Is this KOF 2002 Unlimited Match?
No. This guide covers the original 2002 Neo Geo arcade game. Unlimited Match began in 2009 and changes the roster, moves and presentation.
Game Rerun guide
Overview
Eolith developed the original game, released for Neo Geo MVS on October 10, 2002; Playmore published it in the US. It is the ninth KOF entry and a Dream Match bringing earlier fighters together.
Choose three fighters and their order. They take turns in one-on-one rounds until one team is defeated. This team format replaces the Striker system of KOF ’99–2001. The original supports one player against the CPU or two players competing.
Power stocks support super moves, defensive options and MAX activation. Original B+C activates MAX using one stock; a timer limits the state. The first, second and third team positions can hold up to three, four and five stocks. Quick MAX and special-move cancels offer routes into longer attacks.
Cheat Codes
2002 Neo Geo arcade: character-select codes
At character selection, use the input for the fighter you want.
- select KUSANAGI: highlight Kyo and enter Up, Down, Right, Left, Down, Up, Left, Right in that order. When the portrait changes to KUSANAGI, confirm with any original A/B/C/D attack button.
- select the Orochi team: Highlight Yashiro, Shermie or Chris. Hold Start to display that fighter’s Orochi version, then confirm with an original A/B/C/D attack button while holding Start.
Controls
- Directions
- Original joystick: move horizontally, jump upward, crouch downward and guard by holding away from the opponent. Standing and crouching guard cover different attacks.
- Four buttons
- Original Neo Geo A is light punch, B light kick, C heavy punch and D heavy kick.
- Emergency evade
- Hold forward or back and press A+B together to roll in that direction.
- Blow-away attack
- Press C+D together.
- Normal MAX
- Press B+C together to spend one power stock and enter MAX mode for a limited time.
- Quick MAX
- When a grounded normal or command attack hits or is blocked, press B+C together. This spends two power stocks, cancels the attack’s recovery and enters MAX without an activation animation.
Before you play
- Give each team member a simple normal attack and reliable special move before building elaborate MAX routes. All three must carry part of the match.
- Use team order to plan meter: later positions have a higher stock limit, so a fighter who benefits from resources can go later.
- Learn the distance of an emergency escape and its recovery. Rolling past pressure can still leave you vulnerable when the roll ends.
- Practice a short, repeatable MAX route first. The timer runs out, so activating without a follow-up can waste the stock.
Known limitations
- The game text is in English.
FAQ
How do normal and Quick MAX activation differ?
Normal activation uses B+C, costs one power stock and has an activation animation. Quick MAX uses B+C when a grounded normal or command attack hits or is blocked. It costs two stocks, cancels the current attack’s recovery and skips the activation animation so you can continue a combo. Both forms have a time limit.