Specializing in video game encyclopaedias for a few years now, Bitmap Books has really made itself known to collectors thanks to its two partnerships with SNK. The first time in 2017 with NEOGEO: A Visual History and the second time in 2019 with Metal Slug: A Visual History. Two large-format artbooks of more than 400 pages each, which have distinguished themselves by their impeccable and exemplary quality and finish. Faced with this success of esteem, and even popular (since the two books are regularly sold out), the two companies have decided to collaborate again together to carry the story of The King of Fighters from its beginnings in 1994 until his recent adventures this year with KOF XV. Like the other books, THE KING OF FIGHTERS: The Ultimate History will allow you to contemplate hundreds of illustrations and artwork from each of the episodes that have punctuated the life of the NeoGeo and the consoles that have taken up the torch. In addition to images laid out with passion, we will be treated to interviews with the original development team such as
Masaaki Kukino, Masanori Kuwasashi, Toyohisa Tanabe, Shinichi Shimizu, Hideki Asanaka and of course Eisuke Ogurajust to get crisp information, even 30 years later.
The release of THE KING OF FIGHTERS: The Ultimate History is expected this summer, with the possibility of pre-ordering from May 9, just to be sure to have your copy. As usual, two editions will be offered: the standard version at £34.99 (approximately €42.50) and the collector’s edition at €66.50, knowing that it will be in limited quantity and offered with a cardboard sleeve additionally incorporating a series of boxes which, when pressed, play sound effects for each fighter. This was already the case with Metal Slug and its solid cardboard case which swung the name of each weapon we picked up in the game. Come on, here are some photos of this book which is likely to be emulated by the KOF community and NeoGeo. Ah yes, last thing, it will be 544 pages, will be in the format 210mm × 297mm and will deal with the following games: Art Of Fighting, Fatal Fury, KOF ’94, KOF ’95, KOF ’96, KOF ’97, KOF ’98 The Slugfest, KOF R-1, KOF ’99, KOF R-2, KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2003, KOF ’94 Re-Bout, KOF XI, KOF ’98 Ultimate Match, KOF XII, KOF 2002 Unlimited Match, KOF XIII, KOF XIV, KOF XV, Street Fighter, Street Smart. You know everything.
