The King of Fighters XV gameplay engine features the following mechanics: Shatter Strike, MAX Mode, MAX Mode (Quick), and Rush Combos. Shatter Strike is a counter / defensive mechanic that all characters have access to and can turn the tide of battle as it can lead to powerful combos. Rush Combos are simple chain-combos that players can access by repeatedly hitting one button. Like in past games, MAX Mode unlocks your character's offensive potential. MAX Mode Quick cancels attacks and extends combos. You can watch a demonstration of the new mechanics in the Gamescom 2021 video.
   

 
The KOF series has a long history of entertaining character cameos from other SNK games appearing in backgrounds. A number of character cameos will return in KOF XV, as two wrestlers from the 1993 NEOGEO wrestling game, 3 Count Bout, appear in the KOF XV arena background (Terry Rogers and M. Barnes). In addition to brand new environments, classic locations such as Sound Beach from Fatal Fury 1 will also be returning in KOF XV.
 

 
KOF XV game modes include: Versus, Story, Training, Tutorial, Online (Ranked, Casual, Online Training, Replay), Mission, DJ Station, and Gallery. The game will also feature a variety of Versus Mode options including Single Vs, Party Vs, and Draft Vs. The DJ Station will feature over 300 music tracks from SNK history which players can listen to at any time while playing!


SNK mentioned that team composition in KOF XV will differ greatly from previous games and KOF XIV. The first confirmed team for KOFXV, called "Team Hero", consists of Benimaru, Meitenkun, and Shun'ei. KOF legends Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and Chizuru Kagura will also be teaming up to form "Team Sacred Treasures" which will have a major roll in the storyline. Iconic anime director / animator Masami Obari will be returning to the SNK universe to direct a King of Fighters XV anime short, coinciding with the release of the new KOF installment. The animated movie will be included inside KOF XV's Gallery mode.
 

  
In June 2021, producer Yasuyuki Oda made the announcement that The King of Fighters XV release window has been postponed to the first quarter of 2022. The official statement from SNK confirms the continued rising cases of COVID-19 in Japan has affected the original development schedule for KOF XV and is the main cause for the delay. KOF XV was originally announced back at EVO 2019 with the logo reveal, but it wasn't until early this year that the first gameplay footage was shown. SNK reaffirmed that the decision for the delay is to ensure the "quality" of KOF XV.
 

Page Updated: September 16th, 2021 Developer(s):  SNK Playmore Designer(s): Yasuyuki Oda              Director Eisuke Ogura               Creative Director Artwork By: Tomohiro Nakata       Main Illustrator Eisuke Ogura                Concept Art Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10, Steam Release Date(s): February 17th, 2022 Characters:  Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Leona Heidern, K', Benimaru Nikaido, Joe Higashi, Mai Shiranui, Meitenkun, Shun'ei, Chizuru Kagura, Andy Bogard, Yuri Sakazaki, Terry Bogard, Yashiro Nanakase, King, Shermie, Chris, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Blue Mary, Luong, Vanessa, Ramon, King of Dinosaurs, Athena Asamiya, Antonov, Ash Crimson, Heidern, Kukri Featured Video: Related Games: KOF XIV, KOF XIII, KOF XII, KOF XI, KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout, KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '98 Ultimate Match, KOF '99, KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2002 Unlimited Match, KOF 2003, 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, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, Fatal Fury, Tekken 7, SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy, Samurai Shodown (2019), Guilty Gear -STRIVE-, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition    Gameplay Engine   Story / Theme   Overall Graphics   Animation   Music / Sound Effects   Innovation   Art Direction   Customization   Options / Extras   Intro / Presentation   Replayability / Fun   "Ouch" Factor   Characters   BOTTOM LINE         First Impression: KOFXV already looks far more impressive than KOF XIV did in its early reveal trailer... to say very the least! Clearly, SNK has improved and refined their 3D graphics engine over the past few years through the development (and DLC support) of KOF XIV and Samurai Shodown (2019). KOFXV looks to be the most vibrant and ambitious 2.5D SNK fighting game to date! I miss 2D sprites as much as any old school fighting game player of 90's... but once again, SNK utilizing 3D graphics will allow them to more easily reuse aspects from KOF 14 (some which were solid) with a focus on adding more content and characters to KOF 15. Estimation? We might be looking at a huge roster down the road (with continued DLC support). As an old school SNK fan, I'm glad KOF is still around and hope KOFXV turns out to be something special. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click here for all concept artwork! Click here for all posters / box art / etc! Click here for all screenshots!