KOF: Original vs Arranged Soundtracks

The DC release of King of Fighters 2000 offers the option of listening to the original soundtrack or its remixed (Arranged) version. I'm curious as to which style you guys prefer to listen for all the KOF installments. Here are my picks:

94 - Didn't catch on to KOF until 95.

95 - Played it in the arcade and on the PSX (man, did they screw that up). Definitely prefer the Original, especially since they ruined Iori's theme on the Arranged.

96 - Possibly my favorite of them all. Loved Japan, Ikari, AoF, and Geese/Krauser/Mr.Big themes. Haven't heard Arranged, so it's Original by default.

97 - Sadly, I never had the chance to play this one. :(

98/Dream Match - I only heard the Arranged version through the Dream Match port. Didn't like the Arranged versions of the 96 themes, so I'll go with Original.

99/Evolution - Haven't heard the Original, but I wasn't impressed with the Arranged tracks, with the exception of the incredible Kyo theme.

2000 - Probably the only instance where I prefer Arranged over Original. The Character Select Screen theme (both normal and after continue) and the AoF theme rock. Kyo's is good, but it isn't as good as 99's.

On a side note, which would you prefer to get as a soundtrack, KOF 96 Original or Arranged?

Well, Cowdisease, KoF '97 has the most minimal soundtrack of the KoF series. Only certain characters actually have music. The bulk of the soundtrack is background noise that fits the stages. crowd cheers, crickets, distant AM radios and whatnot are the "music". I LOVE that aspect of KoF '97.

You really ought to check out '97 on Neo Geo (or Saturn). Its my all-time favorite version- the entire game is presented to look like an internationally-televised event. Plus, it has the final chapter in the "Blood of Orochi" storyline- and the apperance of OROCHI.


I prefer the arranged versions to EVERY KoF. My only gripe is that the Kyo theme music is MUCH better original than arranged.

The KoF 2000 soundtrack is my favorite, right behind 1995.

Arranged eats the Original tracks for breakfast. Tears and KD-0079 rule.

Hmmm..it depends. In most cases some songs in the original will be better, and some of the arranged ones will be better. It's never reallt straight out "this one is clearly better" for me. I usually have it on original though since thats what I'm used to hearing at the arcades.

Arranged, by FAR. The original music is really nasty these days, some of it really does my head in. KOF94 AST is very sweet with England, China and Mexico themes being the best. KOF96 is probably the best though with Goenitz having a great theme. KOF2001 music is very shabby sadly, I hope the DC port has a decent AST to make up for it and the backgrounds are cleaned up (no comment on the weird gameplay, heh).

If Playmore released a KOF Collection for DC (94-97) complete with arranged music and Y6800 price tag I would cream myself.

Arranged all the way. The music in the NEO GEO CD games almost makes the loading time worth it.

original! I pretty much always prefer original over arranged. The Neo Geo soundchip has a nice character that redbook lacks.

KOF94 original is awesome, blows away the arranged stuff. The arranged always sounds so sterile.

i really like the arrange soundtrack in KoF 2000... the sound quality is great, and the songs are great

I think that The orochi songs on the kof 98 soundtracks are the best. Especialy Shermies waltz and Chris' song.

I haven't played any kof past 99, but I've preferred the originals for most of them. I think its mostly because I've heard the in-game music so much that I've grown attached to it.

The KOF'94 OST is great, especially "Jungle Bouncer" (Ikari Warriors), "Ne!" (Womens' Team), "Esaka" (Hero Team), Korea's BGM, and Rugal's 2nd BGM. I haven't heard the '94 AST.

KOF'95's OST is consistent in quality with its predecessor. King's Bar has some nice music in this one, and during that stage in the game you'll notice Lucky Glauber in the background playing a harmonica during one part of the song (at least on the MVS).

My favorite '96 tracks are Kyo's BGM (OST & AST), Psycho Soldier (AST), Geese's (Both), Krauser's (Both), and Goenitz's (Both).

1999's BGM is fairly good even if it doesn't touch 94-96. KOF 2000's is okay, but not earth shattering.