The twelfth installment of the famous King of Fighters XII is a massive reinvention of the franchise rebuilt from the ground up both technically and visually to celebrate the series' 15th anniversary. The game features a streamlined battle system and all-new high-resolution character sprites and backgrounds. Battles are the 3-vs-3 matches that KOF is known for, though the tag system has been removed. The game features a total of 22 fighters, two of which are exclusive to the home release, and all of whom are returning combatants from previous titles.
The gameplay revolves around intense 3-on-3 fighting battles, where players can choose from a diverse cast of characters each with their unique abilities and special moves. The game's battle system is designed to be fast-paced and action-packed, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes to outmaneuver opponents. With multiple game modes, including online versus, local matches, practice, replay, and time attack modes, players can test their skills and challenge friends or opponents worldwide.