TOKYO--In the latest issue of Arcadia magazine, SNK Playmore has released additional information on its upcoming title, The King of Fighters 2003.

　　The King of Fighters 2003 will be the tenth installment in the King of Fighters series (first launched in 1994). The series has traditionally followed a three-on-three battle format and featured a storyline where fighters were invited to battle in a tournament that was hosted annually by different organizations.

　　The King of Fighters 2003 will once again follow the same format. As a teaser, SNK Playmore has revealed one of the teams that will be included in the game. The Fatal Fury team has been revealed to consist of two returning characters and one new character. Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi from the Fatal Fury series will return to the game.

　　The official illustration of The King of Fighters 2003 shows Bogard in his costume from Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Although Andy Bogard has traditionally been a member of the team, Griffon Mask from Garou: Mark of the Wolves will replace him. Griffon Mask is known as Tizoc in America.

　　While recent The King of Fighters titles have introduced original characters to the series, The King of Fighters 2003 will focus on bringing in characters from other Neo Geo titles. The storyline of the game will reportedly go in a new direction. And while specific details are not currently known, The King of Fighters 2003 will reportedly implement a new battle system and new game control system. Also, for the past two years an artist who goes by the name Nona, known for a distinctive style, has handled the official illustrations for the series. This year, a new artist named Falcoon will be handling the illustrations.

　　The King of Fighters 2003 is scheduled for release in Japanese arcades this December.