History AwesomeMusic / TheKingOfFighters

--> '''Kyo:''' [[BadassBoast Miseteyaru... Kusanagi no kobushi wo!!]][[labelnote:EN]] I'll show you... the true fists of the Kusanagi!! [[/labelnote]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2DkcX7F3I Revolutionary Etude ~ R2]], a perfect mashup of both Music/FryderykChopin and some hardcore techno to accompany none other than Rugal's son, Adelheid.
** Although [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6H7d34XXqo the AST version]] is no slouch, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KGjYjTRBuA the rendition of it]] in ''KOF All-Stars'' blows it out of the water.
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%%!!!''The King of Fighters XII''
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%%!!!''The King of Fighters 2003''

[[folder:Prologue and Orochi Saga (''The King of Fighters '94'' to ''[='98'')]]

[[folder:The Rugal/Orochi Saga (''The King of Fighters '94'' to ''[='=]98'')]]

** [[https://youtu.be/4vq9yGrOGvU Fictitious or Real]], the first ever theme for the first canonical entry of Team Sacred Treasures which combines elements of Kyo, Chizuru, and Iori's themes.
** [[https://youtu.be/XkO8Q0_WsSQ Resonant Objects]] is the new theme of Team Orochi as their comeback, the rock music also suits both their profession and their home stage, a concert hall.

** For a second, everyone thought that this guy was doomed to the void of CanonDiscontinuity, but one [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown lawyer-friendly redesign]] later and K9999, aka [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Krohnen]], makes his trimphant return after ''20 years'' worth of games with the very melancholic techno/rock tune of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTEfbotFnIg "Liberty"]].
** As per tradition, Team Art of Fighting isn't one without some swanky, melodic jazz to score their fights with. So what better way to do so than with, well, [[https://youtu.be/L-FnDxeNwPs "How About a Trip to PAOPAO CAFÉ?"]]

* Otoma=Raga, the FinalBoss of the game, just wouldn't be complete without the music to accompany her. Behold:
** [[https://youtu.be/xYISYrd8E94 "Enforcement"]] is a very unique piece that incorporates synths, a guitar, and vocals to give you a very ethereal theme that hammers in the high stakes of the fight.
** Just when you thought the fight was over, Otoma=Raga gets right back up and blindsides you with the aptly named [[https://youtu.be/k_fgkPHgE64 "Absolute Denial"]], an intensely chaotic track that shows she means business.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meBWcPoTrpw Still Green]], Shingo Yabuki's theme, neatly captures the light-heartedness and fun in contrast to a storyline that ws about to its darkest point.

Come on, what good is a franchise like ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters'' without some damn good tunes? Because SNK can deliver on the soundtrack as well as on the SugarWiki/AwesomeAnimation, too.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nN6eWJLvbg Control Crisis]], the Orochi Iori/Orochi Leona sub-boss theme for ''[='97=]'', sounds more like a ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'' track than something SNK would do. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBgKHBtXhqE The arrange version is even better.]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAyIh9JBnM4 Showdown R&D, Rugal Bernstein's theme.]] Very energetic, and a song you'll be hearing quite a bit since you'll be losing to Rugal so often. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXUduwenXSI This]] is the arranged version.
** And, [[{{Leitmotif}} just like Geese]], "Ketchaku R" has been subject to a few remixes over the years: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR78hDcp7aE XXX]] in ''KOF '98'' and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nBBBs3FyOM Unlimited R]] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''.
** The song was arranged [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEZNaib2IH0 one last time]] before the original SNK went down.
** Now with a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Wwx1DTpFY NES version.]]
** His ''other'' themes, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdTL7v522u8 Guitar, Omega, and Rugal]] in ''[='95=]'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQjBUXOE5Yw The RR]] in ''[='98=]'', and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0cYnmIqlac Last Dance]] in ''2002'', have their fair share of fans too. Although "Last Dance", to be honest, has the smallest circle of fans compared to the other themes. Thank you, Eolith.
** And there's the theme of Rugal's son Adel: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IopxsATfk Revolutionary Etude~R2.]] It starts out as a Chopin piece, and then goes into full-blown techno. His ''XI'' theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbOwFakaBCQ King]] is ''even better''. And its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5auHZkvw_7E arranged version]] is ''even better than that.''
* ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters2002: Unlimited Match'' made up for ''2001'' and ''2002'''s rather poor soundtracks with a new soundtrack, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-phVGbouY oh]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy16dCouwc8 what]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx4-B8kA-o8 a]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3q-AmhhFf8 difference]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4fF6Tw9AFg it]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_edVnvd5t0 makes.]] It also gives [[AnIcePerson Kula Diamond]] a long due deserved song (since the wonderful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SSwIRp75pI Ice Place]]) that is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnxJtCq96dE actually kickass]]. Ice Place would get a remix in ''XIV'' and plays [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyXHZAx6vI8 when Kula and Angel face each other]].
* ''The King of Fighters 2000'', essentially the old SNK's swan song, has an appropriately awesome soundtrack. Nowhere is this exemplified more than in Kyo's theme, the appropriately titled [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8T-23D2Zs Goodbye Esaka]]. You can pretty much feel all the emotions of SNK's (brief) demise.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6EjwPw2LlI remix for XIII]] is nothing to sneeze at either.
** The rest of the Esaka series is no slouch in terms of amazing muscial direction either. First up was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T3el2F_E8g Esaka]] in ''The King of Fighters '94''. While [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEtoPE0XpiY Funky Esaka]] is usually passed over due to SoundtrackDissonance, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VHXy8MG-HU Esaka?]] in ''[='96=]'' is one of the most notable (if not ''the'' most notable) tracks in the series and returned as the Japan team's theme in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcvB8KcOzgE '98]]'' (also give a listen to the ''[='=]96'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAYuXUIHB8U arrange version]] of the theme). In fact, it's so popular that it was reused several times over the course of the series: first in ''[='99=]'' for his clones Kyo-1 and Kyo-2 as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeS7VCK8Cmw Esaka ~Acid Mix~]], as a part of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNh0PV5U10s real Kyo's theme in the same game]], again for his clone/evil magical doppelganger Kusanagi's theme in ''2002'' ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXQzHmrJMdw Esaka '02]]) and ''2003'' ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tpg0DAlvQ Esaka '03]]), as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5Jf-rhir0 two]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4ooDSZU0U remixes]] for EX Kyo in ''XI'', and as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY7NHkLmoW8 Esaka!!]] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''. Finally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aL8KiPsrvU Esaka Forever]] in ''[='97=]'' memorably brought the {{Orochi}} Saga (and Kyo's stint as protagonist) to its fated conclusion.
** ''XII'' has its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-HV96FprKY own version]] as a bonus soundtrack.
** In ''XIV'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F57S-CdufWU Yappari Esaka]] serves as Team Japan's theme. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better by taking cues from the original "Esaka?" from '96, we have now come full circle. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6vgRwO3sb0 Yappari Esaka?]] is a full remix of the original song done completely in the style of the newer version.
* At the other end of the spectrum are [[TheRival Iori Yagami]]'s jazz-heavy themes with screaming saxophones, the Arashi no Saxophone (that's "Stormy Saxophone" for those who don't know Japanese) series: It started in ''The King of Fighters '95'' with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aht_nDKMf70 Arashi no Saxophone]] (which was popular enough to be rearranged in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-als-ojUPiQ KOF '98]]'' and again in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK_TOFv27gY XI]]''), then continued with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6EIjv7opyo Arashi no Saxophone 2]] in ''[='96=]'' (ditto in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVcMi1CHDO8 2002]]'' and ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ40_kH4HrY XIII as EX Iori]]''), [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR56lz3l8oI Cool Jam (Arashi no Saxophone 3)]] in ''[='97=]'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBnHXYVkqPQ Stormy Scream (Arashi no Saxophone 4)]] in ''2000'', and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR5ZT7Kz4SI Cool Jam 2]] in ''2003'', then finally XIII gives us [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwqpjLfmjeQ Arashi no Saxophone 5.]] For the new story arc starting in ''XIV'', the Yagami Team gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg1u4Zxo3eQ Saxophone Under the Moon]] as their theme song. The original Stormy Saxophone eventually got a remix in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_4ux1hevo KOF XIV]], fittingly as the rival theme between Kyo and Iori with their classic DLC outfits on.
* Whenever Benimaru and/or [[AscendedFanboy Shingo]] end up on a team without Kyo, their themes tend to rival (or even ''surpass'') his themes in the same game. See [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meBWcPoTrpw Still Green]] in ''KOF '97'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TknOsDVDuKU Inner Shade]] in ''2000'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyLdMiExZ-s Joyrider]] in ''2003'', and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Xy-RTdYrs Asia Sangokudomei (Triple Alliance of Asia)]] in ''2002: Unlimited Match''.

Come on, what good is a franchise like ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters'' without some damn good tunes? Because SNK can deliver on the soundtrack as well as on the SugarWiki/AwesomeAnimation, too!

A line of songs that is not only associated heavily with Kyo Kusanagi and ''KOF'' as a franchise, but SNK themselves, being named after their headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCYgBXbefYI "ESAKA"]], the Japan Team theme from ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters94''. The one that would start the whole tradition. So memorable that it was re-used for ''Capcom vs. SNK''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmFhs7ZySMM The arranged version]] has a much more heroic feeling to it. It received a new arrangement in '98, fittingly called [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukPRnBZNH24 "ESAKA '98"]], used whenever the EX version of Kyo is on a team, which gives it a more dance-like feeling. It also received [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCpIZ7h7V14 an arranged version]], which is even more epic in scale.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukmnYjBdARs "ESAKA?"]]. Out of all the Japan Team themes, the one from '96 is easily the most well-known. A vibrant melody compounded by strong drums and beautiful keyboard and guitar work that just screams "rock anthem". It's considered by many to be one of the most iconic songs in all of fighting games, and the SNK Sound Team's greatest achievement.

* '97 gives us the rocking [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZTBiTssn18 ESAKA Forever]]. Unlike past examples, this song is actually used for Kyo himself, rather than his team, and thus is more representative of his cocky yet easygoing personality. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jNyqffUok The arranged version]] cranks the rocking up a notch and has some backing guitars and basslines that emulate the sound of sizzling flames. In '98, it's used for rival matches between Kyo and Iori.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTf0xGW4BE Goodbye ESAKA]] from ''2000'' is widely considered by many to be SNK's swan song to the fans before their first demise, and it certainly feels that way with a melody that starts out as reflective of happier times, before suddenly shifting into a more melancholy, climactic mood. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M_W8bGZt94 The arranged version]] doesn't hold back on the somber mood of the song, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the wind. A [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBW5ChEf7s slightly rearranged version]] appears in ''XV'' as Kyo and Iori's rival theme when they fight each other in a match (if Iori is on the Player 1 side while Kyo is Player 2). As opposed to the swan song feel of the original, this one is much more triumphantn, heralding SNK's grand return to the fighting game genre as the song progressively swells up until the 1:16 mark, where it just goes all out!

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACW36lBGvsY ESAKA Continues]] from ''XIII''. A theme that perfectly lets you know that Kyo and his teammates are not about to let the conflict with Ash go unfinished. It returned for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.
* And last but not least, we have [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzqasS2_L3U Yappari ESAKA]] from ''XIV''. This song marks the triumphant return of SNK, and fittingly gives the feeling of a new beginning. It also later reappeared for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. Meanwhile, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6vgRwO3sb0 Yappari ESAKA?]] is a full rearrangement of Kyo's most iconic theme, ESAKA?, using the instrumentation and tone of Yappari ESAKA, and it syncs up so perfectly you'd think it was the team's actual theme for the game. It's used when a match between Kyo and Iori in their Classic DLC outfits occurs. The best part is that in-game, if the theme playing beforehand was Yappari ESAKA, it will ''transition seamlessly and dynamically'' into the remix.

A line of songs associated heavily with Iori Yagami. As their name implies, they are all jazz songs that always incorporate heavy usage of the saxophone.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6EIjv7opyo Stormy Saxophone 2]], by far the most recognized one in the series, and it's easy to see why. It expands on the foundation set by the first, and really cuts loose with the saxophone.

* For Iori-ahem, ''Miss X's'' appearance in SNK Heroines, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9LFfOropWo Stormy Saxophone Under The Moon]]. A medley featuring all previous iterations of the series.

[[folder:The Rugal/Orochi Saga (''The King of Fighters [='=]94'' to ''[='=]98'')]]
!!! ''The King of Fighters [='=]94''

!!! ''The King of Fighters [='=]95''

!!! ''The King of Fighters [='=]96''

!!! ''The King of Fighters [='=]97''

%%!!! ''The King of Fighters '98''

!!! ''The King of Fighters '99''

%%!!! ''The King of Fighters 2001''

%%!!! ''The King of Fighters 2002''

!!! ''The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match''

%%!!! ''The King of Fighters 2003''

!!! ''The King of Fighters XI''

%%!!! ''The King of Fighters XII''

!!! ''The King of Fighters XIII''

!!! ''The King of Fighters XIV''

!!! ''The King of Fighters XV''

** '''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII RESURRECTION!!!]]''' Just when you thought the fight was over, Otoma=Raga gets right back up and blindsides you with the aptly named [[https://youtu.be/k_fgkPHgE64 "Absolute Denial"]], an intensely chaotic track that shows she means business!

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BSCSmji7OE Tears]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFqz2X85_tQ Sadistic Eyes]] are among two of the best boss themes in ''[='99=]'', used for the [[spoiler:two "hidden" final bosses, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami]]. Interestingly, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbUIXxtb4-U when superimposed,]] their respective tones fit each other perfectly, and seem to assimilate and even ''complete'' each other into something even more epic (if '''[[LoudnessWar loud]]'''). [[YaoiFangirl Ladies]], [[WildMassGuessing make of that]] [[HoYay what you will.]]

A line of songs that are not only associated heavily with Kyo Kusanagi and ''KOF'' as a franchise, but SNK themselves, being named after their headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

* ''XIV'', being the series' big transition to 3D rendering, made sure to try and pack some great tunes in.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lseEsjtm1Ms Fairy, Chizuru's theme]] from ''KOF '96'' and its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKZfVCW3PUE arranged version]], as well as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIDeD1CaZ8c Sacredness ~ Fairy]] from ''KOF 2003''. Rock and gospel have never sounded so great together.

A line of songs that is not only associated heavily with Kyo Kusanagi and ''KOF'' as a franchise, but SNK themselves, being named after their headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

* If you thought "Follow Me" was an amazing ImageSong for ''XIV'', well... say hello to ''this'' game's own Image Song -- [[https://youtu.be/tKMAvQle-HY "Now or Never"]]! ''Hype incarnate'' doesn't even begin to describe this song in the slightest since not only is it a lovely little homage to [[TurnOfTheMillennium 2000's]] nu-metal like, say, Music/LinkinPark or Story of the Year, but it's also a reminder: SNK are '''back''' and they're here to stay '''for good.''' [[https://youtu.be/WnAWW6Zy1I8 "Smell of the Game"]], watch out - [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear you've got some competition]].

** Taking a note from ''2000''[='=]s "Inner Shade", we're blessed with the ''very'' high-energy and upbeat [[https://youtu.be/gZkgK_XBXHQ "Under the Control of..."]] for this game's Hero team - being Shun'ei, Meitenkun, and appropriately enough, Benimaru.
** What better way to introduce this saga's {{Deuteragonist}}/Rival Team than with the urban [[https://youtu.be/4DATzZahRcM "Time for revolution It's our generation"]]? Which would also be right at home with the likes of ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' and ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio''. As long as you aren't laughing your ass off over the fact that a guy like ''[[ColonelBadass Heidern]]'' is also associated with this theme, too.
** Alongside the first canonical entry of Team Sacred Treasures[[note]]Kyo, Iori, Chizuru who were previously only an alternate team in previous games[[/note]] comes "[[https://youtu.be/4vq9yGrOGvU Fictitious or Real]]," their first official theme, which combines elements of Kyo, Chizuru, and Iori's themes.
** The EnsembleDarkHorse trio of Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris celebrate their return after a ''25-year hiatus'' with the very energetic [[https://youtu.be/XkO8Q0_WsSQ "Resonant Objects"]], which is all the more appropriate for a song like this since their home stage here is a concert hall.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evzra9JQNTc Stormy Saxophone]], the one that started it all. A groovy number that, while mellow, carries an underlying fire within. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk2mBSt7NsA The arranged version]] cranks the jazz UpToEleven, adding powerful drums and a breathtaking jazz flute solo.

* Much like Kyo, Iori gets a theme in '99 that while technically not part of the Stormy Saxophone line of songs, still prominently features nods to them in its melody. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFqz2X85_tQ Sadistic Eyes]] lets the players know that even though he's not center stage anymore, Iori will always be a part of ''KOF'' and his destiny will always be intertwined with Kyo's, as the theme surprisingly goes together very well with Kyo's own theme. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXPcDwqTtlM The arranged version]] cranks up the rock and jazz aspects UpToEleven. And then [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H6HrkluznY the KOF XV version]] cranked it past that, featuring even harsher guitars, heavier drums, and a bone-chilling bassline.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzqBkXT1FAg This]] is the arranged version and ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jHa8VpMxsY this]]'' is supposedly the ''original'' arranged version of KD-0079. Holy... Both were cranked UpToEleven with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfrv4fVP28E Cutting Edge]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DNvjWdrtZk KD-0079+]] in ''Unlimited Match''.

* If any of Kim's themes have the word "UsefulNotes/{{Seoul}}" in them, that song is usually ''guaranteed'' to be awesome. It began with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6gb0XQ4UdM Seoul ni Ikou! (Let's Go to Seoul!)]] in ''VideoGame/FatalFury 2''/''Fatal Fury Special''. Then came [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbhn7D4i6n0 Seoul Town]] in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury''/''KOF '98'' (the ''[='98=]'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofLJSu2fxwI version]] was bashed to the point that the music team [[UpToEleven one-upped]] the song into [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNw3QDVvKw Seoul Town ~Ver. Justice]] in ''KOF 2002: Unlimited Match''). Next was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKtPWoMJJyo Seoul Road]] in ''KOF '96''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj9dIETvNMo Seoul'ssu]] followed in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special''. Finally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW2yVE5AazY Seoul Love]] in ''KOF 2003'' rounds out the series.

** It returend in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs367MXPtMw XIII]] as the theme of Iori With the Power of Flames, sounding much more subdued.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HGg9Wi3HuE The arrangement]] from ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'' basically take the orignal version and makes it sound way better by using live instruments.

** What better way to introduce this saga's {{Deuteragonist}}/Rival Team than with the urban [[https://youtu.be/4DATzZahRcM "Time for revolution It's our generation"]]? Which would also be right at home with the likes of ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' and ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio''. As long as you don't mind the fact that a guy like ''[[ColonelBadass Heidern]]'' is also associated with this theme, too.

** Team K', as always, is ready to rock and roll with [[https://youtu.be/GzjyHqmLHZE "KD-009q"]], a theme that harkens back to the Series' NESTS era, since it takes cues from both the original "KD-0079" and a bit of melancholia from ''KOF [='=]99''[='=]s "Tears", which was Kyo's theme in the game.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxfoplmTW08 Club-M ~Flute in the Blue Sky~]]. Not only is it a solid theme that was brought back in ''Ultimate Match'' when using the EX versions of Terry, Andy, and Joe on the same team, but in-game it's also a case of the music being perfectly timed for when the fight actually begins. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGXrEdsEw4c The arranged version]] is softer in tone and more fitting for the environment of the stage. Not to be outdone, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w0Vw-wGOYc&ab_channel=NeoGeoLand a remix]] returns in ''XV'' as Andy and Mai's destined battle theme.

** Antonov's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0pRsStFZ8w I'm THE KING OF FIGHTERS]], has a great guitar riff and solos, plus some epic orchestral parts.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxfoplmTW08 Club-M ~Flute in the Blue Sky~]]. Not only is it a solid theme that was brought back in ''Ultimate Match'' when using the EX versions of Terry, Andy, and Joe on the same team, but in-game it's also a case of the music being perfectly timed for when the fight actually begins. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGXrEdsEw4c The arranged version]] is softer in tone and more fitting for the environment of the stage.

* The ImageSong for ''XIV'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aSmfy_hjIU Follow Me]], has already become [[MemeticMutation memetic]] in the fandom for its catchy, hype-inducing melody and its presence in nearly every trailer for the game. '''[[MetalScream WO-OH-OH-OOOOOOOOAH!!!]]''' The song returns as the theme for the Coliseum Arena in ''XV''[='s=] arcade mode.
* Of course, you can't go wrong with some good tracks for the teams in this game, either.

* The new Fateful Battle themes are also excellent in their own right, too.
** Meitenkun and Shun'ei not only return for this game as the saga's heroes, but they also get a new, catchy, and very upbeat rival theme in [[https://youtu.be/RZ70dYKBfmg "Sobagaramakura"]], which also incorporates traditional Chinese instruments and compliments their heritage quite nicely.
** [[https://youtu.be/jb2oKGJ99mw "No.53"]] (Ash's and Elisabeth's Fateful Battle theme) , which is a ''huge'' love letter to ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFightersXI'', by way of implementing both Ash's motifs (electric guitar and synths) and Elisabeth's (violin). Also helps that it's a remix of ''XI's'' intro, too.
** Taking a page out of ''VideoGame/{{Castlevania}}'', there's [[https://youtu.be/qWu0kcybAYY "Sand and Mud"]], which plays during Kukri's and Dolores' Fated Battle. Couldn't be a better track to score a somber duel between a pupil and his master.
** If you though the remix of the original ''VideoGame/IkariWarriors'' theme was amazing, wait until you hear the remix of the second game's theme - [[https://youtu.be/g1X2i5eSUNo "A Storm of Cheers"]]. Because what better way to celebrate the oldest duo in ''KOF'' than with a militaristic fanfare?
* Thought you've seen the last of Verse back in ''XIV''? Oh, you sweet summer child. Re Verse[[note]] Think the [[EnemyWithout Kage]] to Isla's Ryu. [[/note]] says hello with its [[https://youtu.be/yjXrcyo7qc4 self-titled motif]] that changes instrumentation depending on which character you're on. [[https://youtu.be/7bVqS-FwmH4 This]] plays for the Point (first) character, [[https://youtu.be/mOW_y4B7drI this]] is for the Battery (second), and [[https://youtu.be/wfH3hFN_RIo this]] is for the Anchor (third).
* Otoma=Raga, the FinalBoss of the game, just wouldn't be complete without the music to accompany her. Behold -
** [[https://youtu.be/xYISYrd8E94 "Enforcement"]], which is a very unique piece that incorporates synths, a guitar, and vocals to give you a very ethereal theme that hammers in the high stakes of the fight.
** '''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII RESURRECTION!!!]]''' Just when you thought the fight was over, Otoma=Raga gets right back up and blindsides you with the aptly named, [[https://youtu.be/k_fgkPHgE64 "Absolute Denial"]], an intensely chaotic track that shows Otoma=Raga means business!

* The new Fateful Battle themes are also excellent in their own right, too. Meitenkun and Shun'ei not only return for this game as the saga's heroes, but they also get a new, catchy, and very upbeat rival theme in [[https://youtu.be/RZ70dYKBfmg "Sobagaramakura"]], which also incorporates traditional Chinese instruments and compliments their heritage quite nicely.

* The ImageSong for ''XIV'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JscLcDLBWzY Follow Me]], has already become [[MemeticMutation memetic]] in the fandom for its catchy, hype-inducing melody and its presence in nearly every trailer for the game. '''[[MetalScream WO-OH-OH-OOOOOOOOAH!!!]]''' The song returns as the theme for the Coliseum Arena in ''XV''[='s=] arcade mode.

* The ImageSong for ''XIV'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JscLcDLBWzY Follow Me]], has already become [[MemeticMutation memetic]] in the fandom for its catchy, hype-inducing melody and its presence in nearly every trailer for the game. '''[[MetalScream WO-OH-OH-OOOOOOOOAH!!!]]'''

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTf0xGW4BE Goodbye ESAKA]] from ''2000'' is widely considered by many to be SNK's swan song to the fans before their first demise, and it certainly feels that way with a melody that starts out as reflective of happier times, before suddenly shifting into a more melancholy, climactic mood. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M_W8bGZt94 The arranged version]] doesn't hold back on the somber mood of the song, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the wind. A [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBW5ChEf7s slightly rearranged version]] appears in ''XV'' as Kyo and Iori's rival theme when they end up fighting each other in a match (if Iori is on the Player 1 side while Kyo is Player 2). As opposed to the swan song feel of the original, this one is much more triumphant in comparison, heralding SNK's grand return to the fighting game genre as the song progressively swells up until the 1:16 mark, where it just goes all out!

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTf0xGW4BE Goodbye ESAKA]] from ''2000'' is widely considered by many to be SNK's swan song to the fans before their first demise, and it certainly feels that way with a melody that starts out as reflective of happier times, before suddenly shifting into a more melancholy, climactic mood. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M_W8bGZt94 The arranged version]] doesn't hold back on the somber mood of the song, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the wind.
** A [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBW5ChEf7s slightly rearranged version]] appears in ''XV'' as Kyo and Iori's rival theme when they end up fighting each other in a match (if Iori is on the Player 1 side while Kyo is Player 2). As opposed to the swan song feel of the original, this one is much more triumphant in comparison, heralding SNK's grand return to the fighting game genre as the song progressively swells up until the 1:16 mark, where it just goes all out!
---> '''Kyo:''' [[BadassBoast Miseteyaru... Kusanagi no kobushi wo!!]][[labelnote:EN]] I'll show you... the true fists of the Kusanagi!! [[/labelnote]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTf0xGW4BE Goodbye ESAKA]] from ''2000'' is widely considered by many to be SNK's swan song to the fans before their first demise, and it certainly feels that way with a melody that starts out as reflective of happier times, before suddenly shifting into a more melancholy, climactic mood. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M_W8bGZt94 The arranged version]] doesn't hold back on the somber mood of the song, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the wind. A [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBW5ChEf7s slightly rearranged version]] appears in ''XV'' as Kyo and Iori's rival theme when they end up fighting each other in a match.

** For a second, everyone thought that this guy was doomed to the void of CanonDiscontinuity, but one [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown lawyer-friendly redesign]] later and K9999, aka [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Krohnen]], makes his trimphant return after ''20 years'' worth of games with the very melancholic techno/rock tune of [[https://youtu.be/DaMpbF1Y8sk "Liberty"]].