#9
The King of Fighters XV does something most of this list does not: it makes team order a genuine strategic layer, not just cosmetic variety. Which character you save for last, how you route meter across the squad, and when to spend resources mid-match on a losing character are all real decisions with real consequences. The neutral feels different from Street Fighter or Tekken because of hops and short jumps that close distance differently than standard jumps. The honest warning is that KOF expects you to meet it halfway. The onboarding is sparse. If you come in with no fighting game background, the first few sessions are rough. Worth it for SNK fans and traditionalists who want fast neutral.