feature will be released in the Spring/Summer of 2023, with an open beta test in April of the same year. This feature will be released along with Sylvie Paula Paula and Goenitz's inclusion to the game, in June 20th, 2023.

This is the first canonical game of the series to have Rollback Netcode (and the second mainline game with this feature, the first being The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match).

This game is the second chapter of the fourth canonical saga for the series, and is the second SNK game to use the Unreal Engine graphics engine (Unreal Engine 4), the first being Samurai Shodown (2019). Yasuyuki Oda (Garou: Mark of the Wolves and The King of Fighters XIV) serves as the chief producer, with Kaito Soranaka as the director, Josua Weatherford as the assistant producer, Eisuke Ogura as the creative director and Tomohiro Nakata as the main illustrator.

As part of promoting the game, SNK began holding regional championships with the company's player regions during the first season. In 2023, at the beginning of the second season, the company announced the Japan League, with top Japanese players. The company also held its own world tourney, the SNK World Championship 2023, which was realized in Autumn 2023, with regional and world qualifiers. The Grand Finals will be hosted in Los Angeles, and will occurs in March 15-17, 2024.

Story[]

Prologue[]

Only the world's toughest fighters can duke it out in the largest martial arts tournament in the world.

Though a mysterious being called Verse destroyed the KOF arena, its threat was quelled thanks to the brave efforts of the winning challengers.

Time has passed since the closing of that tumultuous tournament, and the next KOF begins, backed by a new sponsor.

Meanwhile, Chizuru Kagura senses something interfering with the seal of Orochi, otherwise known as Gaia's Will.

She teams up with Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami to join the KOF and investigate.

Amidst these myriad motives, fighters resurrected after Verse's defeat also join the fray.

Once again, a storm is on the horizon...

Complete Story[]

The story focuses on the next King of Fighters tournament held after the appearance and defeat of Verse. Following Antonov's early retirement, new tournament commissioner Anastasia sends out invitations to fighters to join the tournament; the mayhem caused by Verse's powers resurrects various long-thought deceased fighters from past tournaments as well.

Chizuru Kagura gathers Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami in order to look after the seal of the snake demon Orochi. Shun'ei, a teenager with mysterious powers resembling Verse's, enters the tournament again alongside Meitenkun and Benimaru Nikaido to better understand his powers. During the tournament, they encounter a rival team led by a girl with similar powers to his own, Isla. Isla is being mentored by a woman named Dolores who wishes for her and Shun'ei to stop the appearance of more creatures like Verse, believing Ash Crimson's time-travelling events in a previous tournament to have caused their appearance. However, a new creature labeled as Re Verse appears as the tournament progresses and targets the fighters, pulling them into another world. Following Re Verse's defeat, the mysterious goddess, Otoma=Raga, appears and attacks the teams. Upon Otoma=Raga's defeat, the fighters escape back to their world and are crowned the new King of Fighters champions.

Gameplay[]

Kofxviorivsyashiro

Gameplay of Iori vs. Yashiro

Many mechanics from the previous game, The King of Fighters XIV, return, such as Rush Combos. One of the new mechanics added is the Shatter Strike, serving as an alternate counterattack against any opponent.

Kofshuneivsmeitenkun

Shun'ei, about to apply his new climax on Meitenkun.

MAX Mode returns with the established mechanics from XIV, but with added tweaks. Now, it costs 2 bars of meter instead of 1. EX Special Moves can now be used outside of MAX Mode, costing half a bar, and the character's attack and Guard Crush strength increases during MAX Mode. MAX Mode in this game also has a second version, labeled as MAX Mode (Quick). If the Player activates MAX Mode when they land a hit or guard against an incoming attack, the user will glow pink, and will activate MAX Mode (Quick). This allows you to combo immediately into the next action without leaving an opening; however, MAX Mode (Quick) does not increase its power for attacks and Guard Crushes, and has less duration than the normal MAX Mode. This variant of MAX Mode acts similar to how the Hyperdrive Mode from The King of Fighters XIII worked.

Rush Mode Auto-Combo mechanics are also updated, allowing the characters to perform a different 4th input/ender after rapidly pressing light punch three times:

  • Light Punch: Climax Super Special Move
  • Light Kick: Special Move
  • Hard Punch: Super Special Move
  • Hard Kick: MAX Super Special Move

Certain game modes present in the previous game reappear in this game, alongside the addition of a new versus mode known as "DRAFT VS.", in which the players cannot choose the same character as their opponent.

On January 30th, 2024, a major update will be released, introducing the “Advance Strike”, a great new way to fend off throws and physical blows, allowing for even more aggressive plays than those possible with Shatter Strikes. This new mechanic costs half a power gauge bar to perform, but you’ll regain that half bar on both hit and block.

An Advance Strike causes a hard knockdown on hit, leaving you well placed for more offense. Unlike Shatter Strikes, the move gains a counter hitbox against throws partway through; if it lands while the counter is active, your opponent will crumple to the ground (and be prone to follow-ups). Use Advance Strikes to bring the fight to your opponent like never before!

Controls[]

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

Battle Controls[]

Movement
Console Terminology
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Arcade/PC/Windows
Light Punch
PS4 Square
PS5 Square
XboxOne X
Neo Geo A Button
Light Kick
PS4 Cross
PS5 Cross
XboxOne A
Neo Geo B Button
Heavy Punch
PS4 Triangle
PS5 Triangle
XboxOne Y
Neo Geo C Button
Heavy Kick
PS4 Circle
PS5 Circle
XboxOne B
Neo Geo D Button
Emergency Evasion
PS4 L1 or PS4 Square + PS4 Cross
PS5 L1 or PS5 Square + PS5 Cross
XboxOne LB or XboxOne X + XboxOne A
Neo Geo A Button + Neo Geo B Button
Blow Back
PS4 Triangle + PS4 Circle
PS5 Triangle + PS5 Circle
XboxOne Y + XboxOne B
Neo Geo C Button + Neo Geo D Button
Taunt
PS4 Square + PS4 Circle
PS5 Square + PS5 Circle
XboxOne X + XboxOne B
Neo Geo A Button + Neo Geo D Button
MAX Mode Activation
PS4 R1 or PS4 Cross + PS4 Triangle
PS5 R1 or PS5 Cross + PS5 Triangle
XboxOne RB or XboxOne A + XboxOne Y
Neo Geo B Button + Neo Geo C Button
Both Punches
PS4 L2 or PS4 Square + PS4 Triangle
PS5 L2 or PS5 Square + PS5 Triangle
XboxOne LT or XboxOne X + XboxOne Y
Neo Geo A Button + Neo Geo C Button
Both Kicks
PS4 R2 or PS4 Cross + PS4 Circle
PS5 R2 or PS5 Cross + PS5 Circle
XboxOne RT or XboxOne A + XboxOne B
Neo Geo B Button + Neo Geo D Button
Pause Menu
PS4 Options
PS5 Options
XboxOne Menu
???

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
Xbox Series X/S
Arcade/PC/Windows
Confirm
PS4 Cross
PS5 Cross
XboxOne A
Neo Geo A Button
Cancel
PS4 Circle
PS5 Circle
XboxOne B
Neo Geo B Button

Characters[]

Overview[]

KOF XV keeps the same voice cast from The King of Fighters XIV (between veterans and debutant characters), with the only exception of Kim Kaphwan, who has a different voice actor than the one from the previous mainline entry. In Kim Kaphwan's case and for the characters that weren't in the previous game, their voice actors from KOF All Star return to voice their respective characters, with the exception of Chris and Orochi Chris (from Orochi Team and Awakened Orochi Team), B. Jenet (from Garou Team) Duo Lon and Hinako Shijo, who have different voice actors/actresses than the one from the mobile game, and the newcomers Isla, Dolores, Krohnen McDougall and Gato. Ash Crimson and Shingo Yabuki, two returning characters, retain the same voice actors since their debut. The characters from the Samurai Shodown series (aside from Nakoruru) who are also included in this game keep the same voice actors from the latest mainline game of their source franchise, Samurai Shodown (2019).

The new characters present in this game (between originals and from other franchises) are:

Kof xv isla render
Isla, Shun'ei's main rival and leader of the Rivals Team. She possesses a power similar to that of her rival, though both hands are purple (called Amanda), in a similar vein to Iori Yagami's Orochi-tainted flames. She distrusts adults after being mistreated as an orphan, and hates Shun’ei for being respected by adults. Unlike Shun'ei, she can control better her power and makes some friendship with her.
Kof xv dolores render
Dolores, a member of the Rivals Team, is a priestess, medium and hermit who can comunicate with the spirits of the Earth and control the Holy Ground in battle. She has allied herself with Heidern. Apparently one of the many resurrected through Verse, she may hold the key to its secret, however her connection to it remains a mystery.
Kofxvkrohnenrender
Krohnen McDougall, the leader of the team that bears his first name. With his shape-shifting left arm, he takes on everyone in his path. He seems to have some form of connection to the secret syndicate known as NESTS, as well as a very strong resemblance to a familiar character. He has an intense rivalry with Kyo Kusanagi and especially K'.
Kofxvhaohmarunewrender
Haohmaru, the main protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series, a wandering samurai and a hero from 18th century Japan. He has been pulled into the present by unknown means alongside his allies Nakoruru and Darli.
Kofxvdarlinewrender
Darli Dagger, from the Samurai Shodown series (Samurai Shodown [2019]), a shipbuilder from 18th century Africa, raised in that century's Madagascar, who has been pulled into the present alongside Haohmaru and Nakoruru.


This game also has a profound change in Teams compared to KOF XIV. The new team formations are as follows:

Mainline Formations[]

1kofxvteamhero
At the request of his old friend and rival Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido is tasked to watch over the series' new protagonists Shun'ei and Meitenkun. As a result, he leaves the Japan Team after 12 years and replaces the old master Tung Fu Rue, who has retired from the fighting scene. The three form the Fourth Saga's Hero Team, renaming the China Team into a team named after Shun'ei, due to the Benimaru's nationality and thus indirectly representing the team members' East Asian nationalities.
2kofxvteamsacredtreasures
The Sacred Treasures Team (which was once a special edit-based team in their three previous canonical appearances (four if counting the Dream Match KOF '98/UM)) is now an official and regular team. As a result, Kyo Kusanagi undoes the Japan Team, Chizuru Kagura comes back to the series after a 19-year-long absence, and Iori Yagami disbands his namesake team after 12 years. This is also the second time that the clan rivals, Kyo and Iori, have joined together in an official team, the first time being The King of Fighters XI.
4kofxvteamorochi
The Orochi Team (formerly called New Faces Team in their normal versions) make their official canonical return 25 years after their last appearances in a canonical game (and 13 years since their last appearance in a mainline game of the series). The team appears after being revived at the end of KOF XIV (with their resurrections being confirmed with Shermie's presence in SNK Heroines, as their awakened versions).
5kofxvteamartoffighting
After receiving an invitation from Ryo Sakazaki, King leaves the Women Fighters Team after 12 years, and replaces Yuri Sakazaki in the Art of Fighting Team. This is the third time that the French bartender joins with the classic team (the other times being 2000 and XI), and the second time accompanying both Ryo and Robert Garcia (the first being 2000, along with Takuma Sakazaki, Ryo's father and Robert's master, who now has retired from the fighting scene to take care of a steakhouse).
7kofxvteamsecretagent
After leaving the Kim Team due to both her lover Gang-il and his disciple Kim Kaphwan being too busy with training in the mountains, Luong went to join the Secret Agents Team with the freelancer agents Vanessa and Blue Mary. As a result, the veteran agents enters in a canonical team after 17 years (and in a mainline team after 13 years).
8kofxvteamsuperheroines
Although first appearing in non-canonical team combinations under other names, a new variant of the Women Fighters Team, known as the Super Heroines Team, makes its debut in this game. As a result, Athena Asamiya leaves the Psycho Soldier Team after 17 years, and joins with Mai Shiranui and Yuri Sakazaki (who leaves the Art of Fighting Team after the expulsion from her brother, Ryo, and being replaced by King for the second time). This is the second game where Athena appears in another team beyond the Psycho Soldier Team, the first being The King of Fighters 2003, where she was the leader of the High School Girls Team.
9kofxvteamgaw
A brand-new team formation that makes its first debut in this game, with the sub-boss of the previous game, Antonov, taking command over the original Mexican Wrestling Team, and forming a second Team Wrestling, known as the Galaxy Anton Wrestling Team (better known as the G.A.W. Team). As a result, the Mexico Team is officially undone, and Ángel leaves the team, getting Ramón and King of Dinosaurs to join alongside the ex-billionaire.
10kofxvteamrivals
A new formation of the classic Rivals Team is composed by the newcomers Isla and Dolores and the veteran fighter, Ikari Warriors leader/chief and mecernary Heidern. As a result, the Commander enters in a canonical team after 21 years (and in a mainline team after 13 years).
12kofxvteamk
The K' Team goes back to the classic trio formation after 19 years (and 20 years if counting the first mainline appearance of the team). As a result, Kula Diamond leaves the team after 17 years, being replaced by Whip, who enters in a canonical team after this same period.
12teamkrohnenkofxv
To differentiate themselves from being called the NESTS Team since the downfall of the cartel 21 years ago (and 20 years ago, prior to the game's remake, 13 years ago) and their statuses no longer being active operatives, a new team formation is composed by its leader, the newcomer Krohnen McDougall, accompanied by other ex-NESTS agents, Ángel and Kula Diamond, with the latter leaving the K' Team, due to a recent grudge between her and the leader of her old team. Ángel also leaves and consequently undoes the Mexico Team, being replaced by Antonov.
13kofxvteamash
The Ash Team is reformed 17 years after its last formation, and occurs after the resurrection of the story arc's protagonist (due to the fact that he erased himself from existence in KOF XIII). The new entry of this team is composed of Ash, the mysterious Kukri and the noblewoman Elisabeth Blanctorche. As a result, Ash and Elisabeth return to the series after 12 years, while Kukri leaves the Official Invitation Team (a team created by Antonov that included the underground fighters Sylvie Paula Paula and Mian) after the previous tournament.
3kofxvteamfatalfury
6kofxvteamikariwarriors
Both the Fatal Fury and Ikari Warriors Teams remain unchanged from their formations in the previous tournament (with their classic team formations since '94 and '96, respectively).

DLC Team Formations/Characters/Bosses[]

14kofxvteamgarou
The Garou Team is reformed 17 years after its last formation. This new entry of the team is composed of two former members: the pirate and leader of Lilien Knights B. Jenet and the wanderer Gato, now joined by Geese Howard's illegitimate and biological son, Rock Howard, who replaces Tizoc (who became King of Dinosaurs and is part of the G.A.W. Team, alongside Ramón and Antonov). Like the first formation, its happens after Jenet's invitation to both of her team members. Rock leads this entry, and enters in a official team in the mainline series for the first time in the series.
15kofxvteamsouthtowm
Much like Blue Mary and Gato before him, Hein left the South Town Team after one tournament (in the butler's case, after the previous tournament and in an alternative formation of Team Outlaw). As a callback to the team's '97 ending (occurred 25 years ago), the bodyguard Billy Kane and the team's leader, his boss and criminal businessman Geese Howard, are joined by another classic member, the criminal and Hakkesshu Ryuji Yamazaki. As a result, Yamazaki enters in a mainline team after 19 years.
16kofxvteamawakenedorochi
Like its normal formation, the Awakened Orochi Team returns to the series canonically after 25 years (and 13 years after its mainline appearance). But, unlike in their debut game, the trio appear as DLC entries (in a separate slot) and with their Heavenly King costumes (seen in the team's ending in KOF '98UM (and its remake). It is revealed that the Orochi Team splits into two halves after being resurrected in the end of previous tournament, which explains why both variants of the team's slots are separate and can be teamed-up via Team Edit. Despite this, both variants of the team retains their memories and carries their clan's pride and missions, as shown in their pre-battle dialogues.
Kofxvteamsamuraiartwork
A new formation known as Team Samurai appears for the first time in the series, which includes the protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series, the ronin Haohmaru, the Ainu priestess Nakoruru (who appears in the series for the third time) and the African shipbuilder Darli Dagger. This marks the first time that such a team from the classic SNK franchise is included after 27 years of various attempts. It presumably acts as a successor to Nakoruru's previous team in the previous tournament, the Another World Team, due to copyright issues surrounding Sky Love, Love Heart's home series.
Kofxvshingonewrender2
After 18 years since his last participation (when he was brutally attacked by Iori Yagami under the effects of the Riot of the Blood), Shingo Yabuki returns to the tournament. Like his first canonical entry in the series (KOF '97), he acts as a solo character. He returns to show the results of his years of training.
Kofxvkimrender
For the first time in the KOF series, Kim Kaphwan appears as a solo character. Until then, he would appear always in team entries, most of which are led by the Tae Kwon Do master. This is also the first time in the series that he changes his gi uniform. He goes back to the tournament after to be submitted to a harsh training of his master, Gang-il.
Kofxvsylvierender
After the disbanding of the team sponsored by Antonov in the past tournament, the NESTS reject and underground fighter, Sylvie Paula Paula, appears as another solo character. She enters in the tournament after to be rudely dismissed by Kukri.
Kofxvnajdnewrender
The college student and vigilante Najd appears for the second time as a solo character once more. She made her debut in the past game, as the winner of a character design contest promoted between SNK and Manga Productions. She enters in the tournament at the request of her master to discover more about the two entities that roam the place.
Kofxvduolonnewrender
The Hizoku ninja and Ron's son Duo Lon returns to the tournament after 13 years, with Ash's erasing and resurrection. It is shown that he remembers his former teammate, during a meeting in Shanghai, alongside their other teammate, Shen Woo.
Kofxvhinakorender
The sumo student Hinako Shijo returns to the tournament 20 years after her latest canonical participation (and 14 years after her latest mainline participation. She acts as a solo character for the first time.
Kofxvomegarugalrender
One of the many souls resurrected by Verse’s defeat in the previous tournament, Rugal Bernstein returns to the series in his Omega form. This marks his return to the mainline series 20 years after his latest appearance (13 if counting the remake), and his first canonical appearance since his death 27 years ago. Unlike the other DLC characters released in the first season of this game (and instead similarly to the Season 2 DLC entries), he enters as a single entry fighter.
Kofxvgoenitzrender
Another one of the many souls resurrected by Verse’s defeat in the previous tournament, Goenitz returns to the series after 27 years since his canonical entry (and 14 years after his mainline participation). Like with Omega Rugal and his fellow Season 2 DLC entrants, he appears as solo character.

Initial Team Roster[]

Initial teams confirmed for the game.

Note: Some parenthetical citations are sometimes Japanese team names, sometimes shortened team names.

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

Kof xv shunei render
Shun'ei
KOFXV Meitenkun Character Render
Meitenkun
KOFXV Benimaru Nikaido Character Render
Benimaru Nikaido

Sacred Treasures Team (A.K.A. Kyo Team)[]

KOFXV Kyo Kusanagi Character Render
Kyo Kusanagi
Kof xv iori render
Iori Yagami
Kof xv chizuru render
Chizuru Kagura

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

Kof xv terry render
Terry Bogard
Kof xv andy render
Andy Bogard
Kof xv joe render
Joe Higashi

Orochi Team (Former KOF '97 New Faces Team)[]

Kof xv yashiro render
Yashiro Nanakase
Kof xv shermie render
Shermie
Kof xv chris render
Chris

Art of Fighting Team (A.K.A. Ryuko no Ken Team)[]

Kof xv ryo render
Ryo Sakazaki
Kof xv robert render
Robert Garcia
Kof xv king render
King

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

Kof xv leona render
Leona Heidern
Kof xv ralf render
Ralf Jones
Kof xv clark render
Clark Still

Secret Agents Team (A.K.A. New Agents Team)[]

Kof xv vanessa render
Vanessa
Kof xv blue mary render
Blue Mary
Kof xv luong render
Luong

Super Heroines Team (A.K.A. New Women Fighters Team or Athena Team)[]

Kof xv athena render
Athena Asamiya
Kof xv mai render
Mai Shiranui
Kof xv yuri render
Yuri Sakazaki

Galaxy Anton Wrestling Team (A.K.A. G.A.W. Team)[]

Kof xv antonov render
Antonov
Kof xv ramon render
Ramón
Kof xv dinosaur render
King of Dinosaurs

Rivals Team (A.K.A. Isla Team or Deuteragonist Team)[]

Kof xv isla render
Isla
Kof xv dolores render
Dolores
Kofxvheidernrender
Heidern

K' Team[]

Kof xv k dash render
K'
Kofxvmaximarender
Maxima
Kofxvwhiprender
Whip

Krohnen Team (Former KOF 2002 NESTS Team)[]

Kofxvkrohnenrender
Krohnen McDougall
Kof xv kula render
Kula Diamond
Kofxvangelrender
Ángel

Ash Team[]

Kofxvashrender
Ash Crimson
Kofxvelisabethrender
Elisabeth Blanctorche
Kofxvkukrirender
Kukri

Bosses[]

Sub-Boss[]

ReVerse-Render
Re Verse

Final Boss[]

OtomaRaga-Render
Otoma=Raga

DLC Team/Characters Roster[]

Teams and/or solo characters released through Downloadable Content (DLC). All the characters are available through the Season Pass (except Omega Rugal and Goenitz, both of which are free DLC characters).

Note 1: Unlike the previous entry, most of the DLC Teams/Characters have some relevance to the game's story, with all the teams having their own endings. Although having an own ending, the Awakened Orochi Team has no revelance into the canonical story of the game, being an alternative version of the Orochi Team's story, and the solo characters only earns a special post-scene illustration after completing the Story Mode under some conditions, as well as a canon story.
Note 2: Like the DLC characters released in the previous entry, the DLC bosses (Omega Rugal and Goenitz) also has no relevance in the story.
Note 3: With exception of the DLC bosses, each DLC team/character releases a free soundtrack in the DJ Station. Each boss released unlocks a new Boss Challenge, with new costumes and songs.

Season 1[]

Teams[]

Team Pass 1[]
Garou Team (A.K.A. Mark of the Wolves Team)[]
Kofxvrockrender
Rock Howard
Kofxvjenetrender
B. Jenet
Kofxvgatorender
Gato
South Town Team (A.K.A. Geese Team)[]
Kofxvgeeserender
Geese Howard
Kofxvbillyrender
Billy Kane
Kofxvyamazakirender
Ryuji Yamazaki
Team Pass 2[]
Awakened Orochi Team[]
Kofxvorochiyashirorender
Orochi Yashiro
Kofxvorochishermierender
Orochi Shermie
Kofxvorochichrisrender
Orochi Chris
Samurai Team (A.K.A. Samurai Shodown Team)[]
Kofxvhaohmarunewrender
Haohmaru
Kofxvnakorurunewrender
Nakoruru
Kofxvdarlinewrender
Darli Dagger
Free DLC Boss Character[]
KOFXV Omega Rugal Render
Omega Rugal

Season 2[]

Solo DLC Characters[]

KOFXV Shingo Render
Shingo Yabuki
Kofxvkimrender
Kim Kaphwan
Kofxvsylvierender
Sylvie Paula Paula
Kofxvnajdrender
Najd
Kofxvduolonnewrender2
Duo Lon
Kofxvhinakorender
Hinako Shijo

Free DLC Boss Character[]

Kofxvgoenitzrender
Goenitz

NPC Characters[]

Characters who appear as NPCs (Non-Playable Characters):

Kofxvclemence
Clemence Bellamy (KOF Tournament journalist and XV host)
Kofxvanastasiaintro
Anastasia (KOF XV Tournament host)

Special Teams[]

By playing certain team formations in Story Mode, the player unlocks special endings and soundtracks in the mainline games of the series in the DJ Station. All of them are dubbed by the voice actors of each character. The All Star Team and Old Team only unlock their soundtracks, without special illustrations/endings. Likewise, the DLC special teams only unlock their illustrations, without associated soundtracks.

Initial Special Teams[]

Note: Some soundtracks were made available after the release of the DLC teams (the KOF 2002 UM, KOF Neowave, KOF R-1/R-2 and KOF Maximum Impact series soundtracks are available along with Team Garou, Team South Town, Team Awakened Orochi and Team Samurai respectively).

Guardians Team (KOF '95)[]

Kof xv terry render
Terry Bogard
Kof xv vanessa render
Vanessa
Kof xv dolores render
Dolores

Classic Beauties Team (KOF '96)[]

Kof xv chizuru render
Chizuru Kagura
Kof xv mai render
Mai Shiranui
Kof xv luong render
Luong

Rampage Warning Team (KOF '97)[]

Kof xv iori render
Iori Yagami
Kof xv leona render
Leona Heidern
Kof xv shunei render
Shun'ei

Hunks Team (KOF '98)[]

Kof xv yashiro render
Yashiro Nanakase
Kof xv robert render
Robert Garcia
KOFXV Benimaru Nikaido Character Render
Benimaru Nikaido

Juvenile Troop Team (KOF '99)[]

Kof xv kula render
Kula Diamond
KOFXV Meitenkun Character Render
Meitenkun
Kof xv chris render
Chris

Mexican Reunion Team (A.K.A. KOF XIV Mexico Team) (KOF 2000)[]

Kof xv ramon render
Ramón
Kofxvangelrender
Ángel
Kof xv dinosaur render
King of Dinosaurs

Bike Enthusiasts Team (KOF 2001)[]

Kof xv ryo render
Ryo Sakazaki
Kofxvkrohnenrender
Krohnen McDougall
Kofxvangelrender
Ángel

Grapplers Team (KOF 2002)[]

Kof xv clark render
Clark Still
Kof xv dinosaur render
King of Dinosaurs
Kof xv dolores render
Dolores

New High School Girls Team (KOF 2003)[]

Kof xv athena render
Athena Asamiya
Kof xv yuri render
Yuri Sakazaki
Kof xv isla render
Isla

Bad Behavior Team (KOF XI)[]

Kof xv k dash render
K'
Kofxvkrohnenrender
Krohnen McDougall
Kof xv isla render
Isla

Legendary Heroes Team (KOF XII)[]

KOFXV Kyo Kusanagi Character Render
Kyo Kusanagi
Kof xv k dash render
K'
Kofxvashrender
Ash Crimson

French Natives Team (KOF XIII)[]

Kofxvelisabethrender
Elisabeth Blanctorche
Kof xv shermie render
Shermie
Kof xv king render
King

Disciples of Tung Fu Rue Team (Fatal Fury series)[]

Kof xv terry render
Terry Bogard
Kof xv andy render
Andy Bogard
Kof xv shunei render
Shun'ei

Buff Bods Team (Samurai Shodown series)[]

Kof xv ralf render
Ralf Jones
Kofxvmaximarender
Maxima
Kof xv antonov render
Antonov

First Generation Ikari Warriors Team (A.K.A. First Classic Ikari Warriors Team/KOF '94 Brazil Team) (Metal Slug series)[]

Kofxvheidernrender
Heidern
Kof xv ralf render
Ralf Jones
Kof xv clark render
Clark Still

All Star Team (Neo Geo system)[]

KOFXV Kyo Kusanagi Character Render
Kyo Kusanagi
Kof xv terry render
Terry Bogard
Kof xv ryo render
Ryo Sakazaki

Old Team (SNK)[]

Kof xv athena render
Athena Asamiya
Kof xv ralf render
Ralf Jones
Kof xv clark render
Clark Still

DLC Special Teams[]

Note 1: These teams appear after the release of the DLC teams/characters. Unlike the regular special teams, this entries don't unlock songs in the DJ Station.
Note 2: Beginning with Season 2, the special teams are now formed with a DLC character (barring Goenitz) and a character affiliated with the DLC character. The endings require only the two needed characters, and the third character can be any other character that the player wishes.

Season 1[]

Team Pass 1[]
Rookies Team[]
Kofxvrockrender
Rock Howard
Kof xv shunei render
Shun'ei
Kof xv isla render
Isla
Egoism Team[]
Kof xv iori render
Iori Yagami
Kofxvkrohnenrender
Krohnen McDougall
Kofxvgatorender
Gato
Destiny Team[]
Kofxvgeeserender
Geese Howard
Kof xv terry render
Terry Bogard
Kof xv blue mary render
Blue Mary
Neat Freaks Team[]
Kofxvrockrender
Rock Howard
Kofxvbillyrender
Billy Kane
Kofxvkukrirender
Kukri
Outlaw Reunion Team (A.K.A. KOF 2003 Outlaw Team)[]
Kofxvyamazakirender
Ryuji Yamazaki
Kofxvbillyrender
Billy Kane
Kofxvgatorender
Gato


Team Pass 2[]
Rulers of the Land Team[]
Kofxvorochiyashirorender
Orochi Yashiro
Kofxvkukrirender
Kukri
Kof xv dolores render
Dolores
Flames of Fate Team[]
KOFXV Kyo Kusanagi Character Render
Kyo Kusanagi
Kof xv iori render
Iori Yagami
Kofxvorochichrisrender
Orochi Chris
Queens Team[]
Kofxvorochishermierender
Orochi Shermie
Kof xv luong render
Luong
Kofxvwhiprender
Whip
Kindred Spirits Team[]
Kofxvhaohmarurender
Haohmaru
Kofxvdarlirender
Darli Dagger
Kof xv vanessa render
Vanessa
Animal Lovers Team[]
Kofxvnakorururender
Nakoruru
Kof xv yashiro render
Yashiro Nanakase
Kof xv shermie render
Shermie
Sea Enthusiats (?) Team[]
Kofxvdarlirender
Darli Dagger
Kofxvjenetrender
B. Jenet
Kof xv joe render
Joe Higashi

Season 2[]

Like a Brother/New Order Team (A.K.A. KOF '97 Kusanagi-Yabuki Team)[]
KOFXV Kyo Kusanagi Character Render
Kyo Kusanagi
KOFXV Shingo Render
Shingo Yabuki
Any Character
Kim's Ordeal Team[]
Kofxvkimrender
Kim Kaphwan
Kof xv luong render
Luong
Any Character
Whereabouts Team[]
Kofxvsylvierender
Sylvie Paula Paula
Kofxvkukrinewrender
Kukri
Any Character
For Your People Team[]
Kofxvnajdrender
Najd
Kofxvashrender
Ash Crimson
Any Character
Mutual Trust Team (A.K.A. KOF XI-XIII Elisabeth Team)[]
Kofxvelisabethrender
Elisabeth Blanctorche
Kofxvduolonrender
Duo Lon
Any Character
Friendly Fight Team[]
Kofxvhinakorender
Hinako Shijo
Kof xv antonov render
Antonov
Any Character

Stage Cameos[]

Characters or elements who appear as cameos on specific stages:

Fatal Fury series[]

3 Count Bout[]

Metal Slug series[]

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[]

Samurai Shodown series[]

Metal Slug series[]

Buriki One[]

Savage Reign series[]

Stages[]

Note: With exception of the Hero Team Stage, all the stages revealed have some reference to the tournament or the series itself.

Team Stages[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
Notes
??
Classic Chinese Garden, Jiangsu, China
Hero Team & KOF Team involving Duo Lon (3rd Match and/or Semifinals in Story Mode)
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, in the Jiangsu province. The fight takes place in a red balcony in the Humble Administrator's Garden, at night. This stage features a giant dragon statue, inside, a small waterfall, in the right outside, the full moon, bonsai trees, aquatic flowers, flags, Chinese pillars and decorations, besides the Jinshan Temple in the background.
The dragon statue is very similiar to the seen in the Art of Fighting Team's stage in The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match.
??
Esaka Construction Site, Osaka, Japan
Sacred Treasures Team
The Japanese city of Osaka, at night. The fight takes place in the expansion site of the Esaka Station, next to the Hanshin Expressway. This stage features construction workers cheering, construction materials, barriers, backhoes, buildings, a teddy bear and a construction worker signs, besides the SNK's headquarters, in the background, Hiragana signs and a "The Esaka Station is closed for expansion" sign. The game series' name can be seen all over the stage. Stage reminiscent of The King of Fighters '94 (Japan Team's [A.K.A. Orochi Saga's Hero Team] stage).
The construction workers reacts when certain fighters win or lose fights in this stage (and especially when the Sacred Treasures Team win or lose fights in this stage).
??
Beach Resort, Sunny Day (A.K.A. South Town Sound Beach), South Town, USA
Fatal Fury Team, Garou Team & KOF Team involving Shingo Yabuki (3rd Match and/or Semifinals in Story Mode)
The most famous beach of the American city, taking place on a sunny day. The fight takes place next to the beach shops and to the entrance. The stage features a seafood restaurant, a surf shop with a mechanical shark sign, people cheering, parked bicycles, palm trees, the main church of the city, the tournament flags, a 4x4 car, balloons and a small ladder with a sun umbrella and a plaque with the sign WAVE SURF AREA, with the South Town Bridge in the distant background, and plaques with the signs PORT TOWN (Hon-Fu's stage in Fatal Fury 3) and CENTRAL CITY. Stage reminiscent of the first Fatal Fury game.
The plaque of the 4x4 car has the inscription SNK US.
??
Concert Hall
Orochi Team
The fight takes place at a concert on the area of the main stage that has a checkered floor. The stage features the crowd cheering, fireworks at the start of the match, screens (some showing the characters, other showing the game's name), stage structures, spotlights, sound boxes, a passageway and a band playing in the background, with the logo of the tournament displayed.
The band used in this stage is composed by NPC characters reused from The King of Fighters XIV (Villains Team's Stage).
??
Pao Pao Cafe, South Town, USA
Art of Fighting Team & South Town Team
Richard Meyer and Bob Wilson's classic bar at night. The fight takes in the main saloon. This stage features the main bar area, spectators watching the fight, some tribal drum players and the bar's logo to the right, with a big stage prop in the background resembling Mudman (World Heroes' character). Stage reminiscent of the first Fatal Fury game and Fatal Fury 3.
Depending on the matches, the stage can be full of clients (or not), and Richard and Bob can be either on the balcony or watching the fight.
??
The Sahara, Egypt
Ikari Warriors Team
An oasis in the middle of the Egyptian desert. The fight takes next to a plane crash (General Donald Morden's M-32 Water Carrier Plane). The stage features palm trees, dunas, a pink sun umbrella, a wooden plaque with the name KOF and pennants (some with the series' logo), besides a teddy bear and stilts close to the plane's wreckage. Stage reminiscent of Metal Slug Infinity.
The stage includes numerous references to the Metal Slug series (the "Danger" barrels, the weapon crates, several POWs, the SV-001, and the Camel Slug). Beside that, the NPCs in the stage salute the winners of each match.
??
Provence Main Street, Night, Paris, France
Secret Agents Team
The city of Paris, at night, in the border between the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements. The fight takes in the Place de la République, next to the statue of Marianne, a historical figure representing the July Revolution. The stage features water puddles, a few stray cats roaming around in front of the "Cafe des Chats" (The Cat Cafe in English) as well as a couple of cats roaming around the street with various buildings in the background. A famous Parisian cafe can also be seen: La maison des Délices (The House of Delights, in English). Similar to the Czech Republic Stage in The King of Fighters 2003 (Arcade Version).
In the left side of the street, a red car (very similar to the Rolls-Royce models) can be seen.
??
Provence Main Street, Day, Paris, France
Super Heroines Team
This version of the stage occurs during a Saint Patrick's Day celebration. The stag features various spectators, flowers, light poles, vans (one of them parked on a tent) and pennants with French and Irish flags. The statue of Marianne is decorated with ribbons in the colors of the French flag, and the tournament's symbols can be seen all over the stage.
In some moments of the match, a white car (very similiar to the Volkswagen Beetle model) park on the right side of the street.
??
Hyper Galaxy Ring
Galaxy Anton Wrestling Team & KOF Team involving Kim Kaphwan & Hinako Shijo (3rd Match and/or Semifinals in Story Mode)
The main arena of the tournament, taking place at sunset. The stage features two giant screens showing the fighters who are fighting, a crown-shaped structure, the crowd (Clemence Bellamy in the middle), giant trophies in both sides, some KOF-girls holding plaques, spotlights, a passageway and a meshed wall separating the audience from the stage. The game's name and logos (KOF '96 and the previous tournament) can be seen all over the stage.
N/A
??
Subway Tracks
Rivals Team
An abandoned train station, at evening. The fight takes next to a barred gate. Features a traffic light, a crane, masonry pillars, lamps, a ladder, a trash can and a wooden door inside the gate, as well as graffiti with the name of the series and the expression "KEEP IT UP". Also can be seen a parked train with the series logo, a moving train and a rat running on the stage. One of the trains has "FIGHT IT OUT" written on it, the tagline for The King of Fighters 2001. Similar to the Train Hangar stage in The King of Fighters Neowave.
N/A
??
Beach Resort, Sunset, South Town, USA
K' Team
The same stage as the Fatal Fury Team, taking place during a sunset. This version of the stage features the now empty beach and two yachts in the middle left of the sand. Similar to the USA Stage in Real Bout Fatal Fury Special.
The sails of the yachts show the date 1994-08-25, right below the main logo. This date is the Japanese arcade release date of KOF '94, the first game and the prologue of the series.
???
Abandoned Theme Park
Krohnen Team, Awakened Orochi Team & KOF Team involving Sylvie Paula Paula (3rd Match and/or Semifinals in Story Mode)
An old abandoned amusement park, at night. This stage features decaying mascots and rides, although many of them appear to still function, a carousel, a haunted house, a Ferris wheel and a candy store, with a castle in the background. Stage reminiscent of Art of Fighting 2 (King's stage) and similar to the Amusement Park in The King of Fighters '99: Evolution (Dreamcast's exclusive stage).
  • Note 1: The carousel's speed increases or decreases according to the pace of the fight.
  • Note 2: Some items of this stage are references to the Five Nights at Freddy's series.
???
Freezing Forest
Ash Team & Samurai Team
A snowy forest, at night. The fight takes next to a frozen lake, at the moment of a polar light. Also features some stalactites, pine trees, dead logs, stones, wolves and a shining moose, beside flags with the tournament symbols next to the fight.
The animals reacts when one of the characters performs a special move.

Boss Stages[]

Normal Boss Stages[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
Notes
???
Ominous Arena
Re Verse
A twisted version of the Coliseum Arena in a pocket dimension, with negative colors and a darkened sky, in tons of red.
N/A
???
Crystallization Arena
Otoma=Raga
The same arena in the same dimension, but now with gigantic crystals adorning the field as well as a huge, golden colored, crystalline rupture in the fabric of time-space in the middle, with a distorted dimension visible through it.
N/A

DLC Boss Stage[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
Notes
???
Strange Plateau
Omega Rugal/Goenitz (Boss Challenge & Story Mode)
A mysterious, eerie plain in an unknown location, with a stormy, dark blue sky, pillars of large, assorted stones and mysterious cyan wisps floating from various rocks and holes, with these potentially being souls. Various bits of vegetation also dot the landscape. Some raindrops also can be seen in the stage's floor.
This stage appears as a leaked item in some YouTube videos, and is available for other fighting modes after defeating Omega Rugal or Goenitz in the Boss Challenge.

Special Stage[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
Notes
???
Coliseum Arena
Final Match & KOF Team (Only in Story Mode); Random (Only in Other Fighting Modes)
A large coliseum built over a land field. A large crowd watches the fight from the grandstand, while the arena features various broken pillars and a large podium in the middle withe the KOF logo above it.
The music for this stage is the main theme from The King of Fighters XIV, "Follow Me" (only in Story Mode). Beside that, only the teams with some rivalry appears in this stage (depending on the team chosen in Story Mode). In other modes, the music theme played is from the right's team. Another information: the concept of this stage is very likely inspired by the Rose Stadium (KOF XIII's Final Stage in Arcade/Story Mode).
??
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 brown 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 concept of this stage is very likely inspired by Capcom's Street Fighter series training stage since Street Fighter IV.


DLC Stage (Only in Season 2)[]

Stage
Stage Name
Team/Character
Description
Notes
??
Boulevard Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
KOF Team involving Najd (3rd Match, Semifinals or Grand Finals in Story Mode)
The fight takes at night. next to the main foutain. Features two balconies with people cheering, palm trees, giant screens (two with the characters fighting in it) and Arabic placards, as well as the tournament's logo.
The screens changes its colors every time that a Special Move is executed:
  • Blue: if a Super Special Move is executed.
  • Green: if a MAX Super Special Move is executed.
  • Yellow: if the opponent is defeated with a Climax Super Special Move is executed.

Trailers[]

Teaser Trailers[]

Promotional trailers of the game.

Individual Gameplay Trailers[]

Initial Team Roster Trailers[]

Characters with teams revelead to be in the base roster of the game.

Hero Team[]
Sacred Treasures Team[]
Fatal Fury Team[]
Orochi Team[]
Art of Fighting Team[]
Ikari Warriors Team[]
Secret Agents Team[]
Super Heroines Team[]
Galaxy Anton Wrestling Team[]
Rivals Team[]
K' Team[]
Krohnen Team[]
Ash Team[]

DLC Teams/Contents Trailers[]

Trailers of the DLC teams/characters/content confirmed in the game.

Season 1[]

DLC Teams Trailers[]

Garou Team[]
South Town Team[]
Awakened Orochi Team[]
Samurai Team[]
DLC Free Boss[]

Season 2[]

Solo DLC Characters[]

DLC Free Boss[]

DLC Content Trailers[]

Costumes[]

Teaser Trailers[]

Refinements & Breakdowns[]

Refinements[]
Characters Breakdowns[]

Team BGMs[]

Music Themes of the game.

Initial Teams/Boss Roster[]

DLC Roster[]

Teams[]

Solo Characters[]

Bosses[]

Fateful Battle Themes[]

Special Themes[]

Idle Poses[]

Fighting poses of the teams (some with taunts and/or victory poses).

Drawing Video[]

A sample of the game and character's creation process.

TGS Special Program[]

A special program showing the mechanics and gameplay of the game, besides some new revealed characters.

Online Tournament[]

Online tournament sponsored by SNK.

ICFC Weekly Series[]

Weekly tournaments sponsored by SNK.

Asia[]

Europe[]

North America[]

SNK Regional Bouts[]

Regional pools sponsored by SNK.

Road to EVO Japan 2023[]

Special video showing the content of SNK's booth at EVO Japan 2023, hosted by Haruna Ikezawa (Athena Asamiya's voice actress) and Sarah Emi Bridcutt (Blue Mary's voice actress).

Japan League[]

East Asia Open Tournament[]

Music[]

Trailer Themes[]

Some themes played in the character/DLC content trailers are references to the characters' old themes in SNK past games. Below, the list:

Base Content[]

Character/Trailer
Music Theme
Game/Series' Source
Teaser Trailer
Kaimaku (Remix)
The King of Fighters '94 (Opening Theme)
Iori Yagami (Character Trailer #4)
Saxophone Under the Moon (PlayStation 4 Menu Theme)
The King of Fighters XIV (Yagami Team Theme)
Joe Higashi (Character Trailer #5)
Thai Nanbu no Tsutaetai Atarashii Shi (A New Poem That The South Thailand Wants To Tell)
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Joe's Theme)
Kyo Kusanagi (Character Trailer #6)
Goodbye Esaka (XV ver.)
The King of Fighters 2000 (Kyo's Theme)
Andy Bogard (Character #8)
Pasta
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Andy's Theme)
Yuri Sakazaki (Character Trailer #9)
ART OF FIGHT
Art of Fighting (Ryuhaku Todoh's Theme)
Yashiro Nanakase (Character Trailer #11)
Bloody
The King of Fighters '97 (New Faces Team Theme)
King (Character Trailer #12)
Kabocha to Pierrot (Pumpkin & Clown)
Art of Fighting 2 (King's Theme)
Mai Shiranui (Character Trailer #13)
Enryuujin (Flame Dragon God) (PlayStation 4 Menu Theme)
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Mai's Theme)
Shermie (Character Trailer #14)
Re:Bloody
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Orochi Team Theme)
Leona Heidern (Character Trailer #18)
Irregular Mission
The King of Fighters XIII (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
Blue Mary (Character Trailer #21)
Masquerade
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match ('97 Special Team Theme)
Vanessa (Character Trailer #23)
Secret Circumstances
The King of Fighters XI (Agents Team Theme)
Ramón (Character Trailer #24)
Undercover
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Agents Team Theme)
Antonov (Character Trailer #27)
I Was THE KING OF FIGHTERS Type-2 (XV ver.)
The King of Fighters XIV (Antonov's Theme [Story Mode])
Ash Crimson (Character Trailer #28)
The Second Joker
The King of Fighters XIII (Ash's Theme)
K' (Character Trailer #31)
KD-0084 (XV ver.)
The King of Fighters 2000 (Hero Team Theme)
Heidern (Character Trailer #32)
In Spite of One's Age ~Ver.Immortal~
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Masters Team Theme)
Whip (Character Trailer #34)
The Trooper
The King of Fighters 2000 (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
Ángel (Character Trailer #35)
QT★@ngel
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Ángel's Theme)
Kula Diamond (Character Trailer #38)
Diamond Dust
The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Kula's Theme)

DLC Content[]

Character/Trailer
Music Theme
Game/Series' Source
Garou MOTW Terry Bogard (DLC Costume Trailer #1)
Sunrise on the Train
Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Terry's Theme)
Classic Leona (DLC Costume Trailer #2)
Rumbling on the City
The King of Fighters '96 (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
DLC Team Pass 1 Trailer
Sympathy For The Wolves & Geese ni Kissu
Garou: Mark of the Wolves & Fatal Fury: King of Fighters (Opening and Geese's Theme)
Omega Rugal (DLC Boss Trailer)
Guitar to Omega to Rugal & Conclusion R&D -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters '95 & The King of Fighters '98/Ultimate Match (Omega Rugal Theme)
Team South Town Trailer
London March, C62 ~Shirokuni Ver.2~ & Soy Sauce and a Dash of Sake for Geese
Real Bout Fatal Fury 2/Special (Billy & Yamazaki's Themes) & Fatal Fury 2/Special (Geese's Theme)
Team Awakened Orochi Trailer
Rhythmic Hallucination (Земпе), Rhythmic Hallucination (Молнии) & Rhythmic Hallucination (Пламя)
The King of Fighters '97 & The King of Fighters '98 (Orochi Yashiro, Orochi Shermie & Orochi Chris' Themes; Some elements)
Team Samurai (EVO 2022 DLC Trailer and Individual Trailer)
Sturm und Drang, Way of the Overlord & Banquet of Nature
Samurai Shodown (2019) (Main Menu Theme & Haohmaru's Theme) & Samurai Shodown (1993) (Nakoruru's Theme)
Shingo Yabuki Trailer
Still Green -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters '97 (Shingo's Theme)
Kim Kaphwan Trailer
Let's Go to Seoul -KOF XV ver.-
Fatal Fury 2/Special (Kim's Theme)
SNK News Trailer EVO Japan 2023 (Goenitz's Reveal)
Wind -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters '96 (Goenitz Appearance Theme)
Sylvie Paula Paula Trailer
Sivilelu Passion
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy (Credits 2 Theme, sung by Sylvie [mio])
Goenitz (DLC Boss Trailer)
Trash Head -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters '96 (Goenitz's Theme)
Duo Lon (EVO 2023 DLC Reveal Trailer and Individual Trailer)
Splendid Evil -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters 2003 ("Hero"/Ash Team Theme)
Hinako Shijo (Teaser Trailer and Individual Trailer)
Come Up Smiling -KOF XV ver.-
The King of Fighters 2000 (Women Fighters Team Theme)

Main Theme[]

Now or Never by Steven McNair


VS. Themes (Destiny Battle)[]

Just like the previous game, there are special songs that play during specific matchups or special conditions.

Destiny Battle Themes[]

Music Theme
Character (s) Matchup
Game/Series' Source
Sobagaramakura
Shun'ei vs. Meitenkun
Original Theme
Sand and Mud
Dolores vs. Kukri
Original Theme
No. 53
Ash vs. Elisabeth
Original Theme
Bloody -KOF XV ver.-
Yashiro vs. Iori
The King of Fighters '97 (New Faces Team Theme)
A Storm of Cheers -KOF XV ver.-
Ralf vs. Clark
Victory Road (Arena 1's Theme)
CLUB-M Flute in the Blue Sky -KOF XV ver.-
Andy vs. Mai
The King of Fighters '95 (Fatal Fury Team Theme)
KD-0084 -KOF XV ver.-
K' vs. Krohnen
The King of Fighters 2000 (Hero Team Theme)
Good Bye ESAKA -KOF XV ver.-
Iori vs. Kyo (Kyo must be Player 2 in Story Mode or Any Mode)
The King of Fighters 2000 (Kyo Kusanagi's Theme)
Sadistic Eyes -KOF XV ver.-
Kyo vs. Iori (Iori must be Player 2 in Story Mode or Any Mode)
The King of Fighters '99 (Iori Yagami's Theme)
Way to The Horizon
Rock vs. Geese
Original Theme
Fanatic Waltz -KOF XV ver.-
Shermie vs. Orochi Shermie
The King of Fighters '98/Ultimate Match (Orochi Shermie's Theme)
Mad Fantasy -KOF XV ver.-
Chris vs. Orochi Chris
The King of Fighters '98/Ultimate Match (Orochi Chris' Theme)
Fairy -KOF XV ver.-
Chizuru vs. Benimaru
The King of Fighters '96 (Chizuru Kagura's Theme)
Bass Crawling on the Grounds -KOF XV ver.-
Mai vs. King
The King of Fighters '95 (Women Fighters Team Theme)
MOJO -KOF XV ver.-
Robert vs. Yuri
Art of Fighting 3 (Robert Garcia's Theme)
Diet -KOF XV ver.-
Yuri vs. Ryo
Art of Fighting 2 (Yuri Sakazaki's Theme)
Inner Shade -KOF XV ver.-
Benimaru vs. Orochi Shermie
The King of Fighters 2000 (Benimaru Team Theme)
Rumbling in the City -KOF XV ver.-
Leona vs. Heidern
The King of Fighters '96 (Ikari Warriors Team Theme)
176th Street -KOF XV ver.-
Terry vs. Mary
The King of Fighters '99 (Fatal Fury Team Theme)
Banquet of Nature -KOF XV ver.-
Nakoruru vs. Dolores
Samurai Shodown (Nakoruru's Theme)

Special Themes[]

Music Theme
Character Matchup
Game/Series' Source
Psycho Soldier 2018
Athena's Theme (she must play in the Concert Hall Stage in Versus Mode)
Psycho Soldier (Athena's Theme)
I Was THE KING OF FIGHTERS
Antonov's Theme (he must play in the Hyper Galaxy Ring Stage in Versus Mode)
The King of Fighters XIV (Antonov's Theme)

Cosplay & Alternate Colors[]

Several alternate colors for the cast are homages to characters in other games or media. The list below charts costume outcomes from the alternate color options.

Normal Colors[]

Character
Cosplay Character (s)
Normal Color Number
Benimaru Nikaido
Jean Pierre Polnareff from Capcom's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series
Color #7
Kyo Kusanagi
His NESTS Saga outfit, Shingo Yabuki, Aoi Kusanagi from The King of Fighters: Kyo and Sol Badguy from Guilty Gear series, his Orochi Saga outfit, Kusanagi, Syo Kirishima
Color #2, Color #3, Color #4, Color #5, Color #7, Color #8
Iori Yagami
Mr. Big from Art of Fighting series, Kazuma Kiryu from SEGA's Yakuza game series
Color #5, Color #8
Terry Bogard
Robert Garcia, Mario from Nintendo's Super Mario game series, Himself (Normal Costume Color #1)
Color #6, Color #8 (Normal Costume), Color #4 (Alternate Costume)
Shermie
Herself (KOF 2000 Striker Version), Goenitz, Herself (97-2002/UM)
Color #2, Color #5, Color #6
Chris
Orochi, Bart Simpson from The Simpsons series
Color #7, Color #8
Leona Heidern
Fiolina Germi and Eri Kasamoto from Metal Slug series
Color #7, Color #8
Vanessa
Herself (KOF '99 Evolution~XI)
Color #8
Blue Mary
Herself (Real Bout Fatal Fury Special EX Version)
Color #8
Athena Asamiya
Ninon Beart from Maximum Impact series
Color #8
Mai Shiranui
Kasumi from Koei Tecmo's Dead or Alive series
Color #5 (the same seen in KOF XIV), Color #7
Isla
Lucky Glauber, Heavy-D!, Brian Battler
Color #3, Color #5, Color #7
Heidern
Himself (94-95, 2001), M. Bison from Capcom's Street Fighter series
Color #2, Color #4 (the same seen in KOF XIV)
K'
Giorno Giovanna from Capcom's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Vento Aureo
Color #8
Maxima
Himself (KOF '99~XIII)
Color #3 (the same seen in KOF XIV)
Krohnen McDougall
Alba Meira from Maximum Impact series
Color #7
Ash Crimson
Barry B. Benson from Bee Movie, Iori Yagami
Color #7, Color #8
B. Jenet
Mignon Beart from Maximum Impact series
Color #4
Geese Howard
Joker from DC Comics
Color #7 (Normal Costume)
Billy Kane
Kazuma Kiryu from SEGA's Yakuza game series
Color #8 (Normal Costume)
Omega Rugal
Aquaman from DC Comics, Kain R. Heinlein from Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Color #3, Color #5
Orochi Yashiro
Goenitz, Himself (Normal Form Color #1)
Color #2 (Normal Costume), Color #5 (Alternate Costume)
Orochi Shermie
Goenitz, Herself (KOF 2000 Striker Version)
Color #2 (Normal Costume), Color #4 (Alternate Costume)
Orochi Chris
Goenitz, Saiki (Human Form), Orochi
Color #2, Color #6 (Normal Costume)
Haohmaru
Himself (SamSho III~IV Bust form Alternate color), Son Goku from the Dragon Ball series, Himself (Samurai Shodown II Alternate color)
Color #2, Color #5, Color #7
Nakoruru
Rimururu, Herself (SamSho III~IV Slash form Alternate color), Purple Nakoruru
Color #2, Color #3, Color #8
Darli Dagger
Mina Majikina from Samurai Shodown series
Color #7
Shingo Yabuki
Barry B. Benson from Bee Movie, Aoi Kusanagi from The King of Fighters: Kyo and Sol Badguy from Guilty Gear series, Kyo Kusanagi (during the Orochi Saga)
Color #3 (Normal Costume), Color #2, Color #8 (Classic Costume)
Kim Kaphwan
Jhun Hoon & May Lee Jinju, Aquaman from DC Comics, Kim Dong Hwan, Son Goku from the Dragon Ball series
Color #3, Color #6 (Normal Costume), Color #6, Color #7 (Classic Costume)
Goenitz
Awakened Orochi Team, Krizalid, Orochi
Color #2 (Normal Costume), Color #5 (Alternate Costume), Color #8 (Both Costumes)
Najd
Kula Diamond
Color #5 (the same seen in KOF XIV)

Development[]

Due to positive response to the marketing of The King of Fighters XIV, director Yasuyuki Oda said in August 2017 that The King of Fighters XV was possible, but SNK also wanted to focus on other franchises. Oda, instead, worked in the spin-off, SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy, a female character-driven fighting game and a spiritual sequel of SNK Gals' Fighters. In December 2018, SNK revealed that the company was working on The King of Fighters XV, aiming to release it during 2020. Feeling the previous title had outdated graphics for a 2016 game, SNK chairman Zhihui Ge said that XV will use Unreal Engine 4 to provide a better presentation.

KOF XV was officially announced at EVO 2019 and was originally slated for release in 2020.[3] However, the date was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More details were revealed on January 7, 2021.[4] In June of the same year, SNK announced that the game had been postponed once again and would be released in February 17, 2022, due to the rising cases of COVID-19 and the state of emergency in Japan.[5] The game's promotion was primarily done through trailers that were initially released weekly, but due to the postponement of the game, they became biweekly. Starting with the 11th until the 35th Character Trailer (Yashiro and Ángel's reveal trailers, respectively), SNK would reveal the silhouettes of the next characters to be confirmed the day prior to the trailer's release. Other divulgation means included a sketch of the newly revealed character (written and drawn by Tomohiro Nakata), the theme songs, idle poses and the story of the teams already formed.

On October 27, SNK announced an Open Beta Test for Sony's PlayStation 4/5 systems, during the State of Play conference. The purpose of this test was to improve the game’s online functions and introduce the newcomer characters to the players. A PlayStation Plus subscription is unnecessary to enter. This beta was available from November 19 to 22. A demo was made available during the Tokyo Game Show, during the 4 days of the event. Both previews featured 8 playable characters, although they did not contain the same characters for each version. Shun'ei, Kyo and Iori were the only characters available in the two first previews. A Second Open Beta was announced with the same purpose of the first, during the conference The Game Awards 2021, and was made available from December 17 to 20. Terry Bogard and Isla, characters available during the TGS demo, were present in the beta. All PlayStation betas lasted 3 days.

On November 30, 2021, SNK and Koch Media announced the Omega Edition of the game, only available in Europe. This version would be released along with the other versions, and included the main game, the first two DLC teams, the DLC costumes for Terry (MOTW costume) and Leona (KOF '96~2003 costume), three lithographs with artworks of Terry, Joe, Mai and Iori, a special slipcase with Iori's artwork (the same of his lithograph), the OST and an artbook with 119 pages, showing the characters' main artworks, renders and colors. In January 14, 2022, this version was announced for North America.

Cast and Scenario[]

Character design is being handled by Tomohiro Nakata, who is also working on The King of Fighters All Star. Many returning characters received cosmetic changes. For example, Kyo Kusanagi was altered to overall look closer to his earlier appearances in the series, but different in other parts of his design like his jacket and gloves. The decision to revive characters killed off in previous KOF games was made during XIV's development and was based off XIII's themes of energies connecting the past to the present through space and time and Oda wondering how that would affect things in the future. The deceased characters returning for XV were chosen based on fan requests and the aim of the roster was for it to have a 'fresh and festive feel'. They feel like the gathering of the KOF Heroes as well as the return of Team Sacred Treasures and Team Orochi helped them achieve this feeling. They brought back Clemence Bellamy, the story mode announcer from XIV, to appeal to the "tournament-likeness" of KOF and acknowledge that he was well received.

Previous KOF heroes Kyo, K' and Ash Crimson have been more independent protagonists, but Shun'ei is a little bit younger than them and is more of a mentally-unstable character. Oda has compared Shun'ei to Rock Howard, and says that his story could end up being as fun to write as Rock's. Oda feels that unlike the older fighting game protagonists, Shun'ei has a one-of-a-kind world view, and his values change as he grows older. In regards to Isla, SNK wanted to introduce a rival to Shun'ei, so they let the design team to come up with whatever they could think of. The resulting draft had an impact on Oda, as it is very close to the final result, but he was initially worried about putting a character with that type of design into a fighting game. According to Eisuke Ogura, Isla is "not very much into actual fighting", and has a special and abnormal dance-like style. Despite Shun'ei being the protagonist, the story will explore Isla's character as well.

Meanwhile, the character of Krohnen has been noted to have multiple similarities with K9999 from The King of Fighters 2001 and The King of Fighters 2002 due to his similarities with the character Tetsuo from the manga Akira and had to be removed from the franchise based on copyright issues. Although SNK did not confirm his identity, artist Hiroaki was more open about it, calling him the revival of K9999. Among other characters, the previous sub-boss, Antonov, became a playable character as a regular member of the cast. Oda stated that he was further changed based on the team's idea in regards of a manager. The series' official website was updated with story prologues during development of the game. Although the game gave closure to Shun'ei's character arc, SNK is not satisfied with the result, believing they could still focus on his role again.

Critical Reception[]

Overview[]

The King of Fighters XV received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.

Destructoid gave the game an eight out of ten and wrote, "With fantastic fighting action, a compelling roster, splendid visuals, and revamped online options, KOF XV is a treat for both series veterans and the fighting game community at large, though newcomers may still find themselves dizzied by its myriad mechanics and steep learning curve." IGN praised the game's character models, rollback netcode, and roster, but heavily criticized the lack of content, insubstantial tutorialization, reused six year-old animations, and called its story mode "utterly bare bones." Shacknews similarly lauded the visual redesign, netcode, training modes, gameplay mechanics, music, and existing roster while panning its inaccessibility, overpowered mechanics, and the absence of major characters in the roster. GameSpot praised the distinct playstyles, team-based gameplay, large roster, new modes, and the online play, and criticized bad AI and the lack of substantial iteration over The King of Fighters XIV.

Producer Yasuyuki Oda believes that the players’ response to the game was overwhelmingly positive, which allowed them to properly work on early issues such as the online play.

Reception Table[]

Aggregation scores[]

Aggregator
Info
Metacritic
  • 82 (PlayStation 4)
  • 79 (PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series)
  • 85 (Steam, Epic Games & Windows 10/11)

Review scores[]

Publication
Info
Destructoid
8/10
Famitsu
32/40
GameSpot
7/10
Hardcore Gamer
3.5/5
HobbyConsolas
86/100
IGN
8/10
Jeuxvideo.com
15/20
MeriStation
8/10
PCMag
4/5
Push Square
7/10 stars
Shacknews
8/10
The Games Machine (Italy)
8/10
VG247
Five Stars

Names in Other Languages[]

Language
Name
Japanese
  • ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ XVフィフティーン (Za Kingu obu Faitāzu Fifutīn)
  • ケーオーエフ フィフティーン (Kēōefu Fifutīn)
Simplified Chinese
拳皇15 (Quánhuáng 15)
Korean
킹 오브 파이터즈 15 (King obeu Paiteojeu 15)

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. https://twitter.com/SNKPofficial/status/1412426113482039297
  2. https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/press/2021/121001/
  3. http://shoryuken.com/2018/12/05/snks-ipo-press-conference-reveals-new-samurai-shodown-will-be-multi-platform-the-king-of-fighters-xv-scheduled-for-2020/
  4. https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/press/2020/120401/
  5. https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/press/2021/060201/

External Links[]

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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