Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 79 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 97 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 87 | 155 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 66 | 556 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (54)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“The first game in the King of Fighters series since 2010 offers a no-frills story mode that echoes the arcade experience.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“The King of Fighters XIV offers addictive playability, with a wide roster, and the classic 3vs3 team fights. Whether online or solo, this iteration of the franchise offers a mode for each player, specially those who have kept in touch with the series. An all-round experience in the genre, aiming to take a seat among more popular fighting games, with the aid of SNK's experience with this long-running franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Ironically, the biggest sticking point with King of Fighters XIV is the one aspect designed to make it more appealing to outsiders; the new "Rush" mode allows even complete newbies to look like combo-crunching experts, but it's likely to divide opinion with serious players who prefer to rely on their own skill and knowledge when it comes to unlocking the game's most potent moves. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The King of Fighters is back to claim its place as one of the most beloved fighting series of all time. Sadly though, it keeps using the same formula without even trying to innovate the core mechanics of the franchise which will only bring back the veteran enthusiasts instead of appealing to new generations. Quantity is not the same as quality and having a lot of characters on the roster won't make up for issues like a bad netcode or horrible 3D graphics.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“I am glad to have this series back, and this new iteration has been the most fun I have had with it to date. Sadly right now though it is only recommended as a local experience. Online is far too fickle at launch, so if that is what you are coming to King of Fighters for, you might want to wait it out.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The King of Fighters XIV is a complete game. That should be enough, considering how Capcom is trolling Street Fighter's fans with Street Fighter V. Despite the bad graphics, KoFXIV has amazing gameplay, is fun and can be enjoyed by both casual and pro players.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With plenty of opportunities available online or off, KOF 14 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.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“King of Fighters XIV is brilliant. It is certainly an upgrade on the last game, with upgraded visuals, a cool story mode, depth of characters, and great locations being the main boasting point. Having said that, the actual gameplay is brilliant stuff, with the combinations and movement of characters being a particular highlight. It is just a shame the online experience is rather hit and miss, even after the patch.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“As a new entry in the series that pushes it into uncharted territory, King of Fighters XIV is an admirable effort. Boasting a huge roster, accessible action and smooth gameplay, there’s a lot to like, but the mediocre transition to 3D and inconsistent netcode hold it back from greatness.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A successful soft reboot for the venerable fighting game series, and a great jumping on point for those dissatisfied by Street Fighter V.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Don't get thrown off by the new visual style, The King of Fighters XIV still offers solid fighting action for veterans and newcomers alike, and the slate of 19 new characters is a real treat.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“A game with great mechanics, poor story, cool characters, flawed graphics and with the flavor of the old school. ”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
Push Square
LevelUp
ZTGD
Eurogamer
GameSpot
GameGrin
TheSixthAxis
Metro GameCentral
We Got This Covered
Atomix…and 42 more tracked reviews.