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Awesome Music / The King of Fighters

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Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome...the Band of Fighters!

Come on, what good is a franchise like The King of Fighters without some damn good tunes? Because SNK can deliver on the soundtrack as they can with Awesome Animation, too.

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Franchise-Wide Leitmotifs

    ESAKA 
A line of leitmotifs strongly associated with Kyo Kusanagi. Beyond that, they're also associated with not only The King of Fighters as a franchise, but SNK themselves, as the name comes from Esaka Station, a station in Osaka where SNK's headquarters is also located.
  • "ESAKA", the Japan Team theme from The King of Fighters '94. The one that would start the whole tradition. So memorable that it was re-used for Capcom vs. SNK. The arranged version has a much more heroic feeling to it. It received a new arrangement in '98, fittingly called "ESAKA '98", used whenever the EX version of Kyo is on a team, which gives it a more dance-like feeling. It also received an arranged version, which is even more epic in scale.
  • Funky ESAKA, the Japan Team theme from '95, practically sounds like something you'd hear at a sports stadium. The arranged version lives up to the name more than the original version.
  • "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.
    • The arranged version is by far the most fondly remembered, featuring a solo that can only be described as "epic".
    • The '98 version, despite a slightly slowed down pace, is by no means less powerful.
    • ESAKA? ~Acid Mix~. Repurposed as the theme for the Kyo clones, who both use Kyo's classic movesets and even voice clips, it naturally takes on techno influences. The arranged version, while no less awesome, also adds a sense of "wrongness" to accompany the fact that you're not dealing with the real Kyo Kusanagi, making use of radio samples and static.
    • The 2002 version, used as the theme for Kusanagi, yet another clone of Kyo's past self. 2003 brought it back with updated instrumentation, and then it got an arranged version which takes on a jazzier tone to it.
    • ESAKA!! from Unlimited Match gives the song a synth-rock feel. This rendition later made it into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate once Terry Bogard was released.
    • The XI version, used as the theme for NESTS-style Kyo, reinterprets the song with the kind of instrumentation used on XI, and comes off as closer to the Acid Mix as a result, befitting it being used for the '99-2001 era Kyo.
    • Despite not being fondly remembered, even XII got a remix.
  • '97 gives us the rocking ESAKA Forever. Unlike past examples, this song is used for Kyo himself, rather than his team, and thus is more representative of his cocky yet easygoing personality. 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.
  • Although not technically part of the ESAKA line, Tears from KOF '99 thematically incorporates ESAKA? into the backing portions of the song. As the name implies, it's a mellow but somber melody that reflects and encapsulates the circumstances behind and the results of Kyo's changes. The arranged version features some soul-rending riffs to further embody the song's name.
  • 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. The arranged version doesn't hold back on the song's somber mood, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the wind.
  • At Suita City, Toyotsu-cho... Much like Tears, it is technically not a part of the ESAKA series, but it takes heavy inspiration from it and almost feels like a tribute to the old SNK, showing that while they may have been called Playmore at the time of the song's creation, their spirit lived on.
  • ESAKA Continues from XIII. This theme 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.
  • 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, 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.
  • Good Bye ESAKA -KOF XV Ver.-, a rearranged version of the 2000 theme that plays if Iori fights Kyo in a match (Specifically if Iori is used by Player 1, as otherwise, Iori's theme will play instead.) As opposed to the swan song feel of the original, this one is much more triumphant, 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: Miseteyaru... Kusanagi no kobushi wo!!EN 

    Stormy Saxophone 
Iori Yagami's brand of leitmotifs. As their name implies, they are all jazz songs that always incorporate heavy saxophone usage.
  • Stormy Saxophone, the one that started it all. A groovy number that, while mellow, carries an underlying fire within. The arranged version cranks the jazz up, adding powerful drums and a breathtaking jazz flute solo.
    • It received a rearrangement in '98, called Stormy Saxophone '98, and that version got its own rearrangement which has a more funky feeling to it. Both are used when fighting Iori as the first character on a team that doesn't have Vice or Mature on it.
    • It returned again in KOF XI, and in KOF XIV for whenever Iori faces Kyo while both are in their Classic DLC costumes.
  • Stormy Saxophone 2, by far the most recognized one in the series. It expands on the foundation set by the first and cuts loose with the saxophone.
    • The arranged version is the most recognizable version, incorporating rock influences and doing the original version justice.
    • The '98 version, which features updated instrumentation. and the 2002 version, which comes the closest to sounding like the arranged version.
    • It returned in XIII as the theme of Iori With the Power of Flames, sounding much more subdued.
    • The arrangement from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate takes the orignal version and makes it sound better by using live instruments.
  • Cool Jam ~Stormy Saxophone 3~. As its name implies, it's a bit more laid back than the previous entries in the series, as if to show that there is so much more to Iori's character beyond his hatred and rivalry towards Kyo. It received a remastered version in '98 which added new instrumentation.
    • The arranged version, which gives it a much more funky feeling and featuress even more blazing-hot saxophone licks.
    • Cool Jam 2 serves as a sequel to the original and fully cements itself as part of a separate sub-series while staying true to the Stormy Saxophone roots. The arranged version adds even more funk.
  • 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. 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. The arranged version cranks up the rock and jazz aspects. And then the KOF XV version cranked it past that, featuring even harsher guitars, heavier drums, and a bone-chilling bassline.
  • Stormy Scream ~Stormy Saxophone 4~, the final entry in the series before SNK went bankrupt, combines the feel of all the previous iterations to send Iori's legacy off with a blaze of glory. The arranged version follows suit, itself taking cues from the previous arranged versions of the older themes.
  • Stormy Saxophone 5 serves as a Call-Back to Stormy Saxophone 2, as Iori has reunited with Mature and Vice, and shows that while Iori may have lost his flames, he has not lost his edge.
  • And finally, Saxophone Under the Moon from XIV. A triumphant return to form from the original composers of SNK and highlights Iori himself moving forward into a new era.
  • For "Miss X's" appearance in SNK Heroines, Stormy Saxophone Under The Moon. A medley featuring all previous iterations of the series.

    KD 
The leitmotifs of NESTS Saga protagonist K' and his teammates. Fitting the saga's sci-fi motifs and the Darker and Edgier aesthetic of K', these thems tend to be a blend of techno and rock music.
  • KD-0079 The original version of the leitmoftif from '99, and probably the most well known version. Setting the tone for the saga, it captures K's toughness, aloof attitude, and the intensity of his fight against NESTS. It's also the most remixed version of the leitmotif, including the more upbeat and heroic 2002 UM version KD-0079+, and the more relaxed, but still intense, KOF XIV version, which plays during battles between K' and Ralf.
  • KD-0084 kicks the intensity up a notch in its guitar riffs, while providing some very smooth bass and drums to represent K' and Maxima's alliance with secret agents Ramon and Vanessa. The remix from XV cranks the intensity up to 11, with much rougher-sounding instruments and riffs to truly highlight the intensity of the rivalry between K' and his old foe Krohnen.
  • 2003 provides a more laid-back and confident theme, simply titled KD, fitting how K' is now free from NESTS and more in control of his life, but still a force to be reckoned with.
  • An extra "D" gets added to the leitmotif with the XI rendition KDD-0075, commemorating Kula's addition to the team. Perhaps the heaviest rendition of the leitmotif in the serious, featuring blaring synths resembling sirens, more metallic-sounding percussion beats, and being the first and so far only rendition not primarily composed in the key of E, it manages to combine the best of K's musical theming and XI's unique musical style.
  • After a hiatus due to XII using stage-based themes instead of character-based themes, the leitmotif makes its grand return in XIII with KDD-0063. Fast-paced and intense, befitting the high stakes as the Tales of Ash Saga comes to a close, K' and his team get a theme that shows, while they might not be directly involved in the main happenings of the saga, they aren't to be taken lightly in the slightest.
  • KD-SR from XIV opts for a softer theme that leans more into the techno aspects of the leitmotif. The more gentle tone fits well with the ruined, abandoned church that serves as the stage for Team K' in this game, while carrying the melancholy of the team's tragic past.
  • KD-009q from XV brings back the rock aspects absent from KD-SR, harkening back to the days of the NESTS Saga as K' and Maxima team up with Whip again for the first time since 2003.

Mainline Series

    Prologue and Orochi Saga (The King of Fighters '94 to '98) 

The King of Fighters '94

  • "Jungle Bouncer", the theme of the Ikari Warriors Team, is almost a note-for-note recreation of "Surprise! You're Dead!" by Faith No More. The arranged version is much more overt about the nod. It also got a rearrangement in 2002.
  • "Hey!", the theme of the Women Fighters Team. An upbeat, high energy song that captures Yuri, Mai, and King's personalities perfectly. The arranged version gives a jazzier, more party-esque feeling to the theme. An updated arrangement appears in '98 as a special theme for when someone has picked the '94 version of the Women Fighters Team.
  • "Dragon & Tiger Fist", the theme of the Art of Fighting Team, screams "intense martial arts legacy", a trend that would continue for years to come. The arranged version adds even more intensity to it.
  • "Slum No. 5", the theme of the American Sports Team. A purely funky beat that brings plenty of energy to the table. The arranged version feels even more jazzy.
  • "Napolitan Blues", an urban-style remix of "Pasta", Andy Bogard's theme from Fatal Fury 2, which is fitting because the area the Fatal Fury Team is representing is Italy. The arranged version makes the urban elements more subdied and brings the Italian elements to the forefront once more.
  • "Fear", the theme of the Korea Team. Befitting Kim's idea of taking in two criminals as his disciples, this theme has a whimsical, but still unsettling feel to it, letting you know that while Chang and Choi may be oddballs, they are still no less dangerous. The arranged version forgoes the unsettling feeling altogether and instead is more lighthearted.
  • Duel R&D, the first theme of Rugal Bernstein. Pure, menacing evil to the very core. The arranged version is even more subdued, and sounds more like something you'd hear when infiltrating a base. It receives a rearrangement in '95 called Crying R - Sorrowful D, and also has an arranged version which remains unreleased on any of the official soundtracks.
  • Showdown R&D, the main theme of Rugal Bernstein. One of the most infamous boss songs in fighting game history, because you will be hearing it a LOT as Rugal reveals his true power and proceeds to utterly kick your ass to Hell and back, so you may as well learn to enjoy the pain of being hit by Genocide Cutter. The arranged version has more of a dance-mix feeling to it. It is such an iconic theme for Rugal that it is one of the most remixed songs in the entire series. It came back in '98, under the name XXX, with an even more menacing feel to it with creepy static in the background. The arranged version outright sounds like a wrestling promo. It returned once more in 2002: Unlimited Match as Unlimited R. The XV version, used for his Boss Challenge, is equally, if not more, menacing, as Rugal has returned from the dead to ensure an ass-kicking of your lifetime. Expect to hear this a lot as you will also have to deal with his dreaded Dead Mount Press to this.

The King of Fighters '95

  • Prisoner, the Korea Team theme. By this point, it seems Kim's rehabilitation is starting to kick in for Chang and Choi, as the theme is more whimsical than that of its predecessor, even the arranged version
  • Desert Requiem, Easily one of the most memorable themes of the Ikari Warriors Team, given that the SNK Sound Team has continually had it remixed over the course of the series' history, and it even serves as the theme when Heidern, Ralf, and Clark are on the same team in Ultimate Match. The arranged version is pure heavy metal and pulls no punches with its hard-hitting drums. Desert Requiem ~Operation02UM~ has more of a focus on the "desert" aspect, with Middle Eastern instruments thrown in. Desert Requiem -KOF XIV ver.- fits more in line with Heidern himself, as it's his theme when fought as the first member of a team in XIV, and has more of a commanding tone to it.
  • Shuddering Gong is a particular standout from the rest of the Psycho Soldier Team's themes, as it's the only one that does not follow the pop genre motif, instead focusing on their Chinese representation. The arranged version has a more contemporary feel to it, adding in a funky bassline. It ended up rearranged in '98 as Tremble! Shuddering Gong, now taking cues from the '95 arranged version and adding rock elements.
  • 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. The arranged version is softer in tone and more fitting for the environment of the stage. Not to be outdone, a remix returns in XV as Andy and Mai's destined battle theme.
  • Dragon & Tiger Fist ~Shaking a Man's Heart~ begins the trend of adding funk elements to the Art of Fighting Team themes. The arranged version adds some Japanese elements to it.
  • Ground-Creeping Bass is pure jazz, befitting it being the music for King's bar. It also ends up used as the theme for fighting the EX version fo Yuri, Mai, and King in Ultimate Match. The arranged version has a more techno feel to it, more suitable for a club.
  • HAL, Bass, and Melody, the theme of Saisyu Kusanagi. An intimidating theme for the father of series protagonist Kyo. It is littered with elements from Duel R&D, reflecting Saisyu being brainwashed by Rugal. The arranged version has more of a techno influence and more overt references to Duel R&D when the pitch shifts to match it.
  • Guitar, Omega, and Rugal, the theme of Omega Rugal. A fitting theme for the final battle against Rugal, with pulse-pounding drums and a sense of decisiveness to it. The arranged version is more of a dance mix than anything, and contains a familiar sound sample to fans of Jet Set Radio.
  • In the console versions of the game, players receive a special reward for completing the game with the Psycho Soldier Team. Instead of the standard credits across a black background, the three of them are seen in the background performing a song called My Love ~Uplifting My Courage~, with vocals from Athena (Moe Nagasaki). The song returns in the console versions of Ultimate Match as the theme of Athena vs. Kensou.

The King of Fighters '96

  • Rumbling on the City. One of the most memorable themes of the Ikari Warriors Team, and the start of their themes becoming more energetic to reflect the addition of Leona. The arranged version has more distinctive and melodic guitar solos than its arcade version counterpart. The '98 version updates the original with better instrumentation.
  • Seoul Road. As if to showcase the Character Development of Chang and Choi under Kim's tutelage, their team themes begin to take on a more heroic vibe starting here, with a song that screams "Evil is unforgivable!". The arranged version is pure rock, which Kim's themes had begun to exhibit starting with Real Bout Fatal Fury. XIV brought it back as the theme of Kim vs. Chang & Choi, having taken on a slightly more sorrowful tone showing Kim's disappointment that his two disciples have seemingly gone back to a life of crime.
  • Longhorn Beetle. Reflecting Yuri's addition to the team in place of Takuma, the Art of Fighting Team theme now sounds much more lively. The arranged version is jazzier and has more western influences.
  • Get'n Up. With the addition of Kasumi Todoh, the Women Fighters' Team theme now takes cues from Art of Fighting 3's jazz and house-themed soundtrack. The arranged version sounds like something befitting an extravagant night on the town, which perfectly suits the stage being a restaurant at the top of a skyscraper.
  • Dust Man. A slow, enigmatic beat with an undeniably urban feel to it. A perfect fit for the deadly crime boss and pimp that is Mr. Big. The arranged version sounds like something you'd hear in a survival horror game, with creepy bells and heavy, distorted breathing noises.
  • Fairy. A powerful yet graceful melody that perfectly captures Chizuru Kagura's character and gives a sense of finality to the tournament itself. The arranged version, however, manages to one-up the original by giving it the same energy as "ESAKA?" and turning it into a powerful rock track that is fondly remembered and praised by many as one of the best tracks in KOF. It would go on the be rearranged in '98. It returns in 2003 as Sacredness ~ Fairy, used as the theme for both Chizuru and Maki Kagura. It made another return in XV, used as the Destined Battle theme between Chizuru and Benimaru.
  • Trash Head, the theme of Goenitz. A grandiose, menacing theme befitting of the mastermind behind the events of the Orochi Saga. And you'll be hearing it a lot as you try and dodge his onslaught of summoned tornadoes. The arranged version sounds like a triumphant military march and brilliantly utilizes distortions to reflect Goenitz's wind element. It returns in Unlimited Match as Trash Head ~Spring Has Come~ with a more symphonic rock flavor, befitting Goenitz's nature as a priest. It also returns in XV with a similar rock flavor.
  • Completing the game with the Japan Team has Self as the ending theme, and it overtakes the credits theme in the same manner as My Love from '95. This particular version of the song, however, is less significant than its arranged version, called Setting Sun & Moon, which is an Image Song sung by both Kyo (Masahiro Nonaka) and Iori (Kunihiko Yasui) that gives a somber, but meaningful glimpse into their complicated rivalry. A shorter, instrumental version is used for the console versions of the game.

The King of Fighters '97

  • Still Green, Shingo Yabuki's theme, neatly captures the light-heartedness and fun in contrast to a storyline at its darkest point. The arranged version sounds even more upbeat, with more harmonica solos and one hell of a jam session by the end. It then got another remix for KOF XV that combines elements from both the original and arranged versions, reflecting how far Shingo has come as a character.
  • Control Crisis, the sub-boss theme for Orochi Iori and Orochi Leona, sounds more like a Guilty Gear track than something SNK would do. The arranged version is even better.
  • Rhythmic Hallucination, the '97 Orochi team theme, is ominous and imposing. Its arranged version combines it with heavily distorted guitars, weird noises and a One-Woman Wail. The KOF XV version comes in three versions: The base Earth for Orochi Yashiro, Flame for Orochi Chris (with samples of Mad Fantasy), Lightning for Orochi Shermie (with samples of Fanatic Waltz). All three managed to sound darker and more grim than the original.
    • In '98, this got expanded even further, with "Rhythmic Hallucination" being given to Orochi Yashiro alone. In its place, Orochi Shermie gets the subdued yet fitting Fanatic Waltz, and Orochi Chris gets the downright sinister Mad Fantasy. Their arranged versions are even better. Both Fanatic Waltz and Mad Fantasy return in KOF XV, with the former adding strings to make a dark theme sound darker and the latter's pitched percussions and synths adding to the theme's creepiness factor.
    • And eventually culminated into this for KOF 2002: Unlimited Match. Fun.
    • The New Faces Team's non-Orochi forms also had pretty killer music (no pun intended) in the form of Bloody. Naturally, this too was remolded when Unlimited Match came along. The end result? Re:Bloody. And then it was remixed again in XV as the rival battle theme of Iori and Yashiro.
  • The Origin of Mind, for Orochi himself. Trippy, ominous, oddly serene, and hard to identify, it fits Orochi completely. The arranged version has almost an Arabian sound to it, then throws in some synthesisers and killer guitars.

    The NESTS Saga (The King of Fighters '99 to 2002 Unlimited Match) 

The King of Fighters '99

  • What better way to usher in a new saga of KOF than with the Hero/K' Team's theme, "KD-0079"?
    • This is the arranged version and this is supposedly the original arranged version of KD-0079. Holy... Both were cranked up with Cutting Edge and KD-0079+ in Unlimited Match.
    • KD-0079 eventually got remixed for KOF XIV combining guitars representing Ralf's eagerness and an equally mellow tune representing K's cynicism.
  • Tears and Sadistic Eyes are among two of the best boss themes in '99, used for the two "hidden" final bosses, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami. Interestingly, when superimposed, their respective tones fit each other perfectly, and seem to assimilate and even complete each other into something even more epic (if loud). Ladies, make of that what you will.
  • Krizalid and his theme Dear Falling Angel from '99, sounds like the distilled essence of pure technological awesome. This is the arranged version.

The King of Fighters 2000

  • Not one to be outdone, the Hero team gets the very energetic and fresh "KD-0084" to usher in The New Millennium! Here's the original version, and here's the arranged version. It also gets remixed for KOF XV as the rival theme for K' and Krohnen and by God, it is amazing.
  • Slasher Zero, for Clone Zero in 2000. Nearly all percussion and of an impossible-to-identify musical genre, it's one of the darkest themes in the series. The arranged version features a very Indian-ish tune near the end of the song.

The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match

  • Both the clone and the original Zero were given pretty slick tunes in 2002: Unlimited Match. Original Zero's theme is Testament of N.E.S.T.S., an imperialistic march that has a hint of undying duty and sadness while Clone Zero was given Dark Gravitation, a song that has split some fans on whether or not it's better than "Slasher Zero" (a song that was heralded as "pure evil in audio form".)
  • All members of team NESTS get their own unique themes in this game, as any of them can show up as a midboss on an arcade run. Kula gets the upbeat yet chilly-sounding Diamond Dust, Foxy gets the somber and bombastic Falling of the Nightingale, and Ángel gets the absolutely hectic and intense QT @ngel.

    The Tales of Ash Saga (The King of Fighters 2003 to XIII) 

The King of Fighters 2003

The King of Fighters XI

  • An Improvised Concerto, for Magaki. As classical piano, it's surprisingly subdued, but no less awesome.
  • When Gai Tendo from Buriki One appeared in XI, he came with an awesome remake of his original theme. Behold The Kickboxer!

The King of Fighters XIII

  • Fate, the calamitous theme of Saiki, which seems to incorporate elements of Magaki and Mukai's themes, fittingly enough. The console release nets Saiki two seperate, and equally sinister themes for his playable, clothed form.
  • And how else to bring the Ash saga to a close than with Diabolosis, the theme of Dark Ash? It's a very chilling, atmospheric piece, fitting of the final battle's nature.

    The Shun'ei Saga (The King of Fighters XIV-present) 

The King of Fighters XIV

  • The Image Song for XIV, Follow Me, has become memetic in the fandom for its catchy, hype-inducing melody and its presence in nearly every trailer for the game. WO-OH-OH-OOOOOOOOAH!!! It returns as the theme for the Coliseum Arena in XV's arcade mode, fitting perfectly as the setting for the tournament's grand finals.
  • You can't go wrong with some good tracks for the teams in this game.
    • As usual, the Japan Team have an energetic and powerful electronic rock theme in the form of "Yappari Esaka". It samples both the team's XIII theme and their classic 96 theme, giving a feeling of paying tribute to the past history of not only Kyo and his team, but the real life Esaka station that serves as both their stage and SNK's old home. Above all, this theme lets you know that KOF is truly here again.
    • Saxophone Under The Moon, the theme for the Yagami Team. Iori's penchant for orgasmic jazz music has blessed him, Mature and Vice well.
    • If you thought "Wild Street" rocked your socks off, wait until you listen to the new Fatal Fury Team theme, "Departure from South Town". A high-octane rocking piece guaranteed to get anyone pumped when fighting in their home stage, in which the song fits very well, too.
    • The theme for the Villains Team, "Wa", is a gritty industrial piece with distorted guitars and dubstep influences, appropriate for a team of convicted prisoners. It also has moments of creepy ambience which are especially fitting for series newcomer Xanadu, the mysterious cultist who lead Chang and Choi after they escaped from Kim.
    • For the South Town Team, we have "Soy Sauce For Koyadofu", a very intense combination of hard rock and traditional Japanese instruments, as expected from Geese Howard and his syndicate. And if that doesn't do it for you, Geese's classic theme makes a return if he fights against Terry. This remix is very fitting, standing out among all the rival battle themes for capturing the feel of a bloodthirsty brawl between these two longtime foes. The 2.0 update added this remix of the Art of Fighting 2 version of Geese's theme, fittingly for Ryo vs. Geese matches.
    • The new Psycho Soldier Team theme, "tachi bou ke", turned some heads for not only being another fun J-pop tune to go along with Athena's character themeing, but being the first KoF song, and possibly the first major fighting game song, to use a Vocaloid as its primarily vocalist. The vocal version is saved for all Athena vs. Kensou fights, while the instrumental version without the Vocaloid is the stage theme for the Psycho Soldier Team's stage, "The Bund". Even cooler is how it functions on the Bund stage itself - if a team match leads to Athena vs. Kensou mid-match, the vocals will kick in seamlessly with no interruption to the music. If Athena vs. Kensou ends and the match overall continues, the vocals will fade back out.
    • The mysterious Official Invitation Team bring with them "Venatore Ballare", a very unusual theme for the KOF series. It's a bombastic orchestra track with vocals sung in Italian, very appropriate for the opera house/masquerade arena theme that is their home stage.
    • The final boss music, Independence From An Aggregate, is a major shoutout to AKIRA. The theme itself starts off with an ominous atmosphere, then the rhythmic percussions of Japanese instruments and chanting starts playing, no holds barred.
    • Antonov's theme, I'm THE KING OF FIGHTERS, has a great guitar riff and solos, plus some epic orchestral parts. It gets an epic Triumphant Reprise in XV, aptly called "I Was THE KING OF FIGHTERS", which plays if Antonov is in the Galaxy Ring stage.
    • The credits theme, Burning On, sounds like something that would play as the series' swan song, but with a lot of developments for XIV (a proper shift to 3D for the main series, the start of a new story arc, etc.), it leaves fans hopeful and excited for what the future holds for SNK and the King of Fighters.
  • Version 2.0 of XIV adds some new songs to the game, most of which are remixes. "Emergence", Rock Howard's new theme, perfectly captures the spirit of classic SNK music before their first "death". Very reminiscent of Goodbye Esaka and Fairy, and appropriately uplifting for seeing a massive fan favorite finally join a canon KOF game.
  • Version 3.0 of XIV adds in two original themes.
    • "Successor", Najd's theme. An ominous tune with a distinct middle-eastern feel to it despite not using any middle-eastern instruments whatsoever.
    • "Full Burst", the theme of Shun'ei vs. Kukri, cementing them as the main rivals of the new saga... or so we thought until Isla showed up.

The King of Fighters XV

  • "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 2000's nu-metal like, say, Linkin Park or Story of the Year, but it's also a reminder: SNK are back and they're here to stay.
  • The main menu theme for this game has several Musical Nods from past games. The very first notes are a nod to '97's Satellaview (which is what you see in that game before every fight), the opening guitar alludes to 2000's staff roll theme before transitioning to '94's opening theme. And from there, we kick off to vanilla 2002's motifs before capping off with XI's opening intro. What a great way to get you pumped to play the game!
  • The Member Select theme, a high-energy rock/techno anthem that gets you excited to select your team and stage. Welcome to The King of Fighters XV!
  • As always, SNK waste no time in giving you some serious bangers for this game's teams.
    • Under the Control of..., the Hero Team's theme, is a very high-energy and upbeat for Shun'ei, Meitenkun, and Benimaru.
    • What better way to introduce this saga's Rival Team than with the urban Time for revolution It's our generation"? Which would also be right at home with the likes of The World Ends with You and Jet Set Radio.
    • Fictitious or Real, the theme for the first canonical entry of Team Sacred Treasures, combining elements of Kyo, Chizuru, and Iori's themes.
    • Resonant Objects is the new theme of Team Orochi as their comeback; the rock music befitting their profession.
    • Not one to give up on fighting just yet, Antonov decides to team up with Ramon and the King of Dinosaurs to form their own wrestling team. Their theme? The very crunchy and hard-hitting "Enter the Venue", which sounds like something Mick Gordon would wholeheartedly endorse.
    • For a second, everyone thought that this guy was doomed to the void of Canon Discontinuity, but one lawyer-friendly redesign later and K9999, aka Krohnen, makes his triumphant return after 20 years worth of games with the very melancholic techno/rock tune of "Liberty".
    • "How About a Trip to PAOPAO CAFÉ?", a swanky, melodic jazz score for Team Art of Fighting.
    • Taking a page from XI's "Secret Circumstances" (which also happened to be Vanessa's theme back in XIV, amusingly enough), Team Secret Agent gets the very sensual and upbeat "Femme Fatale".
    • The other Amazon Brigade of XV, Team Super Heroine, gets the very bombastic and swanky "Like a Queen", which calls to mind the XIII and XIV themes of the Women Fighters, as well as some cues from 2000's "Come Up Smiling".
    • A trip to South Town Sound Beach isn't complete without the Surferiffic and somewhat relaxing (ironically) "Ride the Big Wave!" A truly fitting tune whether you're just enjoying the Beach Episode or the sight of Terry annihilating the opponent with a well-placed Stardust Ignition!
    • Team K', as always, is ready to rock and roll with "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.
    • If you can get past the chuckle-worthy name, "Slushy Road" is an incredibly chilly and classy theme that all but underscores Ash's return to The King of Fighters XV. Now featuring Elisabeth in his team! …And Kukri.
  • The new Fateful Battle themes are also excellent:
    • Meitenkun and Shun'ei not only return for this game as the saga's heroes, but also get a new, catchy, and very upbeat rival theme in "Sobagaramakura", which also incorporates traditional Chinese instruments and complements their heritage quite nicely.
    • "No.53" (Ash's and Elisabeth's Fateful Battle theme) is a huge love letter to The King of Fighters XI, 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.
    • Taking a page out of Castlevania, "Sand and Mud", 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 thought the remix of the original Ikari Warriors theme was amazing, wait until you hear the remix of the second game's theme, "A Storm of Cheers". Because what better way to celebrate the oldest duo in KOF than with a militaristic fanfare?
    • At long last, Rock and Geese are finally both in a canonical KOF entry, so it makes sense that the fated battle between father and son gets its own theme. And shockingly, it's not another arrangement "For Geese". Way to the Horizon is framed from Rock's perspective, as Geese has already established his own legacy through how omnipresent his theme is whenever he appears. All of Rock's hate for the evil man that Geese became, and his desire to put an end to his father's lust for power and be free of his shadow is exemplified in this theme, with swelling guitars on par with "Emergence" and even featuring thematic call-backs to "Spread the Wings".
  • While it was originally used in the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection, XV sees the return of the 2018 mix of the Psycho Soldier theme (performed by Haruna Ikezawa herself), which plays if Athena is on the Concert Hall stage.
  • Thought you'd seen the last of Verse back in XIV? Oh, you sweet summer child. Re Versenote  says hello with its self-titled motif that changes instrumentation depending on which character you're on. This plays for the Point (first) character, this is for the Battery (second), and this is for the Anchor (third).
  • Otoma=Raga, the Final Boss of the game, wouldn't be complete without the music to accompany her. Behold:
    • "Enforcement" is a 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 "Absolute Denial", an intensely chaotic track that shows she means business.

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