"Another great game in a great series."

It's always good to see a new game in what I consider to be one of the best fighting game series around. KOF 2002, like all that came before it, is a blast to play, and has a well balanced cast, any of whom can be formidable, once you learn to play with them. Overall, this is a great game, and should keep fighting fans happy.
The character selection is pretty good. There are lots to choose from, and thier fighting styles can vary quite a bit. Vanessa is better than any boxing character I've seen in a fighting game, and Ramon even brings some Lucha Libre action! I would have liked to see King, Hinako, or Kasumi on the gals fighter team instead of MayLee. King is a classic favorite, and I thought Hinako was pretty cool in KOF 2000, and 2001. All that aside, anyone is better than Chizuru, the cheddar master. Speaking of cheddar masters, the final boss, Rugal is quite a challenge. he has learned a few tricks, and is pretty tough, with out having overkill moves, like Igniz. I would have liked to have seen Zero or Krizalid return as a mid boss, instead of beefed up versions of K'9999, Kula or Angel. Also, where's Shingo????
Gameplay-9/10 The game play in KOF 2002, like it's predecessors is simply great. Combos are easy to do, and hidden SDMs add to the replay value. As I said before, any character is pretty easy to play with, if you take the time to learn them, although Angel does seem a bit comlicated- However, she can be a good challenge for veterans, or button mashing fun! KOF returning to it's earlier days of 3 on 3 fighting is pretty cool, too. Not having a striker makes for more of a challenge, and calls for a differnt stategy.Also, the computer is not overly cheap and cheesy, except for maybe Rugal but, what's KOF without a final boss who's a charter member of the Knights of the Round Cheddar?
Sound-8/10 The music is pretty good. KOF has always had some of the best music I've heard in any video game series, and I like the classic KOF cuts. My only gripe is that there are only themes for each stage instead of each team. In my opinion, having themes for each team made them stand out from eachother that much more. The sound effects are pretty crisp and clear, and the voices are as well done and audible as ever. Nothing like hearing K' yell ''SHUT UP!'' as he does his minute spike move.
Graphics-9/10 The graphics in the game are pretty good, too. I would have liked to seen something more similar to KOF2000 style of art for win portraits, etc but, it still looks much better than KOF 2001.The backgrounds are well done. I do wish there would have been more stages, tho. The animation is fluid, and this game can be as much fun to watch as it is to play.
Replay-6/10 The replay value of KOF 2002 is okay. KOF has always followed an excellent story line, consistently. However, in this one, there's no real story line, coz it's an all star game but, there's plenty of cool stuff to check out at the end. Hopefully, there's hidden win portraits for custom or theme team,like in KOF'98 (IE, Shermie, Vice and Mature; Shingo, Chris, and Kensou, etc) Also, 4 costume colors per character aint to shabby either. I got a kick out of a White version of Seth and a Black version of Vanessa.
Overall-8/10 Overall, KOF is another great game in an excellent series. KOF veterans and newbies alike should have tonnes of fun with this one. There are some characters I would have liked to see return for the all-star brawl, such as the American team, and maybe Hinako or Lin. Plenty of characters and various fighting styles should keep us entertained for awhile. Hopefully, we'll see KOF 2003.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/12/02, Updated 11/12/02