SNK has officially launched The King of Fighters XIII Global Match (KOF XIII GM) on Steam, two years after its release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Priced at $19.99, this enhanced edition of the acclaimed fighting game now includes the highly requested addition of a rollback netcode and a nine-player online lobby.
Players who already own the base version of The King of Fighters XIII can continue to access and play their original copy. However, they have the option to upgrade to the enhanced edition at a discounted price of $6.99 — a deal that’s hard to pass up.
With The King of Fighters XIII Global Match’s improved rollback netcode, players can enjoy a seamless online experience against competitors from around the world. For those who prefer a more social setting for their FGC buddies, the newly introduced online lobbies support up to nine players, making it perfect for hanging out with friends or spectating intense matches.
Visually, the game retains its signature 2D sprite-based graphics, which set a high bar for the 2D fighting game genre when it came out. While The King of Fighters XIII Global Match does not introduce new story content, players can still relive the final chapter of the Ash Saga, told through a dynamic visual novel format that offers multiple character perspectives. While long-time fans may already be familiar with the story, this release is an excellent opportunity for new players to experience SNK’s classic in a fresh way.
The game includes all 36 playable characters from the 2010 release, including previously paid DLC fighters at no additional cost. While there are no brand-new characters, players can still enjoy a diverse roster featuring iconic fighters such as NESTS Style Kyo, Classic Iori, and Mr. Karate.
The original 2011 release was met with critical acclaim, competing closely with NetherRealm’s soft reboot of Mortal Kombat for the title of Best Fighting Game of 2011. Much of its praise stemmed from its fast-paced, technical combat system, which allows players to utilize advanced mechanics such as the Hyper Drive Gauge, EX Special Moves, and NEO MAX Super Special Moves, resulting in high-speed strategic battles.
Additionally, the soundtracks for KOF XIII GM and KOF XIV are now available on streaming platforms. All KOF digital soundtracks are also available at discounted prices until April 21, 2025.