The King of Fighters '95 (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ’９５) is the second game in the The King of Fighters series (and the first to be released for platforms other than the Neo Geo). It was released by SNK for the Sega Saturn in 1996.
Rugal Bernstein, thought to have perished in an explosion at the end of the previous game, has unexpectedly survived. He has sent out invitations for a new King of Fighters tournament to all of the teams from the previous tournament, signed simply "R."
The King of Fighters series is a crossover of characters from multiple SNK properties, as well as several original characters, inspired by Ryo Sakazaki's appearance in Fatal Fury Special. It has its own unique storylines that exist in a separate continuity from the other series, which allows characters from different universes (as well as characters from the Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury series, which exist in a shared universe but in different time periods) to interact. The King of Fighters '95 marks the beginning of a story arc that became known as the "Orochi Saga" (covering the events of this game through The King of Fighters '97).
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
The game is a team fighting game. It features characters from multiple SNK franchises, chiefly Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury, but also Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldier, plus some unique to this franchise. The gameplay mechanics are based on Fatal Fury Special and Art of Fighting 2. The game features a similar cast to the preceding entry with the exception of the USA Team, which was replaced by the Rivals Team, and teams are no longer affiliated with specific nationalities. It introduces the character Iori Yagami, the rival of main character Kyo Kusanagi.
Instead of choosing a single character, players select from eight available teams, consisting of three members each. Before each match, players arrange the team members in any order. For the first round of the match, the first member of each team fights. When a character is defeated, the following member of the team takes his or her place in the next round, while the character on the opposing team continues to fight and has a small portion of health restored (more health is restored if the round is completed faster). The other members of the team stand in the background of the stage during the fight. The match ends when all three members of either team are defeated. The King of Fighters '95 introduces the Team Edit feature, which allows the player to create a custom team from any of the game's 24 characters rather than being restricted to the predefined teams (with the constraint that a player cannot pick the same character more than once).
Characters move with and and crouch with . They hop back or forth with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . They can "super jump" (a faster and farther jump, trailed by afterimages) by pressing , then , , or quickly. Characters can perform a weak punch with , a strong punch with , a weak kick with , or a strong kick with . Each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves that can be performed by the player with a specific series of button inputs.
Characters have knockdown attacks, which knock the opponent over, that are performed with (or +). This can be done while standing, crouching, or jumping. Characters can dodge attacks with (or +), which causes the character to quickly lean into the background and evade any attacks made in that moment. Pressing any punch or kick button during a dodge causes the character to perform a quick, short-ranged counterattack when coming out of the dodge. When stunned or grabbed, characters can call an undefeated team member in for a special assist attack with (or ++) if they are visible in frame in that moment.
Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent. Low attacks must be blocked crouching, while high attacks (including most jumping attacks) must be blocked standing. Special moves still do partial damage when blocked. Throws can be performed by holding or and pressing a strong punch or kick button when next to the opponent. Different characters have different throws available to them. Throws cannot be blocked.
Each player has a power gauge at the bottom of the screen which charges when the character is blocking or taking attacks. It can also be filled manually, although it leaves the character vulnerable to an attack, by holding (or ++), which can be done while standing or crouching. Once the power gauge is filled, the character enters "MAX mode," and basic attacks become stronger for a short duration. When characters are in this state, players can perform a Desperation move that immediately consumes the entire power gauge. Characters can perform Desperation moves indefinitely when the health gauge is nearly empty and flashing red.
Characters can taunt with (or +), which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack. Taunting an opponent can reduce their power gauge, slow down their manual charging, and stop them from reaching the maximum level.
Modes
The game has the following modes:
Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against one character from every team (ending with the bosses Saisyu Kusanagi and Omega Rugal), for a total of 10 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game.
Team Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a team (or three characters from any team when Team Edit is enabled) and fights three-on-three elimination matches against all of the teams in the game (ending with the bosses Saisyu Kusanagi and Omega Rugal), for a total of 10 matches. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. This is the main mode.
Single Vs: A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match.
Team Vs: A two-player mode where each player chooses a team (or three characters from any team when Team Edit is enabled) and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match.
Single All: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against every character in the game (ending with the bosses Saisyu Kusanagi and Omega Rugal), for a total of 26 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are no storyline intermissions, though the endings are the same as the Single Play and Team Play modes.
In any of the single-player modes, a second player can enter the game for a challenge match by pressing START on a second control pad. There are eight difficulty levels (Beginner, Easy, Normal, MVS, Hard, Very Hard, Hardest, Expert). The game ends if the player loses a match but can be continued an unlimited number of times.
Characters
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
P
Any punch button
LP
Light punch
HP
Hard punch
K
Any kick button
LK
Light kick
HK
Hard kick
All of the characters from The King of Fighters '94 return except for the American Sports Team. The Rivals Team is added, consisting of the original character Iori Yagami (the rival to the protagonist Kyo Kusagani), Billy Kane from Fatal Fury, and Eiji Kisaragi from Art of Fighting 2. The bosses Saisyu Kusanagi, Kyo's father, and Omega Rugal, a revived version of Rugal, are also new.
Hero Team
A Japanese team consisting of three characters that debuted in the first game of the series, King of Fighters '94. They won the previous King of Fighters tournament and return after having their invitation personally delivered by Rugal's assistant Mature.
Kyo Kusanagi
The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. A Japanese high school student and heir of the Kusanagi clan, one of three clans that sealed away the legendary being known as Orochi. He is the leader of the Hero Team. He fights using kenpo and the ancient pyrokinetic abilities of his bloodline.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai
P
Kyo throws fiery red sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki
P
Kyo twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma
K
Kyo flies through the air with a spinning back kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He kicks once when the move is performed with LK and three times when the move is performed with HK .
75 Shiki: Kai
K
Kyo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. He slides before hopping when the move is performed with HK .
202 Shiki: Koto Tsuki You
K
Kyo runs into his opponent with an elbow strike, then lifts the opponent into the air with his hand and causes an explosion of red fire. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi
+ HP in midair
Kyo clasps his hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu You
+ HK
Kyo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
88 Shiki
+ HK
Kyo kicks twice while crouched. The second hit trips the opponent.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
P
Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Benimaru Nikaido
A young model and Kyo's best friend. He is a professional fighter and the son of a multimillionaire family. He fights with shootboxing and electrokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raijin Ken
P
Benimaru jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Iai Geri
K
Benimaru does a rapid knee strike. If the player presses +K during the move, Benimaru follows up with a hopping side kick, then backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over (Super Inazuma Kick).
Shinkuu Kakate Goma
K
Benimaru stands on one hand and spins his body around, kicking with both legs, knocking his opponent far back on impact. He spins for longer when the move is performed with HK .
Super Inazuma Kick
+K
Benimaru backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Spinning Knee Drop
+ HP or + HP in midair (close)
Benimaru grabs and knees his opponent to the ground.
Flying Drill
+ HK in midair
Benimaru dive kicks diagonally downwards while spinning like a drill.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raikou Ken
HP
Benimaru pulls his fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times.
Goro Daimon
A former Olympic gold medalist judoka who has geokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jirai Shin
LP HP (fake)
Daimon lifts his hands above his head, then claps them down, shaking the ground and knocking over opponents not in the air.
Tenchi Gaeshi
HP (close)
Daimon picks up and slams his opponent against the ground, then picks them back up and throws them through the air.
Kumo Tsukami Nage
LP (close)
Daimon grabs an airborne opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Kiri Kabu Gaeshi
HP (close)
Daimon grabs a grounded opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Chou Ousoto Gari
HK (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent.
Chou Ukemi
K
Daimon rolls forwards. He rolls farther when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
HP (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent, then picks up and slams them back and forth three times before throwing them high into the air.
Art of Fighting Team
A team representing characters from the Art of Fighting series of fighting games. They enter the tournament to show the world the strength of the Kyokugen-ryuu fighting style.
Ryo Sakazaki
The protagonist of the Art of Fighting series and the leader of the team. He is a practitioner of Kyokugen-ryuu and the winner of the first King of Fighters tournament (in Art of Fighting 2). He has a rivalry with Terry Bogard.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko Ou Ken
P
Ryo hurls a fireball from his palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP . Ryo throws the fireball diagonally downwards when the move is performed in midair.
Kohou
P
Ryo jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zanransetsu
P
Ryo pummels his opponent with a blur of rapid punches, then uppercuts the opponent away.
Hien Shippu Kyaku
Hold for 1 second, then +K
Ryo leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Ken
HP (close)
Ryo does a combo of three quick punches that knocks his opponent over.
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks her opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hyouchuu Wari
+ HP
Ryo draws his hand back, then steps forward with an hand chop that can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuuko Ranbu
HP
Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou.
Robert Garcia
Ryo's best friend and friendly rival who fights using a kick-heavy version of Kyokugen-ryuu. He comes from a wealthy family.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuu Geki Ken
P
Robert hurls a fireball from his palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Ga
P
Robert jumps into the air while performing an uppercut. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuujin Kyaku
K in midair
Robert dive kicks diagonally downwards. He travels a longer distance when the move is performed with HK .
Gen'ei Kyaku
K
Robert pummels his opponent with a blur of rapid kicks, then roundhouse kicks the opponent away.
Hien Shippu Kyaku
Hold for 1 second, then +K
Robert leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Kyaku
HK (close)
Robert does a combo of four quick kicks that knock his opponent over.
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuuko Ranbu
HP
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Ga.
Takuma Sakazaki
The father of Ryo and Yuri (and the final boss of the first Art of Fighting game, as the masked warrior "Mr. Karate"). He is the master and creator of Kyokugen-ryuu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko Ou Ken
P
Takuma hurls a fireball from his palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Zanransetsu
P
Takuma pummels his opponent with a blur of rapid punches, then uppercuts the opponent away.
Hien Shippu Kyaku
Hold for 1 second, then +K
Takuma leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with HK .
Shou Ran Kyaku
K
Takuma runs to his opponent, grabs them, then hits them with a series of knee strikes.
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Takuma channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP (close)
Takuma rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then hops back and performs a Haoh Shoukou Ken.
Fatal Fury Team
A team representing characters from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games. They join the tournament suspecting that Geese Howard or Wolfgang Krauser may be involved.
Terry Bogard
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series and the leader of the team. He was trained in various fighting styles such as karate, kickboxing, and kung fu by his late father and their master Tung Fu Rue.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Burn Knuckle
P
Terry leaps forward with a burning fist, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Power Wave
P
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to roll across the floor. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Power Dunk
K
Terry rises into the air with a knee strike, knocking his opponent over, then smashes downward with a burning fist at the peak of the jump. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Rising Tackle
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Terry spins into the air while upside down and holding an arm out, which knocks his opponent over on impact. The move ascends higher when it is performed with HP .
Crack Shoot
K
Terry jumps forward while kicking in a circle. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Terry can move forward while crouched.
Back Knuckle
+ HP
Terry steps forward with a backfist.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Power Geyser
HP + LK
Terry punches the ground, causing a geyser of energy to erupt from the ground in front of him.
Andy Bogard
Terry's brother and a ninja of the Shiranui-ryuu style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hishou Ken
P
Andy throws a long-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Shouryuu Dan
P
Andy jumps into the air while fanning his arms around him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zan'ei Ken
Hold for 1 second, then +P
Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee.
Kuuhaa Dan
Hold for 1 second, then +K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move knocks the opponent down when performed with LK or hits twice when performed with HK .
Geki Heki Haisui Shou
K (up to 3 times)
Andy slides forward with an elbow strike. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case he follows up with additional strikes with each hand, ending with two palm thrusts that knock his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Andy can move forward while crouched.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Reppa Dan
Hold for 2 seconds, then + LK + HK
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Joe Higashi
A Muay Thai champion and good friend of the Bogard brothers. He has a rivalry with King, who shares the same fighting style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hurricane Upper
P
Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Baku Retsu Ken
PPPPP
Joe punches rapidly in a cone shape in front of him. He can follow up with a dashing uppercut by pressing LP or a dashing punch and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over by pressing HP during the move.
Slash Kick
Hold for 1 second, then +K
Joe turns and launches himself forward with a flying kick that knocks his opponent over. He flies farther when the move is performed with HK .
Tiger Kick
K
Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike that knocks his opponent over. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Ougon no Kakato
K
Joe jumps forward while doing a rolling kick that can hit multiple times.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Joe can move forward while crouched.
Slide Kick
+ HK
Joe slides forward with a sweep kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Screw Upper
HP + LK
Joe punches into the air, generating a tall inferno that covers the full height of the screen.
Ikari Warriors Team
A team representing characters from the Ikari Warriors series of run-and-gun games. They join the tournament to make sure that Rugal is truly dead.
Heidern
The commander of the Ikari Warriors, an elite mercenary unit, whose hands can cut like knives. He sought revenge against Rugal in the previous tournament for killing his wife and daughter and blinding him in one of his eyes.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Cross Cutter
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Heidern slashes the air in front of him with his hands, shooting ahead projectiles in the shape of his slashes. The projectiles move faster when the move is performed with HP .
Moon Slasher
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Heidern slashes the air around him in a circle, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Neck Roller
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Heidern flips through the air and tries to land on his opponent's head. If successful, he grabs his opponent's neck and spins his body around.
Storm Bringer
HP (close)
Heidern grabs his opponent and siphons some of their health away (and into his health bar).
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Critical Dive
+ HP / HK or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Heidern grabs and stomps his opponent to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Final Bringer
Hold for 2 seconds, then + HP + LK
Heidern flips through the air and tries to land on his opponent's head. If successful, he grabs his opponent and siphons some of their health away (and into his health bar).
Ralf Jones
The protagonist of the Ikari Warriors series. He is a mercenary whose fighting style is based on hard punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch
PPPPP
Ralf does a series of rapid explosive punches. He can move forward with while doing this.
Gatling Attack
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over. He slides further when the move is performed with HP .
Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf jumps into the air, then drops down with an explosive dive punch, which knocks his opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Super Argentine Back Breaker
HK (close)
Ralf tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
Hold for 1 second, then + HP
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and a series of rapid explosive punches, then finishes with an uppercut.
Clark Still
Ralf's best friend and a former spy before joining the Ikari Warriors. He fights with a wrestling-based fighting style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch
PPPPP
Clark does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent into the air. He can move forward with while doing this.
Gatling Attack
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Clark slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over. He slides further when the move is performed with HP .
Super Arabian Burglary Back Breaker
HP (close)
Clark grabs his opponent, then kneels and drives the opponent into his knee.
Super Argentine Back Breaker
HK (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
HP (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker three times, then kneels and drives the opponent into his knee.
Psycho Soldier Team
A team representing characters from the Psycho Soldier series of platforming games. They join the tournament to put their powers and training to the test.
Athena Asamiya
The protagonist of Psycho Soldier and the leader of the team. She is a pop idol with powerful psychic abilities and kung fu training (with a greater emphasis on the former).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball
P
Athena generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Phoenix Arrow
P in midair
Athena curls into a ball and dives diagonally downwards. She finishes with a sweep kick after landing when the move is performed with HP .
Psycho Sword
P
Athena rises upward while her hand slices the air with psychic power, knocking her opponent over on impact. She ascends higher when the move is performed with HP . This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Reflector
K
Athena spreads her arms apart and generates a shield of psychic power. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles. She holds the shield for longer when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Athena can jump off the edges of the screen.
Psychic Shoot
+ HP or + HP in midair (close)
Athena grabs and throws her opponent in midair.
Phoenix Bomb
+ HK in midair
Athena drops back-first at her opponent. She bounces off her opponent if she hits.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shining Crystal Bit
HP + LK
Athena hovers in the air and channels psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. If the player presses P during the move, Athena points forward and shoots a powerful projectile across the screen.
Sie Kensou
The self-proclaimed love interest of Athena, who has the same psychic abilities and kung fu training as Athena (though his fighting style emphasizes the latter).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kyuu Dan
P
Kensou generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Ren Ga
P
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike. If it hits, he follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick that knocks his opponent over. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Sou Geki
P in midair
Kensou dives diagonally downwards with a palm strike that hits multiple times, then finishes by tripping the opponent.
Ryuu Gaku Sai
K
Kensou stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick that knocks the opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kobokushu
+ HP
Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them. This is an overhead strike that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Kousentai
+ HK
Kensou hops forward with a turning kick that knocks his opponent down on impact. This is an overhead strike that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shinryuu Tenbu Kyaku
HK
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike, followed by a knee strike and turning kick, then stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Chin Gentsai
The master of Athena and Kensou and a master of various styles of kung fu, though he fights primarily with drunken boxing.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hyoutan Geki
P
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him. It travels slightly further when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Rin Hou Rai
P
Chin leaps through the air with a rolling body attack that knocks his opponent over. He stumbles forward with multiple spinning elbow strikes before leaping when the move is performed with HP .
Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken
K
Chin rolls along the ground, then does an upward hand strike that knocks his opponent over. He rolls farther when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gou Ran Enpou
HP
Chin takes a drink from a gourd, then breathes a stream of fire.
Korea Justice Team
A Korean team consisting of Kim Kaphwan (from Fatal Fury) and two original characters. They join the tournament so Kim can prove the effectiveness of his criminal rehabilitation program.
Kim Kaphwan
A taekwondo master with a strong sense of justice who formed the Korea Justice Team in order to rehabilitate the two criminals on his team.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Han Getsu Zan
K
Kim flips forward with a semicircular split-leg kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Hien Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Kim flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Hishou Kyaku
K in midair
Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.
Ryuusei Ranku
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Kim slides forward with a sweep kick, then jumps in the air and follows up with an axe kick that knocks his opponent down. He slides further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Kim can move forward while crouched.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hou'ou Kyaku
+ LK + HK
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes with a backflip kick. This move can be performed in midair.
Chang Koehan
A very large criminal who fights with a big metal ball attached to a chain.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Kaiten
PPPPP
Chang swings his ball by its chain over his head, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He swings the ball for a duration or until the player presses LP + HP + LK + HK , and he can move with or while doing this.
Tekkyuu Funsai Geki
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Chang flings his ball by its chain in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Tekkyu Hien Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Chang flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back and knocking over his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Bousou
P
Chang charges forward with a series of strikes, then swings his ball by its chain over his head and flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back.
Choi Bounge
A very small criminal who fights with two clawed hands (resembling the horror movie villain Freddy Krueger).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kaiten Hien Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi curls into a ball and rolls along the ground. If he hits his opponent, he rolls up the opponent. If the player presses P during the move, Choi lunges forward with his claws. He rolls further when the move is performed with HP .
Tatsumaki Shippuu Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi spirals upward in a tornado while slashing around him with his claws, knocking down the opponent on impact. He slides forward a short distance and ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Hishou Kuuretsu Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K, then K
Choi jumps to the edge of the screen and hangs off it for a second. If the player presses K during the move (or continues to hold K after performing the move), Choi jumps toward the opponent, then falls head-first while spinning like a drill with his claws in front of him.
Hishou Kyaku
K in midair
Choi dives diagonally downward, then stomps repeatedly on his opponent.
Senpuu Hien Shitotsu
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Choi flies ahead head-first while spinning like a drill with his claws in front of him. He flies faster and further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Choi can jump off the edges of the screen.
Nidan Giri
+ HP
Choi rolls forwards, then slashes upwards.
Toorima Geri
+ HK
Choi somersaults forward with a kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shin! Chouzetsu Tatsumaki Shinkuu Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then + HP + LK
Choi spins on one leg, producing a large tornado that covers the full height of the screen. He can move with or while doing this.
Women Fighters Team
A team consisting of female characters: King and Yuri Sakazaki from the Art of Fighting series and Mai Shiranui from the Fatal Fury series.
Yuri Sakazaki
The younger sister of Ryo, who fights with an unorthodox take on Kyokugen-ryuu. Her older brother rejected her from joining his team because he said the tournament for too dangerous for her, so she joins the Women Fighters Team instead.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko Ou Ken
P
Yuri hurls a fireball from her palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Rai'oh Ken
K
Yuri jumps into the air and throws a fireball diagonally downwards. She jumps higher when the move is performed with HK .
Kuu Ga
P
Yuri jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She slides forward and jumps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Sai Ha
P
Yuri holds her hands out and shields herself in a circle of ki. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also dissipates projectiles.
Hyaku Retsu Binta
HP
Yuri rushes forward and grabs her opponent, then slaps them repeatedly.
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Yuri channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Tsubame Otoshi
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Yuri grabs and slams her opponent to the ground.
En Yoku
+ HK
Yuri throws herself forward while striking with her rear.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
HP + LK
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of punches and kicks.
Mai Shiranui
A kunoichi who practices her family's own martial art, Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu. She enters the tournament to get the attention of Andy Bogard.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ka Chou Sen
P
Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu En Bu
P
Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. This move can negate projectiles. She steps forward slightly and the move can hit two times when it is performed with HP .
Hishou Ryuu'en Jin
K
Mai does a backflip while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. She flips higher when the move is performed with HK .
Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi
K
Mai performs a cartwheel, then drops to the ground with an elbow strike that knocks her opponent over. The move travels more distance when it is performed with HK .
Musasabi no Mai (Chijou)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P, then P
Mai jumps to the edge of the screen. If the player presses P again, Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out, knocking her opponent over on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP (for the first button press).
Musasabi no Mai (Kuuchuu)
P in midair
Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out, knocking her opponent over on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Mai can move forward while crouched.
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Mai can jump off the edges of the screen.
Yume Zakura
+ HK , + HK , or + HK in midair (close)
Mai grabs and stomps her opponent to the ground.
Daiwa Fuusha Otoshi
+ HP in midair
Mai clasps her hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi
+ HP + LK
Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
King
A bar owner who fights with her own kick-heavy take on Muay Thai. She is the leader of the Women Fighters Team and enters the tournament to promote her bar. She has a secret crush on Ryo Sakazaki.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Venom Strike
K
King performs a jumping kick, lobbing a fireball through the air. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HK .
Double Strike
K
King performs two jumping kicks in quick succession, lobbing two fireballs through the air. The projectiles move faster when the move is performed with HK .
Trap Shot
K
King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a barrage of fast kicks, ending by kicking her opponent away.
Tornado Kick
K
King leaps ahead while kicking up, which knocks her opponent over. She follows up with a second kick when the move is performed with HK .
Surprise Rose
K
King rolls into the air, then comes down with a stomping kick that can hit multiple times. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Slide Kick
+ HK
King slides forward with a sweep kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Illusion Dance
LK + HK
King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and two leaping kicks.
Rivals Team
A new team consisting of rivals to the heroes of King of Fighters, Art of Fighting, and Fatal Fury. It takes the place of the American Sports Team from the previous game after stealing their invitation (which would become a running joke in the series). Iori is a new character, while the others hail from their respective series but make their first appearances in King of Fighters.
Iori Yagami
The last heir to the Yagami clan, one of the three clans that sealed away Orochi, and the rival of Kyo. He is the leader of Rivals Team.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai
P
Iori throws fiery purple sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
127 Shiki: Aoi Hana
P (up to 3 times)
Iori advances with an uppercut. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case he follows up with an additional uppercut, then jumps and comes down with a double axe-handle punch.
100 Shiki: Oniyaki
P
Iori twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of purple fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
212 Shiki: Kototsuki In
K
Iori runs forward and tries to grab his opponent by the head. If he succeeds, he takes the opponent down, then causes an explosion of purple fire. He runs faster and farther when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Yumebiki
HOLD HP HP
Iori claws with an open hand, then swings it back in a fist.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu In Shinigami
+ HK
Iori pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Ge Shiki: Yuri Ori
+ HK in midair
Iori kicks behind him.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kin 1211 Shiki: Ya Otome
P
Iori dashes forward and performs a series of hand strikes, ending by grabbing the opponent and creating an explosion of purple fire.
Eiji Kisaragi
From the Art of Fighting series. The master of the Kisaragi-ryuu style and the rival of Ryo Sakazaki. He wants to defeat the Sakazaki family and prove the inferiority of their Kyokugen-ryuu style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kikouhou
P
Eiji thrusts his palm, shooting a short-ranged blast of ki in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Kasumi Geri
P
Eiji swings his arms down as if holding a sword, surrounding himself in a circle of ki. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles. He slides forward slightly before swinging his arms down when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Eijin
P
Eiji swings his arms back, producing an arc of ki in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move lasts for a longer duration when it is performed with HP .
Kotsu Hazaki Kiri
K
Eiji slides forward while slicing an arc of ki through the air with an arm. He runs faster when the move is performed with HK .
Tenba Kyaku
K
Eiji jumps in the air while kicking multiple times. He jumps higher when the move is performed with HK .
Kage Utsushi
K
Eiji rushes ahead in a blur. This move can pass through to the other side of the opponent. He rushes further when the move is performed with HK .
Kiritetsu Nami
P
Eiji swings his arms down as if holding a sword, creating two tall, crescent-shaped projectiles that travel across the screen and knock the opponent over on impact. The projectiles move faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Eiji can jump off the edges of the screen.
Target Combo
HK HK (close)
Eiji does a side kick, then a heel kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kiritetsu Kamakiriken
LK
Eiji hits his opponent with a barrage of strikes, ending with a Kasumi Geri.
Billy Kane
From the Fatal Fury series. The right-hand man of Geese Howard, who joins the tournament to avenge his master after his defeat at the hands of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Senpuu Kon
PPPPP
Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him rapidly.
Sansetsu Kon Chuudan Uchi
P
Billy whips his cudgel in front of him, and it expands across the screen.
Suzume Otoshi
P
Billy whips his cudgel diagonally upward, and it expands into the air.
Kyoushuu Hishoukon
K
Billy vaults into the air with his cudgel, then drops back to the ground with a kick, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Crawl
Billy can move forward while crouched.
Boukou Tobi Geri
+ HK
Billy vaults on his cudgel and does a side kick that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kaen Senpuukon
LP + HP
Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him while the ends are on fire, creating a circle of flame that rolls forward a short distance.
Bosses
Saisyu is a new character (who made a brief, non-playable appearance in King of Fighters '94). Omega Rugal is a version of Rugal Bernstein, who debuted in the previous game. Both bosses are playable after completing the game once on any difficulty level.
Saisyu Kusanagi
Kyo's father and leader of the Kusanagi clan, who was brainwashed by Rugal. He is the sub-boss of the game.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai
P
Saisyu throws fiery red sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki
P
Saisyu twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
702 Shiki: En Jou
P
Saisyu hops forward, then hits with a fiery uppercut that knocks the opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Gou Tsuchi
+ HP
Saisyu steps forward with a downward fist slam. This is an overhead strike that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
P
Saisyu gathers a ball of fire between his hands, then dashes forward while his arms are spread apart and surrounded by flames.
Omega Rugal
A version of Rugal that was revived with a small parcel of Orochi's blood. He is the final boss of the game.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Reppu Ken
P
Rugal sends a violent shockwave across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Kaiser Wave
P
Rugal holds his hands back, then throws a tall fireball across the screen that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Genocide Cutter
K
Rugal jumps in the air with a crescent kick, which knocks his opponent over on impact. He jumps higher when the move is performed with HK .
Dark Barrier
K
Rugal holds his hand out and generates a shield of dark energy. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
God Press
P
Rugal charges across the screen, grabbing and slamming the opponent against the wall.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gigatech Pressure
HP + LK
Rugal charges across the screen, tackling the opponent into the wall, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Stages
Every team has their own stage where they are faced. The stage is chosen based on the first member of the opposing team when facing a mixed team.
Hero Team
Art of Fighting Team
Fatal Fury Team
Ikari Warriors Team
Psycho Soldier Team
Korea Justice Team
Women Fighters Team
Rivals Team
Missile Base
Missile Base Balcony
History
Release
The game was released in Europe and Japan, but not North America (though a release was planned at one stage for August 1996[8]). Subsequent entries in the series for Sega consoles would remain as Japanese exclusives, bar The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999 and The King of Fighters: Evolution, which would both see releases in North America but not Europe.
Originally released for the Neo Geo MVS and AES systems, The King of Fighters '95 was subsequently brought to the Neo Geo CD and then the PlayStation and Saturn. The two latter conversions stem from the Neo Geo CD version, which includes a few very minor differences (such as reduced sound effects) and an arranged soundtrack.
With the use of the Twin Advanced ROM System, the Saturn version is able to retain the vast majority of content from its Neo Geo counterpart (as opposed to the PlayStation, which is forced to cut some background animations). It also leads to significantly faster load times than both the Neo Geo CD and the PlayStation.
Production credits
Executive-Producer: E・Kawasaki
Producer: T・Nishiyama
Chief Director: M・Kuwasashi
Sub Director: Toyochan, Haruo Tomita, Namaan・Hiroto
System Director: Toyochan
System Editor: K・Mac・Nagashima
Front Designer: T・Shinkai, Ru!Murakemi, C.Yamasaki, Goro.Hamada, Akihiko Nasu, Y・Hiraki, Ha Gi Ha Ra, H・Otani, M・Asakura, Yoshiko Ogata!, Jacky Sato, Toba, Hayamiponbashi, Miho Uematsu, Akiko Yukawa, Shinsuke, Kalkin.Mizuno, K・Isomura, Hiroto Kittaka, Kohrin, ・・・・・・・・, Meguronomikan, Red Hawk
Back Designer: Jetta, Hayashi K-34, Tsugumi, Sahori-E24, Eri Koujitani, Kusunoki-084, Souzi Takamori
Program: Shinchan-R32, S・Fujinuki, Cyber・Kondo
Sound-Music: Papaya, Tate-Norio, Brother-Hige, Pearl Sibakiti, Ackey
and 
and crouch with 
. They hop back or forth with 
and jump behind and ahead with 
or 
. They can "super jump" (a faster and farther jump, trailed by afterimages) by pressing 
, a strong punch with 
, a weak kick with 
, or a strong kick with 
. Each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves that can be performed by the player with a specific series of button inputs.
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