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Neo Geo AES

The King of Fighters 2003

Neo Geo AES

Neo Geo AES

The tenth installment in SNK's long running King of Fighters series, and the last KOF to appear on the Neo Geo system. This game's storyline focuses on the unexpected return of the Orochi power, who was thought to have been permenantly sealed away back in 1997 by Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami and Chi...

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Developer
SNK

Released on
2004

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Neo Geo AES

Requirements
SNK Neo Geo AES

Downloads
Fighting

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Description

The tenth installment in SNK’s long running King of Fighters series, and the last KOF to appear on the Neo Geo system. This game’s storyline focuses on the unexpected return of the Orochi power, who was thought to have been permenantly sealed away back in 1997 by Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami and Chizuru Kagura. It appears that someone has been tampering with the seal, however…

This year there are 30 characters, 2 edit characters (Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami) and 2 hidden characters (Kusanagi from KOF ’02 and Chizuru Kagura) to choose from. There are several returning characters (Jhun Hoon, King, Shingo Yabuki, Hinako Shijou, Billy Kane and Ryuji Yamazaki) and few new fighters as well (Ash Crimson, Shen Woo, Duo Lon, Malin, Adelheid Bernstein and Mukai).

The King of Fighters 2003

Overview & History

Released by SNK Playmore in late 2003 for the aging Neo Geo AES hardware, *The King of Fighters 2003* marks a pivotal technical and narrative turning point for the iconic fighting game franchise. As the final game officially developed for the classic 24-bit Neo Geo cartridge system, it bids farewell to the era's hardware while boldly reshaping series conventions. Story-wise, the game kicks off the mysterious "Tales of Ash" saga. The tournament is once again sponsored by the enigmatic Rose and Adelheid Bernstein, children of the late Rugal. However, a darker plot brews behind the scenes as a secretive syndicate known as Those from the Past attempts to break the seal of the serpent god, Orochi, setting up a thrilling confrontation featuring boss characters Mukai and the ancient terror, Magaki.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Departing from the traditional fixed 3-on-3 striker format used since '99, *KOF 2003* introduces the "Multi-Shift" system, allowing players to swap team members mid-match on the fly by executing a team-tag command. This adds a layer of frantic tactical depth reminiscent of tag-team fighters, though the round ends immediately if the active character is knocked out, regardless of remaining health on teammates. The game drops the traditional battle-order selection screen for a simultaneous entry setup. Players can execute "Leader Desperation Moves" if they designate a specific character as the team captain. The control layout utilizes a four-button configuration (Light Punch, Light Kick, Heavy Punch, Heavy Kick), accented by specialized rolls, evasions, and emergency escapes. Classic combatants like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and Terry Bogard return alongside fresh faces like Ash Crimson, Duo Lon, and Tizoc, each boasting sprawling command lists of supers, cancels, and juggle combos.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move / Crouch / Jump
Action Keys: Attack (A: Light Punch, B: Light Kick, C: Heavy Punch, D: Heavy Kick) / Tag Assist
Enter: Start / Pause