REVIEW:  Originally featuring a total of 38 characters, The King of Fighters '98 was no doubt a surprise hit and a fan favorite installment to the series, thanks in part to the large roster of colorful characters and timeless 2D gameplay. Ten years after its original release, SNK re-released KOF '98 under the new title "KOF '98: Ultimate Match". This enhanced version adds 7 new playable characters to roster, including special EX versions of characters not featured in the original versions, along with several new stages, features, options, and modes.

 

 

Along with the "Advance" and "Extra" play options from the original, a new "Ultimate" mode is now selectable, which is a customizable style that lets players choose between features from Advance or Extra mode, such as which kind of power gauge to use. A "Neo Geo" mode is also available in the package, which is a direct port of the original Neo Geo console version. The home installment of Ultimate Match also includes Gallery Mode with a variety of classic artwork to browse through.
   

   
The King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match Final Edition was released in Japanese arcades in January 2011 and on PC via Steam on December 16th, 2014. This version features several balance tweaks to characters and game mechanics. In Winter 2021 and June 2022, an updated version of the game featuring rollback netcode and other new improvements was released on Steam and PlayStation 4, respectively.
 

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Page Updated: December 14th, 2025 Developer(s): SNK Publisher(s): SNK Artwork By: Hiroaki, Shinkiro    Poster Artwork Platform(s): Arcade, PS4, PS2, PSN, Xbox 360, PC Release Date(s): Mar. 18th, 2008               Arcade June 26th, 2008               PS2 Mar. 3rd, 2009                 PS2 July 1st, 2009                  Xbox 360 Jan. 24th, 2011              Arcade - as KOF '98: UM Final Edition Dec. 16th, 2014             Steam - as KOF '98: UM Final Edition Winter 2021                     Steam - Rollback Netcode update June 21st, 2022              PS4 - Rollback Netcode update Characters:  Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, Goro Daimon, Andy Bogard, Terry Bogard, Joe Higashi, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Mai Shiranui, King, Yuri Sakazaki, Ralf Jones, Leona Heidern, Clark Still, Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou, Chin Gentsai, Chizuru Kagura, Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, Chris, Mature, Vice, Iori Yagami, Chang Koehan, Kim Kaphwan, Choi Bounge, Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary, Billy Kane, Heidern, Takuma, Saisyu Kusanagi, Heavy D, Lucky Glauber, Brian Battler, Shingo Yabuki, Eiji Kisaragi, Kasumi Todo, Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, Mr. Big, Goenitz, Orochi, Orochi Chris, Orochi Shermie, Orochi Yashiro, Rugal, Omega Rugal Featured Video: Related Games: The King of Fighters '98, KOF 2002: Unlimited Match, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout, KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '99, KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2003, KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII, KOF XIV, KOF XV, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF: Neowave, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2    Gameplay Engine  7.5 / 10 Story / Theme  7.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  6.0 / 10 Animation  6.0 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  6.5 / 10 Innovation  6.0 / 10 Art Direction  7.0 / 10 Customization  8.0 / 10 Options / Extras  8.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  8.0 / 10 Replayability / Fun  8.0 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  7.5 / 10 Characters  8.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  7.8 / 10  Review based on PS2 version       Final Words: I never imagined SNK would update KOF '98 so many times. I literally forget how many different versions of KOF '98 and KOF '99 I've played, snazzy console versions included. In 2025, I redownloaded KOF '98 Ultimate Match on Steam, only to remember it was updated to KOF '98: Ultimate Match Final Edition. That's when I realized... I've never played the latest latest version of KOF '98... so I got excited. Yeah, the refined Steam version really highlights the best about the game, providing quality-of-life updates like the option to turn off screen flickering, different graphical filters, and so many other options. Not to mention, a ton of "EX versions" (AKA alternate versions) of many characters. It's like an entire hidden roster behind the core selection screen. You can spend hours trying different teams and characters, adding lots of replay value for players of any skill level. Something about the polished Final Edition on Steam looks great, visually. I feel like I've noticed new frames of animation that weren't in many of the original versions of KOF '98 that I remember playing. I'm not sure if it's my bad memory, or if they actually added new frames of animation in the game. (I think the latter). With Advance, Extra, and now Ultimate mode selectable, KOF '98 UM Final Edition almost feels closer to Capcom vs. SNK 2 than it does KOF '98. For players who enjoy lots of options and different teams, this game is for you. Considering some of the poor ports and bare bones versions of KOF games that I used to play, KOF '98: Ultimate Match Final Edition is a polished and feature-rich remake of one of SNK's most iconic 2D fighting games. If you've never put that many hours into the original KOF '98... the Steam version is indeed t he definitive version to play, and a great way to experience the classic title for new players and old school players alike. For hardcore KOF players... it's a no brainer. KOF '98: UM Final Edition breaths new life into SNK's classic with excellent rollback-powered online, new playable characters, and plenty of new features and modes to check out. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all Official Artwork! Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES