《格鬥天王2003》（The King of Fighters 2003）是SNK於2003年推出的格鬥遊戲，標誌著《格鬥天王》系列的新篇章—「阿修篇」（Ash Saga）。該作以創新的玩法和劇情揭開新序幕，並進一步強化系列的競技性和戰略深度。是Neo Geo主機的最後系列作品，之後移植到PS2、Xbox及PS3。

故事設定在全球知名的KOF大賽背景下，本屆大賽由一位神秘的主辦方組織，吸引大量知名選手參與。幕後主使者是路卡爾的兒子亞爾迪．班舒泰爾(Adelheid Bernstein)，他在故事尾端也會出現。該作首次引入新主角阿修·克里森（Ash Crimson），他表面上是英俊而神秘的英雄，實際上卻擁有複雜且帶有反派色彩的動機。劇情逐漸揭示他的陰謀，並將草薙京與八神庵再次捲入波瀾壯闊的鬥爭。

遊戲中還引入一批全新角色，如神秘刺客墮瓏 （Duo Lon）、充滿力量的神武（Shen Woo），以及摔角手獅鷲假面（Tizoc）。這些角色的登場與經典角色的回歸相互呼應，進一步擴展《格鬥天王》的角色宇宙。在劇情後段會出現遙遠彼之地成員無界(Mukai)，企圖解封大蛇的力量復活他們的主。本作最大的創新之一是「多重切換系統」（Multi-Shift System），允許在戰鬥中即時切換三人隊伍中的角色，增加整體的節奏感和戰術深度。此外，還引入「戰術領袖系統」（Tactical Leader System），隊伍中的領袖角色擁有更強的能力，並可釋放特殊的領袖超必殺技。傳統的四按鍵操作依然保留（輕拳、重拳、輕腳、重腳），但隨著這些新機制的加入，遊戲的可玩性和戰略性大幅提升，適合更廣泛的玩家群體。

關卡背景囊括城市中心、街頭廣場和競技場等多種場景，並採用實時直播的方式呈現比賽氛圍。畫面充滿細緻的動態效果，從場景細節到角色動作，都展現出SNK對畫面表現力的不懈追求。遊戲推出後普遍受到好評，尤其是對多重切換系統和新角色的讚賞。評論家認為，該作以更快的遊戲節奏和多樣的角色陣容為《格鬥天王》系列注入新活力。然而，也有玩家表示多重切換系統可能會導致戰鬥中出現平衡性問題。

整體而言，《格鬥天王2003》成功在劇情與機制上實現創新，為「阿修篇」奠定堅實的基礎，也進一步鞏固該系列在格鬥遊戲界的地位。

The King of Fighters 2003 is a fighting game released by SNK in 2003, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the King of Fighters series: the “Ash Saga.” The game introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and narrative elements, further enhancing the series’ competitive nature and strategic depth. It was the final installment for the Neo Geo console, later ported to platforms such as PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PlayStation 3.

The story is set against the backdrop of the globally renowned KOF tournament, this time organized by a mysterious sponsor who attracts numerous renowned fighters to participate. The mastermind behind the tournament is Adelheid Bernstein, the son of Rugal Bernstein, who makes his appearance at the end of the story. This installment also introduces a new protagonist, Ash Crimson, who outwardly appears as a charming and enigmatic hero but is revealed to have complex and villainous motives. The narrative gradually unveils his schemes, drawing Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami into a grand and tumultuous conflict once more.

The game also features a host of new characters, including the enigmatic assassin Duo Lon, the powerful brawler Shen Woo, and the wrestling star Tizoc (Griffon Mask). These new additions complement the return of classic characters, further expanding the universe of The King of Fighters. In the later stages of the story, Mukai, a member of the mysterious “Those from the Distant Land,” emerges, attempting to unseal the Orochi’s power to resurrect their master.

One of the game’s most significant innovations is the Multi-Shift System, which allows players to switch between the three members of their team in real-time during battles. This feature significantly increases the game’s pacing and adds strategic depth. Additionally, the introduction of the Tactical Leader System grants the designated team leader enhanced abilities and the option to unleash a special “Leader Super Move.”

The traditional four-button control scheme (light punch, heavy punch, light kick, heavy kick) remains intact, but the addition of these new systems greatly enhances the game’s playability and strategic variety, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The stage designs feature a diverse array of settings, including city centers, public squares, and arenas, presented with a “live broadcast” aesthetic that enhances the tournament atmosphere. The visuals are rich with dynamic effects, from intricate environmental details to fluid character animations, showcasing SNK’s dedication to graphical excellence.

Upon its release, The King of Fighters 2003 received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for its Multi-Shift System and the introduction of new characters. Critics noted that the faster gameplay and diverse roster brought fresh energy to the series. However, some players expressed concerns about potential balance issues stemming from the Multi-Shift System.

Overall, The King of Fighters 2003 successfully innovated in both narrative and gameplay, laying a solid foundation for the Ash Saga while reinforcing the series’ reputation as a cornerstone of the fighting game genre.