

Like the previous games in the series, the Power Gauge is filled as the player attacks the opponent or performs Special Moves during a battle.

The game also revamps the Power Gauge system into a format similar to the one used in The King of Fighters '97. The King of Fighters 2002 discards the 4-on-4 "Striker Match" format used in the previous three games in the series and returns to the 3-on-3 Battle format originally used in the series up until KOF '98. Gameplay screenshot showcasing a match between Angel and Maxima.
