Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The King of Fighters ’98: Ultimate Match takes the core mechanics of the beloved 1998 dream match and refines them to near-perfection. With rebalanced gameplay and the addition of the “Ultimate” fighting mode, SNK delivers a finely tuned fighter that caters to both newcomers and series veterans. The toggleable Move Type (Dash/Step), Evasion Type (Avoiding/Urgent), and Power Gauge (Advanced/Extra) settings let you customize your combat experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of spacing, combos, and meter management. Whether you prefer lightning-quick dashes or measured steps, the responsive controls adapt seamlessly.

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Players can choose from five distinct modes—Arcade, Single Play (no team), Endless (endurance trial), Practice, and Challenge. Arcade mode provides the traditional path of three-fighter teams battling rival squads, while Single Play strips things down to 1-on-1 showdowns for a pure duel experience. Endless mode tests how long your chosen character can survive against unrelenting CPU foes, and Practice mode offers frame-by-frame training to master your favorite fighter’s cancels and super moves. Challenge mode delivers task-based trials that range from simple combos to advanced footsies lessons, making it ideal for those determined to master every nuance.

Beyond the modes themselves, Ultimate Match reintroduces 64 fighters—10 of whom were never seen in the original KoF ’98 lineup. Each character retains their classic move set, but balancing tweaks ensure that no single archetype—be it rushdown, zoner, or grappler—dominates the roster. The game also unlocks an art gallery where you can admire character illustrations and concept art, rewarding completionists and longtime fans alike. With this wealth of content, every match feels fresh, strategic, and endlessly replayable.

Graphics

Visually, Ultimate Match strikes a wonderful balance between retro charm and modern polish. The inclusion of 480p resolution support brings out crisp sprite details without sacrificing the hand-drawn artistry that defined the Neo Geo era. You can even increase character sprite size for a more impactful presentation on widescreen displays, or apply varying degrees of smoothing to reduce blockiness while preserving that classic pixel aesthetic.

The game’s 3D/2D background toggle is another welcome feature: choose the flat, faithful stages of the original or switch to subtly animated 3D backdrops that add depth and movement. These new backgrounds remain true to the series’ visual identity, featuring neon cityscapes, martial-arts dojos, and other iconic arenas brought to life with dynamic lighting and layered details. During tense clashes, the fluid animations and vibrant color palette help maintain the series’ signature high-energy feel.

Additionally, the bonus disc enriches the visual experience with trailers and high-resolution wallpapers. Not only can you view polished snapshots of Ultimate Match’s roster, but you also get a sneak peek at the upcoming King of Fighters XII art style. This dual presentation of past and future SNK art makes the package feel like a curated showcase for fans of character design and pixel art alike.

Story

True to its “Dream Match” subtitle, The King of Fighters ’98: Ultimate Match does not follow a strict narrative arc. Instead, it celebrates a what-if tournament where heroes and villains from various King of Fighters chapters clash freely. For players seeking a cohesive storyline, this may feel like a departure from the more plot-driven entries in the series. Yet for many, the lack of narrative constraints is precisely the appeal—featuring dream pairings and epic battles that couldn’t occur under normal tournament rules.

Despite the minimal plot, each character’s rivalries and relationships shine through banter, victory quotes, and win poses. These small narrative touches help convey personality and history even without a formal story mode. Watching Iori Yagami face off against Kyo Kusanagi, or witnessing unexpected team-ups like Shermie and Geese Howard, creates an organic sense of drama that compensates for the absence of cutscenes or branching chapters.

In essence, Ultimate Match’s approach to story is more anthology than epic. It’s a celebratory gathering of beloved characters, each bringing their own motivations and flair. For those who value gameplay variety and fan-service matchups over linear storytelling, this is a feature, not a drawback—encouraging players to craft their own memorable showdowns.

Overall Experience

The King of Fighters ’98: Ultimate Match stands out as one of the most complete and player-friendly 2D fighters to date. With its extensive roster, fine-tunable mechanics, and robust suite of modes, it caters equally to casual button-mashers and dedicated tournament warriors. The unlockable art gallery and bonus disc content add collectible value, while the option to switch between original Neo Geo and enhanced versions ensures both nostalgia buffs and modern audiences feel right at home.

Online play (where available) feels responsive thanks to rollback netcode, making worldwide matchmaking smoother than ever before. Local versus and practice sessions also benefit from immaculate input handling and frame stability. Whether you’re brushing up on combos in Practice mode, tackling the Challenge trials, or diving into high-stakes ranked matches, Ultimate Match delivers a polished experience at every turn.

With a competitive price point and a treasure trove of features, The King of Fighters ’98: Ultimate Match is more than just a remaster—it’s a definitive edition of one of SNK’s hallmark fighters. For newcomers curious about 2D arcade-style combat or veterans yearning to revisit a historic roster, Ultimate Match offers a thrilling, endlessly replayable package. It’s a must-have for any fighting game aficionado’s library.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10