The King of Fighters XIV Review Roundup

It's been six years since the last King of Fighters game, but it doesn't seem like SNK has lost its touch. Critics have delivered their verdicts on The King of Fighters XIV, and the reviews are largely positive.

The King of Fighters XIV releases tomorrow, August 23, but if you want to try it before you buy it, you can download the demo on PS4. It includes seven characters, including Mai Shiranui and King of Dinosaurs. The full game features a roster of 50 different fighters.

We've scoured the internet and collected a bunch of reviews that should give you a good idea if the latest King of Fighters game is right for you. For a wider view on the critical reception, check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

• Game: The King of Fighters XIV
• Developer: SNK
• Platform: PS4
• Release: August 23
• Price: $60

GameSpot -- 8/10

"With plenty of opportunities available online or off, KOF XIV is a well-executed addition to the revered fighting series. Those disappointed in its new visuals may be unwilling to give it a chance, but if you remain steadfast in parsing through the multiple layers of its mechanics, you'll be rewarded with one of the most accessible, satisfying entries in the series to date." -- Matt Espineli [full review]

GamesRadar -- 4.5/5

"Sure, there will be plenty of people who take one look at The King of Fighters XIV and dismiss it for its less-than-perfect visuals. But if you'll pardon the pun, gameplay is king, and KOF XIV delivers some of the most refined one-on-one fighting around. It hits all the right notes with its pacing and mechanics, showcases a wide array of charming characters, and shines with presentation that evokes classic SNK. When it comes to fighting games, KOF XIV is the complete package--which is more than can be said for some other fighters at launch." -- Lucas Sullivan [full review]

God is a Geek -- 8.5/10

"With XIV in my hands, it feels like a truly realised approach that retains enough depth that expert players will still love and appreciate it while the ease of the trials and combos will welcome new players, too. I find it hard to overlook some of the jarring visual aspects, and the electric backgrounds of XIII seem to be a thing of the past which stops XIV from being perfect. But much like fighting games, the pursuit of perfection is far better than the realisation. KOF XIV is all about the feeling, and it has never felt better." -- Ryan Esler [full review]

Destructoid -- 8/10

"King of Fighters XIV falls somewhere between XII and XIII. It's not exactly bare-bones and the roster is mighty, but the gaudy presentation and by-the-book story is distracting, and takes away a lot of the uniqueness of the series." -- Chris Carter [full review]

We Got This Covered -- 4/5

"The King of Fighters XIV is another solid entry in SNK's long-running series. The slate of 19 new characters is surprisingly consistent across the board, providing winner after unique winner, and there are plenty of modes for newcomers and experts alike to enjoy. The graphical style may be a bit lacking when it comes to technical prowess, but that's not such a terrible thing when you consider how much work has gone into making the character and environment designs stand out. Whether you're a franchise fan or just itching for a fight, this King of Fighters delivers one of the best experiences in the genre on PS4." -- Jowi Meli [full review]

USGamer -- 4/5

"With 50 fighters (17 of whom are all-new), 19 stages, and a host of gameplay modes, SNK is coming out swinging with King of Fighters XIV. The roster is diverse and interesting and the game is easy to get into. The game could definitely use a boost in the visual department, as the art style can come across as safe and bland, but the game itself is solid. As the beginning for a whole new era of SNK, King of Fighters XIV is a win." -- Mike Williams [full review]

Twinfinite -- 3.5/5

"At its worst, The King of Fighters XIV feels like a game of missed opportunities loaded to the brim with potential and at its best, an incredibly well-built fighter that is sure to please longtime fans of the series and veteran fighting game players alike. Even though the game feels bogged down by a poorly constructed story, weak character models, and a slightly off putting over-pandering to new players, there is still so much about KOF XIV that feels genuine and unique. Even with a huge cast of characters, each one still feels distinct and different to play, with characters ranging from elegant, projectile-heavy wonders to beastly grappling monsters. In the end, it’s hard to deny that KOF XIV is just simply fun to play, however if you’re looking for a fighter that’s easy to get into and learn, you're probably better off looking elsewhere." -- Alex Neeler [full review]