Top 20 Best Themes In The King Of Fighters Series - Part 1 [#20-11] 

“I could be overthinking it, it could just be Kyo crying because he never finished High school.” I died XD

Arashi no Saxophone 1 is by far my favorite SNK ost. But when it comes to AST, then it's Arashi no Saxophone 2.

Don't feel too bad, even Sakurai could only bring himself to narrow down his own choices to 50 tracks (and yet we didn't get Blue Mary Blues...)

The level of detail in KOF's music is simply awesome which cannot be found in any fighting game plus unlike other fighting games KOF didn't took the techno or dubstep music route

I discovered your channel recently since I got into KOF with Terry's inclusion in Smash Bros. and I want to say I've been really enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work dude!

I have no idea how you made this list. Almost everyone one this list is one of my favorites is probably put them all in a tier. I wonder what are the worst themes in your opinion?

Ranking all KOF games: not all that hard Ranking all KOF music: I swear to god, there's none more complicated tasked than this

Understand the concept of love from rugal’s theme was something from jet set radio’s soundtrack which just confuses me further

Yeah I feel you, KOF packs in too much kickass tracks it's hard to pick even top 20.

4:12 T__Tears extremely melancholic expressed SNK's finical problems of that time while Goodbye esaka 13:40 was a fairwell to all the fans.

when i hear tears..i seriously lost myself somewhere..like i'm walking in the rain alone and screaming louder...no one will there to help me like this vibes...one of the best bgm i've ever heard in vid game history.....what a masterpiece..goddamn ❤

7:34 I can imagine Chizuru jumping with joy when she found out he killed himself

Alright dude, too controversial.

My favorite honestly has to be queen from Elizabeth’s team or ruler of the dark from Kula’s team

"... and the hole theme is just about Kyo crying for never being able to finish high school." XD I rate that joke with a SSS, it was just to perfekt! XD

Best SNK OST'S EVER: 1)-TEARS (KOF 99) 2)-Esaka forever (KOF 97) 3)-176th street (KOF 99) 4)-Sunset Sky Again (GMOTW) 5)-STILL GREEN (KOF 97) 6)-blue Mary's theme (KOF 97) 7)-ATHENA'S THEME (KOF 97) 8)-GOODBYE ESAKA (KOF XIII) 9)-Spread the wings (GMOTW) 10)-Esaka ? (KOF 96) 11)-Rhytmic hallucination (KOF 97) 12)-Arashi no saxophone 2 (KOF 96) 13)-FAIRY (KOF98) 14)-ZHE PRIME (KOF 2002 UM) 15)-Senritsu no dora (KOF 95) 16)-OMEGA RUGAL THEME (KOF 95) 17)-MAD FANTASY (KOF 98) 18)-ESAKA (KOF 94) 19)-Sunset Sky part 5 (FATAL FURY 3) 20)-Memories (KOF XI)

I'm sorry, but Kula's Ice Palace theme, and N.E.S.T.S ruler of the Dark Nation are my FAVS!!!

That was a blast, I can´t wait for part 2.

Best is Rhythmic hallucination 2nd Bloody 3rd is Mad fantasy

Cutting Edge is my favorite KOF theme of all time, so I was really happy to see it on the list. There were a lot of good picks. Looking forward to part 2. Keep up the good work!

My top five is 1. Tears Esaka 2. Departure from south town 3. To tame a bad boy 4. 11th Street 5. Arashi No Saxophone 2

Finally....someone recognizes Queen as being one of the best tracks in the entire series😊

sad that psycho soldier won’t be on this list, the og KoF bop before KoF was even a thing. At least it got a new remix with vocals after almost 20 years in smash

Why is tears so low Its my fave😥

My personal favorites not mentioned are: Esaka Forever (1997) Rhythmic Hallucination (also from 1997) In spite of one's age (1998) Beauty and the Beast (2000)

DAAAAMMM man, you put tears at number 18!!?😭 that's my number ONE!!!! NO hate l though, bruh, still love the video!!!

You, sir, are a true connoisseur of the arts. Thank you for this. You have inspired me.

I dislike Nameless (mainly because he stole K9999's place) BUT I have to admit that his theme is awesome.

Dear Falling Angel ... the best song. play against Krizalid, that SOB.

Appreciate your use of the Band of Fighters in the thumbnail. Also, obligatory list of personal favorites. I’d say Wild Street, Tame a bad boy, Stormy Saxophone 2 from Smash, KDD 0079+, KDD 0063, Zhe Prime, Tranquilizer, Saxophone under the Moon, and The London March from Smash. Mostly anything that’s rock or jazz from KOF. Edit: forgot to mention Ne! From KOF 94. Love that one. That and ESAKA!!, as well as Goodbye Esaka from KoF 13. Can’t believe I missed those.

As much as I love still green, med would be perfect for smash and im sad that it's not in

I really like 'NESTS' Ruler of the Dark from KOF 01 One of the best themes in that underrated game. When I think of K9999 that music always comes to my mind. Besides Kula, Foxy and Angel already have their personal themes in KOF 02 UM I just hope to see K9999 in KOF XV

Hopefully "In Spite Of One's Age" gets some recognition, cause its such a bittersweet song.

Good video. 5:25 Lol! That was cruel but true XD XD Poor Kyo

Esaka Forever is the best for me. It sounds like the god of all classic Esaka's. You know, like, it blends them in one superior track

UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF LOVE

Each Promise and Second Joker are really good

I love Tears, and I was so glad that they used in KOF Destiny as the ending theme. Also ShoryuGame, what do you think about KOF Destiny? I liked a lot even with its flaws. - V.D.

Stormy scream from kof 2000, everything is perfect, the drums, guittar, sax, everything

Where is part 2? i can't wait anymore

one thing I'll note about Shingo's theme though is that imo it's done the best (in terms of modernizing the sound) in KOF XI, the overall vibe sounds more refreshing, and while still fits Shingo's amateurish, charming vibe, the sense of it being upgraded also says something about his journey throughout KOF

my top twenty list ; 1) rhythmic hallucinations kof 97 2) ikari theme kof 95 3) terry theme kof 95 4) seoul road kof 96 5) esaka kof 98 6) goenitz kof 97 7) iori kof 95 8) chizuru kof 96 9) k' theme kof 99 10) zero theme kof 2000 11) krizalid kof 99 12) athena asamia kof 96 13) billy kane kof 98 14) kof 98 intro 15) kof 2000 intro 16) rumbling the city kof 98 17) omega rugal kof 98 18) jungle bouncer kof 94 19) kof 2oo2 arashi no saxophone 20) orochis theme. kof 97

Best ones from 96 always.. Nothing beats it

Rhythmic Hallucination better be in the top 10 D:

My list: 20.Senritsu no Dora 19.Origin of Mind 18.Inner Shade 17.Slasher Zero 16.Inner Shade 15.London March 14.Goodbye Esaka 13.Arashi No Saxophone 12.Guitar to Omega to Rugal 11.Still Green

I like: Trash Head Esaka psycho soldier theme (especially 96 remix) Rumbling in the jungle

I am actually really happy to see Trash Head, Cutting Edge, Guitar to Omega to Rugal and Goodbye Esaka on the list. I was actually listening to the Rugal theme these days on my own, and it really is freaking awesome. Goodbye Esaka is all about Kyo and his motorbike, and is one of the best themes Kyo ever had! My predictions for the next list off the top of my head are: Psycho Soldier, Ketsutou R&D, Last Dance, KD-0079, Esaka, Long Horned Beetle/Kamikirimushi, Big Shot, and of course, Arashi no Saxophone 2 at the No. 1 spot.

IN SPITE OF ONE'S AGE Is the best.

I have 3 that I definitely would have put here: ESAKA (EX Kyo) - '98 Arashi no Saxaphone (Iori) - XI Street Dancer (Fatal Fury) - XI

HOLY SHIT. Cutting Edge has been stuck in my head for like 6 months and I couldn't figure out where it came from. I'M HEALED!

Thoughts. -TEARS at ONLY #18 ?! -GOODBYE ESAKA not in the top 10? Your opinion is wrong , sir.

Cutting Edge and Mutually exclusive dichotomy are some good picks.

my favorite is Tears, for what it represents, but I know it isn't much suited for a fighting game.

Kdd 0075 from kofxi is my best favorite theme cause the sirens and techno beats can make any gamer dance to any fighting game outside of kof like i play this song playing injustice 2 and still make it awesome

Hopefully *Enigma Machine* us on this list I think this is the best KOF theme that fits the theme as well Maxima to K to Kula

I disagree with the list, but i appreciate your content so thumbs up

I think the original Snk theme is better than smash bros theme. Because SNK original is better and feeling better when I play it.

9:02 Yeah I don't I don't agree with you saying queen is better I think her theme from kof 13 is way better but again it's your opinion and I can respect that

I liked Nameless' theme Z-Prime, Kyo's Goodbye Esaka and the Kyo Clones Theme🔥🔥. Eagerly waiting for the 2nd Half ShoryuGame👍

I swear if _"In Spite of One's Age"_ isn't even _mentioned_ ... We gonna have a PROBLEM

1996 has the best music

I really like Arashi no Saxophone 5 Hope something from XIII is on the list

12:00 I have to say the line: "Understand the Concept of Love" is strikingly familiar to another soundtrack from Jet Set Radio Future: "Concept of Love" I guess I'm trying to assume is that they used this sample first before Concept of Love.

Fairy, KD 0079 (Original), WW III (KOF XIV), Inner Shade, Rhythm Hallucination and some of Fatal Fury Team, Psycho Soldier and Women's Fighters Team must be in the 2nd part of this ranking.

Are you indian?

My whole top 10 is probably all the Iori themes, including XI shared theme. Except 2002, don't like that one.

Good bye Esaka, by far my favourite track in the game. You should have use the KOF13 version tho, which is way better in my opinion

mine are : Ken theme; Ryu Theme; .... hhhaahaa just kidding, I stick to k99 Tears (kyo's) & k00 "Inner shadows" (shingo team)

Tears should be ranked higher

Trash Head is one of my most favourite theme ever. Sadly it's only ranked at #16, but judging the quality of other themes, I'm not offended by this. ;)

Anyone out here who loves "Esaka Forever" from kof 97?(kyo's theme)

Great video. Glad to Queen make it in the list. I have always preferred it over each promise. I appreciate the detail and information that you give to each song.

none of this songs are even in my top 50 list lmao, just kof 99 tears.

Iori arashi is the best nuff said

Shoryugame: * prefers Guitar to Omega Rugal over Ketsou R&D and it's many remixes beacuse nostagia * Everyone disliked that

As you've said I dont agree, for me tears is number 1, but great video, waiting for the 2nd part to see some 97 tracks rank.

Sorry couldnt agree with u

I was just playing a Mega Man 2 ROM hack and Bubble Man's stage used a really cool 8-bit cover of Goenitz's theme. You can find it easily by searching for Rockman no Constancy Bubble Man Trash Head on RU-vid.

Tears is just so beautiful.. Everytime I listen to it I become a bit emotional just knowing the lore of Kyo after 98 it fits the tone.

My favorite track from the Kof franchise as a whole is definitely Tears (it just fits so well on what Kyo was going through in the nests saga and also is very good to hear from time to time) And my top 20 music in general would be 1- Tears (arranged) 2- Ж’ (Zhe Prime) Nameless theme 3- Eye of Storm (XIII Dark Ash order Select) 4- KD-0084 (XV) 5- Liberty 6- Soy sauce For geese (XIV) 7- KD-0079 + (or UM version) 8- Cutting Edge (UM) 9- Psycho Soldier 2018 10- Saxophone Under The Moon 11- Tame a Bad Boy 12- Goodbye Esaka (XV ver) 13- Sadistic Eye (XV ver) 14- Emergence (rock XIV theme) 15- Mutually Exclusive Dichotomy 16- Wild Street 17- Tranquilizer 18- Departure From South Town 19- 176th street (99) 20- Trash Head (UM ver) but depend on how I feel at the time the other can change (The only one Who doesn't move at all is tears) and some maybe can be changed for others

Kof 96 has the best OST.

Tears at 18!!??are you serious?!?

Me: No. 1 should be fricking Esaka?

For me the best themes that im heard is tears, this me why im cried 😭😭

Arashi No Saxophone 1 and 2, Blue Mary's Blues, Esaka, Mr Big's theme in 96, Big Shot!... so many that deserve top 10 status. Glad they're not here lol

11 is my number 1

Tears deserves much higher

All time no.1 kyo's tears!

You should have narrowed your songs down to 50 tracks lol. Of course Cutting Edge is going to be on there. I expect Fairy and Rhythmic Hallucination to be in your top 10, but I doubt that you will include my favorite theme in your top 10...

why put them in order. SO MANY good songs in this series. ice palace, esaka 96, ww3 '99, chrysalis 2k2, A no sax 2 98, mirthless, self 96, trash head, stormy saxophone 95, farewell youth, 94 rugal theme, saxophone storm 96, geese's stiff shoulders 96, den! den!, esaka 98', kurikinton gomane, art of fight 98, rumbling in the city 98, soul town 98, bloody 98, rhythmic hallucination, fanatic waltz, mad fantasy 98, xxx, tears'99, there are so many more i cant think of off the top. my top 3 are probably: self(96), esaka (98), and rhythmic hallucination (98). In that order; though, xxx (98) is a close fourth.

Your opinions on each song are really good and really interesting! Although I would have put Goodbye Esaka at around top 3... I’m looking forwards to seeing what else there is!

Arashi no saxophone 1,2,3&2000s Singo's theme still green Hallucinations rhythmic Blue mary's theme Terry's themes Billy kanes(97) theme Best iconic theme for me

Yeah. I absolutely knew that Z prime was gonna be on this list. such a good song. also, yeah i know its a mobile game, but a lot of the remixes they did for KoF All Stars are amazing. My personal favorites are the Trash Head remix, the Slasher Zero remix, and, of course, the Boss Syndrome version of Ж'. EDIT: to highlight how they improved these themes and why i like them so much, here's what they did Trash Head was turned from ominous chorus to a kick_ss electric guitar, while still retaining the feeling of dread in the original theme. Slasher Zero was almost completely redone. It still has elements and a general tone of Clone Zero's theme from both 2000 and 2002 UM, but redone all with heavy guitars and synth. They even manage to get in an awesome heroic riff later on in the song! And lastly... well, I think I need to give some context first. It absolutely breaks my heart that Nameless was only brought in as a replacement for "totally not that one villain from Akira" and was never brought back or even mentioned in any of the main series games. And it's why I actually liked KoF All Stars. They did Nameless justice. The last episode in the NESTS saga (KoF 2002) revolves around Nameless and him seeking Isolde, Revenge, and a new purpose. He and the main character eventually make their way to the core of the last NESTS facility. There, Nameless kills Ingitz after revealing that NESTS had created and then subsequently killed Isolde and injected her DNA into Nameless' gauntlet. Nameless then challenges the player to fight him. He puts on his torn cloak and his purple attire turns a dark red. (This is his Boss Syndrome, or BS appearance) Then the fight starts and BOY for this game it is both epic and hard the first time. The theme is an epic orchestral rock rendition of Nameless' theme. It's intense, intimidating, and melancholic, knowing that this is a person who has nothing left to loose. I absolutely love this theme and I know that I'm not the only one. After the fight, Nameless reveals to the player that the reason he fought the player was to actually destroy the facility before it blew up the planet (Ingitz basically had a kill switch on him). He pushes the player through a door, sacrificing himself and completing his revenge on NESTS. While mortally wounded, Nameless talks with Isolde one last time before passing on. His last words being "Thank you, Isolde." I wasn't bawling or anything, but after that ending and conclusion to both the story of Nameless and the NESTS saga, I actually shed a tear or two. They honestly didn't have to do this for Nameless, but I'm so glad they did. I'm glad they actually completed his character arc (even if it's 100% not cannon) and I'm glad they gave him an epic theme to hone it all in. I only hope that in the future KoF games they add him and give him some much needed attention in the modern spotlight. Honestly, I'm still not sure if KoF XV is done adding DLC, but I would be absolutely fine if they added him.

Stormy Saxophone 2 and Korea Justice Team 2001 better be in the top 3, or else(no hard feelings). Can we also have the KOF Neowave Intro, or any intro music (KOF 98, 99, 01, 02, 03, 11, etc.)

Pretty much agree with all these choices, though I think the 95 AST version of Desert Requiem beats the snot out of the OST version and is, IMHO, one of the best arranged tracks SNK ever did. I also like Mechanical Bless/DFA better than Cutting Edge, but the latter is still great.

Great list! KOF '95 was the first one I played as well, and Rugal's theme always got my blood pumping.

Capcom may have made the triple OG of fighting games but *SNK made the greatest fighting themes OF ALL TIME.*

Wait? So, is that "Understand, the concept of love" actually in the song, or was that joke. Because that lyric is more famous for being the main theme for Jet Set Radio Future.

Frantic waltz and Rhythmic Hallucination didn’t make the cut?!!!! I’m offended

I've always felt concrete top 10s in specific order were silly and frankly juvenile anyway. They're fun to do, don't get me wrong, but i consider them in no particular order and "fuzzy" ie, there's always something that didn't make the list that could easily be swapped out with something on the list. I'd rather listen to any of the top ten tracks than bitch about which one deserves the 7th spot and which deserves the 6th.