The King of Fighters 2000 (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ2000) is the seventh installment of The King of Fighters series. It was originally released on the Neo Geo arcade hardware by SNK, then released on the Sega Dreamcast exclusively in Japan in August 2002. It is the last King of Fighters game to be produced by the original incarnation of SNK before the company's bankruptcy.
After the previous tournament, Heidern continues to investigate the NESTS cartel. Ling, a fellow commander and long-time friend of Heidern, informs him that K' and Maxima were once NESTS operatives and that they may hold the key to locating the whereabouts of the mysterious organization. With this information, Heidern decides to use the next King of Fighters tournament to lure both K' and Maxima out of hiding so that they can be captured and interrogated by him.
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
The game is a team fighting game. It is the seventh installment in The King of Fighters series and the second chapter of the "NESTS Chronicles" story arc. The gameplay retains the Striker system of the previous games in the series but expands upon it with the "Active Striker System" which allows the player to summon the Striker while attacking or being attacked so that the Striker can assist in combos. Players now have two choices after selecting the Striker member of the team: the selected character or an alternate character called "Another Striker," which is a character used exclusively for Striker attacks. Another Strikers are characters from previous King of Fighters games as well as characters making cameo appearances from other SNK titles such as the Metal Slug series, Samurai Shodown, Savage Reign, Buriki One, and The Last Blade. Additional Strike Bombs can now be earned in exchange for a stock of the power gauge by taunting. Super Desperation moves are performed differently and cost three stocks of the power gauge rather than requiring the character to have low health, and not all Desperation moves have corresponding Super Desperation moves. The Dreamcast version includes 8 console-exclusive hidden Strikers called "Maniac Strikers" and 20 bonus stage backgrounds taken from other SNK games.
Instead of the three-character teams from earlier games, each team now has four members. Before a match, the player chooses three characters to use in the fights (and the order in which they appear) and one supporting character called the Striker, who can be summoned during battle to perform a special move and leave. After choosing the Striker, the player also picks between the Striker (the selected character) or Another Striker (an alternate character exclusively used for Striker attacks that is paired with the selected character). Each match is a three-on-three elimination match, where the next member of the team takes the place of the last one in the next round when a team member is defeated. The victorious character continues to the next round with a small portion of health restored (more health is restored if the round is completed faster). The match continues until all of the members of a team are eliminated.
Characters move with and and crouch with . They backstep or run with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . They can perform short hops by pressing , , or , followed by quickly. 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 +. This can be done while standing or jumping.
The fourth member of the team, the Striker, can be called for a special attack with + (or ). Strikers can be called while standing still, moving, or attacking. The special move performed varies by character. Most are offensive attacks, but some restore some health, build the character's power gauge, decrease the opponent's power gauge, or hold the opponent in place for an attack. The Striker leaves immediately if hit by the opponent. Strikers can only be summoned a limited number of times during a match, which is determined by the number of "Strike Bombs" at the bottom of the screen. The starting number of Strike Bombs is three per player by default, but this can be changed in the options. A team gains another Strike Bomb after losing a round.
Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. They can perform an evasive slide with + to slide forwards or ++ to slide backwards (or ++ when facing left). They are invulnerable during the slide and can move through opponents when they are close. Pressing any punch or kick button during a slide causes the character to perform a quick, short-ranged counterattack when coming out of the slide.
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. Characters can also block special moves and aerial attacks (but not grounded normal moves or Desperation moves) in midair from a neutral or backwards jump (but not a forwards jump). While blocking, characters can guard cancel into a slide by pressing + or guard cancel into a counterattack by pressing +. Guard cancels cost a stock of the power gauge. 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, but they can be escaped by pressing + at the start of the grab. Characters can also recover from a knockdown and roll away quickly by pressing + upon landing.
The power gauge is filled by attacking the opponent with normal attacks (but not throws) or by performing special moves (regardless of whether they connect with the opponent). When the gauge is filled, it is kept in stock and reset, up to three times. Characters can use one stock of the gauge to perform a Desperation move, three stocks to perform a Super Desperation move, or three stocks to enter one of two special states, Counter Mode or Armor Mode. Counter Mode is entered by pressing ++ and increases the character's attack damage and allows for unlimited use of Desperation moves and guard cancels, but the character cannot perform Super Desperation moves during this state. Some special moves can be canceled into Desperation moves while in Counter Mode. Armor Mode is entered by pressing ++ and increases the character's defensive strength and enables the character to continue attacking even when attacked, but the character cannot perform a Desperation move or a guard cancel during this state.
Characters can taunt with , which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack. When the player has at least one stock of the power gauge stored and less than the maximum number of Strikers, taunting converts one stock of the gauge into another Strike Bomb. This can also be done when the character is in Counter Mode or Armor Mode, though this reduces the time that the state lasts.
Modes
Continue bonus
Kula Diamond fight
Gallery artwork and puzzle
The game has multiple modes. In any of the single-player modes, the player gains or loses Ability Points after each match, depending on the score attained during the battle and the difficulty setting. More Ability Points are awarded for winning rounds faster, executing longer combos, successfully using Strikers, or successfully landing Desperation or Super Desperation moves. The player can unlock a secret mid-boss fight against Kula Diamond by acquiring 240 Ability Points at some point between the third and final matches. The ending contains an additional scene if the player fights Kula.
Team Play: A single-player mode where the player forms a team of four characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against six randomly selected teams, then a match against the final boss Zero (who has two forms), for a total of 7 matches. Before each match, the player chooses three characters to play and one character to use as a Striker. This is the main mode.
Team Vs.: A two-player mode where each player forms a team of four characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Before the match, the players choose three characters to play and one character to use as a Striker. Players can choose a different team after each match.
Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses two characters and fights one-on-one matches against six individual opponents, then a match against the final boss Zero (who has two forms), for a total of 7 matches. Before each match, the player chooses which character to play and which to use as a Striker. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds.
Single Vs.: A two-player mode where each player chooses two characters and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Before each match, the players choose which character to play and which to use as a Striker. Players can choose different characters after each match.
Practice: A training mode where the player can choose any character and any opponent. There are several options to adjust the opponent's stance (standing, crouching, jumping, jumping forward, or moving automatically) and behavior (guarding or attacking, including throwing or calling a Striker). There is no time limit, and there are options for each player to keep the life or power gauges full. Taunting can cause the opponent to walk forward or backward or restarts the match.
Gallery: A gallery of artwork for the game. Additional artwork can be unlocked by completing puzzles (which become unlocked after completing one of the arcade modes on any difficulty level). These puzzles are similar to sliding puzzles, where an image is broken into multiple pieces and must be unscrambled by moving the pieces into the correct positions, but they have the additional challenge that the pieces must be rotated correctly as well. There are three categories of puzzles, which increase in difficulty: Practice, Challenge, and Special. The Special puzzles are only unlocked after completing all of the Challenge puzzles. Once all of the Special puzzles have been completed, five hidden stages are unlocked for use in the Practice and Vs. modes. The game saves the player's progress for one puzzle from each category.
A "roulette" team can be formed by choosing "?" on the character select screen. When selected, any team slots that have not been chosen are given random characters on each match.
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. When continuing a game, the player can optionally choose a bonus to help with the current match, such as starting with a full power gauge or reducing the health of the opponent.
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 playable characters from The King of Fighters '99 return except for Li Xiangfei (who remains in the game as a Striker) and the two Kyo clones. There are five new playable characters (Ramón, Vanessa, Lin, Seth, and Hinako Shijo), plus two new boss characters (Kula Diamond and Clone Zero).
Hero Team
A team consisting of K', the main character of the NESTS Chronicles, and his partner Maxima, who have partnered with the mercenary agents Vanessa and Ramón for this tournament.
K'
The protagonist of the NESTS Chronicles. K' (pronounced "K Dash") is a young man who was captured and experimented on by the shadowy criminal organization NESTS and injected with Kyo Kusanagi's DNA to give him similar pyrokinetic abilities. Suspicious of their invitations to the latest King of Fighters tournament, K' and his partner Maxima accept the help of the agents Vanessa and Ramón, who have promised to help them take down NESTS.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ein Trigger
P
K' swings his arm and forms in a ring of fire in front of him. Before it dissipates, he can kick the fire across the screen as a projectile (Second Shoot) by pressing + LK or diagonally upwards (Second Shell) by pressing + HK , or he can slip into the shadows and slide across the ground (Blackout) by pressing +K. The projectile moves faster when the initial move is performed with HP .
Crow Bite (super cancel)
P
K' rises into the air with a spiraling uppercut while trailed by a streak of fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HP , he ascends higher and leaps forward in an arc, covering much more horizontal distance, and he can follow up with a flaming kick (Secondary Crow Bite) by pressing +K before the apex of the leap.
Minute Spike
K
K' leaps forward with an inward kick that knocks his opponent down on impact. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HK . This move can be performed in midair.
Blackout
K
K' slips into the shadows and slides across the ground, passing through attacks as well as his opponent. He slides further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One Inch Punch
+ LP
K' reaches forward and clenches his fist, delivering a concentrated strike that knocks his opponent over.
Knee Assault
+ LK
K' hops up with a knee strike. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Narrow Spike
HP + LK
If the opponent is on the ground, K' jumps in with a flying punch, then slides across the ground, which knocks the opponent over, and taunts. The slide hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Striker: Crow Bite
HP + LK
If the opponent is in the air, K' jumps in with a flying punch, then rises into the air with a spiraling uppercut while trailed by a streak of fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Another Striker: Narrow Spike (Another K')
HP + LK
Another K' jumps in, does a jumping kick forward that lands on the ground with a slide, and taunts. Another K' is an early alternative design for K'.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chain Drive
P
K' throws his sunglasses at his opponent. If they hit, he disappears and reappears before his opponent, then performs a series of punches and kicks, finishing with a One Inch Punch.
Heat Drive
P
K' holds a flame in his gloved hand while P is held. When the button is released, he rushes forward with a flaming punch. The move does more damage when it is charged for longer, and it is unblockable when fully charged.
Super: Chain Drive
LP + HP
K' throws his sunglasses at his opponent. If they hit, he disappears and reappears before his opponent, then performs a series of punches and kicks that set the opponent ablaze, finishing with a One Inch Punch.
Maxima
Maxima is a cybernetically enhanced Canadian special agent and the partner of K'. His previous partner was killed at the hands of NESTS, and Maxima abandoned his ordinary life and transformed himself into a cyborg in order to seek revenge.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
M4 Kata Vapor Cannon (super cancel)
P
Maxima swings forward with a high-powered punch that knocks his opponent back.
M19 Blitz Cannon
K
Maxima leaps into the air with an arm extended and tries to catch an airborne opponent. If he succeeds, he grabs them and punches them back to the ground with his other fist. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
System 1-2: Maxima Scramble
P (up to 3 times)
Maxima hits with an open-handed palm thrust. He can follow up with a turnaround elbow strike and a punch (Double Bomber) by pressing LP again, then finish by lifting his opponent by the neck and slamming them to the ground (Bulldog Press) by pressing LP a final time.
System 3: Maxima Lift
K
Maxima slides forward, then grabs his opponent and performs a powerbomb (Skull Crush). He can follow up by rolling over his knocked down opponent (Centaur Press) by pressing +K.
M11 Kata Dangerous Arch
K (close)
Maxima grabs his opponent in a bear hug, then performs a suplex.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Mongolian
+ LP
Maxima lunges forward with a two-handed chop. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
M9 Kata Maxima Missile (Shisaku)
+ HP
Maxima punches diagonally upwards while crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Maxima Gallows
HP + LK
Maxima jumps to the opponent and tries to grab them. If he succeeds, he lifts them by the neck before slamming them, which does no damage but immobilizes the opponent temporarily.
Another Striker: Atomic Burn (Rocky)
HP + LK
Rocky slides in, then opens his chest and launches a large fireball across the screen from it. Rocky is a character from the beat-'em-up game Robo Army. Maxima was inspired by a cyborg character of the same name from this game.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bunker Buster
P
Maxima launches himself into the air, then crashes down to the ground while rolled into a ball. He falls halfway across the screen when the move is performed with LP or across the entire screen when the move is performed with HP .
Maxima Revenger
K (close)
Maxima lifts his opponent by the neck, then slams them into the ground, powerbombs them into his knee, and tosses them into the air. He leans over as the opponent then falls onto his back, then he stands up straight and flings the opponent into the air again.
Super: Maxima Revenger
LK + HK (close)
Maxima lifts his opponent by the neck, then slams them into the ground, powerbombs them into his knee, and tosses them into the air. He leans over as the opponent then falls onto his back, then he stands up straight and flings the opponent into the air three times.
Ramón
Ramón is a special agent and a luchador (a Mexican wrestler) who fights with professional wrestling techniques. He was created in response to the popularity of the King of Fighters series in Latin America. He is partnered with Vanessa, whom he is determined to woo, though she does not reciprocate his affections. They have offered their services to K' and Maxima to help them investigate NESTS, though they are in fact secretly working for Heidern and Ling.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Rolling Sobat
K
Ramón hops into the air with a back heel kick that knocks his opponent back on impact. He can follow up by jumping on his knocked down opponent with a body press (Flying Body Attack) by pressing K.
Tiger Neck Chancery
P (close)
Ramón grabs his opponent by the neck, then falls backward to the ground with a slam.
Somersault
K
Ramón runs forward, then steps onto his opponent and kicks himself off with a backflip, knocking his opponent over. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Feint Step
, then hold P
Ramón paces back and forth, evading the opponent's attacks, three times or until the button is released. He finishes with a dropkick when the move is performed with LP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Stealth Dropkick
+ LK
Ramón plunges forward with a dropkick from a crouched position. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: El Diablo Amarillo Ramón
HP + LK
Ramón runs forward. If he reaches the opponent, he performs a short series of strikes, ending with a Rolling Sobat and a taunt.
Another Striker: Submarine Screw (Duke Edwards)
HP + LK
Duke walks halfway across the screen. He charges up, then does a jumping uppercut and a final uppercut after landing. Duke is a character from the beat-'em-up Burning Fight.
Maniac Striker: Final Countdown (Neo & Geo)
HP + LK
Neo & Geo jump in and taunt. When they leave, the ground explodes. Neo & Geo are the protagonists of the quiz game Quiz Dai Sousa-sen (and a reference to SNK's Neo Geo platform).
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tiger Spin
P (close)
Ramón grabs and slams his opponent to the ground.
El Diablo Amarillo Ramón
K
Ramón runs forward, then performs a long series of strikes, ending by feint stepping back and doing a dropkick. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Super: Tiger Spin
LP + HP (close)
Ramón grabs and slams his opponent to the ground three times.
Vanessa
Vanessa is a housewife and mother in her thirties who secretly works as a mercenary agent. She fights with an agile boxing style that rarely incorporates kicks. She and her partner Ramón are secretly working for Ling and Heidern and tasked with apprehending the fugitives K' and Maxima.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Dash Puncher (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Vanessa dashes forward with an uppercut that knocks her opponent into the air. She dashes further when the move is performed with HP .
Machine Gun Puncher
PPPPP
Vanessa slides forward while punching, ending with an uppercut that knocks the opponent back. This move hits more times if the player presses P rapidly.
Forward Puncher Vision
K
Vanessa rushes forward in a blur, which passes through attacks. She rushes further when the move is performed with HK . She can follow up with a downward punch and an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air (Puncher Upper) with + LP or an uppercut and a straight punch that knocks the opponent back (Puncher Straight) with + HP . Or she can lean forward and weave her body to dodge attacks (Puncher Weaving) by holding +P (which lasts until P is released).
Backward Puncher Vision
K
Vanessa retreats backward in a blur, which passes through attacks. She rushes further when the move is performed with HK . She can follow up with a downward punch and an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air (Puncher Upper) with + LP or an uppercut and a straight punch that knocks the opponent back (Puncher Straight) with + HP . Or she can lean forward and weave her body to dodge attacks (Puncher Weaving) by holding +P (which lasts until P is released).
Puncher Weaving
, then hold P
Vanessa leans forward and weaves her body to dodge attacks (which lasts until P is released). She can follow up with a downward punch that knocks her opponent to the ground (Parrying Puncher) with +P or an upward punch that knocks her opponent back (Dash Puncher) with +P. Or she can rush backward (Backward Puncher Vision) with +K or rush forward (Forward Puncher Vision) with +K.
Parrying Puncher
P
Vanessa does a fierce punch. She does a downward punch that knocks her opponent to the ground with LP or an upward punch that knocks her opponent back with HP . This move can negate projectiles.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One-Two Puncher (super cancel)
+ LP
Vanessa punches downward, then does an uppercut that knocks her opponent over. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Slide Punch
+ LK
Vanessa slides along the ground while prone and holding her fist out. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Hard Puncher
HP + LK
Vanessa slides in with a punch. If she hits the opponent, she does a combo of punches ending with an uppercut, which knocks the opponent into the air, and taunts.
Another Striker: Parachute Kouka Kunren (Fiolina Germi)
HP + LK
Fio parachutes in, then falls with a body press. If she does not hit the opponent, she taunts, which increases the power gauge. If she hits the opponent, she follows up with a shove that knocks the opponent over. Fio is a character from the Metal Slug series of games, first appearing in Metal Slug 2.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Crazy Puncher
P
Vanessa rushes forward and pummels her opponent with a series of rapid punches, ending with a punch that sends her opponent flying away. She rushes further when the move is performed with HP .
Champion Puncher
P (close)
Vanessa does a downward punch, an upward punch, and a straight punch, then weaves and finishes with an uppercut knocks her opponent into the air.
Super: Crazy Puncher
LP + HP
Vanessa rushes forward, then zooms to each side of her opponent with numerous punches, ending with a punch that sends her opponent flying into the air.
Benimaru Team
Benimaru becomes the leader of his own team for the first time, consisting of his friend Shingo, the agent Seth, and the assassin Lin.
Benimaru Nikaido
Benimaru is a professional shootboxing fighter and model who can create electricity. He and his friend Shingo have formed their own team with the intention of finding Kyo Kusanagi.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raijin Ken (super cancel)
P
Benimaru jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist, which hits up to three times. He punches straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP . This move can be performed in midair (which is done at a downward angle regardless of the button used).
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 (Handou Sandan Geri) that knocks his opponent over.
Shinkuu Kakate Goma (super cancel)
P
Benimaru stands on one hand and spins his body around, kicking with both legs. He spins for longer when the move is performed with HP .
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 / HK , + HP / HK , 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.
Jackknife Kick
+ LK
Benimaru skips forward with a front kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Electro Trigger
HP + LK
Benimaru jumps to the opponent and tries to grab them. If he succeeds, he shocks them with bolts of lightning, which does no damage but immobilizes the opponent temporarily.
Another Striker: Raijin Ken (Another Benimaru)
HP + LK
Another Benimaru jumps in. He swings his arm, creating a medium-ranged electric arc that knocks the opponent back on impact. Another Benimaru is an early alternative design for Benimaru.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raikou Ken
P
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. He punches straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Gen'ei Hurricane
K (close)
Benimaru strikes a pose and creates afterimages of himself that strike his opponent repeatedly, then finishes with a sliding kick.
Super: Raikou Ken
LP + 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.
Shingo Yabuki
Shingo is a Japanese high school student who idolizes Kyo and imitated his fighting style. He is helping Benimaru search for Kyo Kusanagi.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
104 Shiki: Aragami Mikansei
LP
Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm.
105 Shiki: Dokugami Mikansei
HP
Shingo turns around with a hook punch using his leading arm that knocks the opponent over.
100 Shiki: Oniyaki Mikansei
P
Shingo does an elbow strike, then twirls into the air while holding his arms out, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma Mikansei
K
Shingo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. When the move is performed with HK , he follows up with an additional kick and sometimes face plants to the ground (which can hit an additional time while he falls).
202 Shiki: Kototsuki Mikansei (super cancel)
K
Shingo runs forward with a hook punch, then jumps with a double-fisted bash that knocks the opponent to the ground. He runs farther when the move is performed with HK .
Shingo Kick
K
Shingo does a jumping turnaround kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
Shingo Kinsei Ore Shiki: Nie Togi
K (close)
Shingo turns around with two elbow strikes, then jumps into the air with a back attack.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Goufu Kakkodake
+ LK
Shingo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Yacchatte Kudasai!
HP + LK
Shingo jumps in and runs into the opponent, then grabs them by the legs, which does no damage but immobilizes the opponent temporarily.
Another Striker: 75 Shiki Kai² (Cosplayer Kyoko)
HP + LK
Cosplayer Kyoko jumps in with a flying kick, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. If it does not hit, she hops forward with kicks from each leg that knock the opponent into the air. She finishes with a taunt that decreases the opponent's power gauge. Cosplayer Kyoko is a Kyo fan who dresses like him, like a female counterpart to Shingo.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Burning Shingo
P
Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm, then an uppercut, a downward punch, and a final uppercut that knocks his opponent back.
Ge Shiki: Kake Hourin
P
Shingo steps forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent back.
Super: Burning Shingo
LP + HP
Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm, then an uppercut, three downward punches, and a final uppercut that knocks his opponent back.
Lin
Lin is a ninja who is a member of the assassin clan known as the Hizoku. He joins the tournament to search for his former master Ron, who betrayed the clan for NESTS, and decided to join Benimaru's team after a chance encounter with Shingo. He fights with poison techniques.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hiten Kyaku
K
Lin leaps forward while stomping, then finishes with a knockdown kick. The last kick knocks the opponent down when the move is performed with LK . He leaps further and kicks the opponent into the air when the move is performed with HK .
Muei Kousashu
P
Lin stabs rapidly in front of him with knifehand strikes, finishing with a lateral strike that knocks the opponent back.
Kasumi (super cancel)
P
Lin pulls down his mask and spits out a corrosive mist that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Hiten Tetsuzanbu Rasatsu
P
Lin thrusts a poisoned hand forward. He can follow up with an upward strike (Tetsuzanbu Nagi) by pressing P, then a final palm thrust that knocks the opponent back (Tetsuzanbu Hakei) by pressing +P.
Himou Kyaku
K
Lin zooms forward, momentarily disappearing and passing through attacks. He travels further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ben Patsu Ken
+ LP
Lin steps forward and whips his braid around, which knocks the opponent back.
Higi Hakyoku Ken Dakai
+ HP
Lin stomps the ground, which creates an impact that knocks the opponent down.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Hirai Kyaku
HP + LK
Lin jumps in with a stomp. If he hits the opponent, he does an upward kick that knocks the opponent into the air, then taunts.
Another Striker: Kasumi Giri (Eiji Kisaragi)
HP + LK
Eiji jumps in, then vanishes in a cloud of smoke. He reappears in front of the opponent, then swings his arms down as if holding a sword, creating an arc of ki that knocks the opponent back. Eiji is a character from Art of Fighting 2 who previously appeared in The King of Fighters '95.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hizoku Ougi Ranbu Dokuga
P
Lin dashes forward, then performs a series of attacks, ending with a final blow that knocks the opponent back. He dashes further when the move is performed with HP .
Hizoku Ougi Eikou
K
Lin disappears and walks forward. If he walks into the opponent, he grabs and slashes them with his hand.
Super: Hizoku Ougi Dokushu Koh
LP + HP (close)
Lin grabs and holds his opponent into the air by the neck, then stabs his hand through them, which drains the opponent's vitality and recovers his own.
Super: Hizoku Ougi Ranbu Dokuga
LP + HP
Lin dashes forward, then performs a series of attacks, ending with a final blow and a series of explosions that knock the opponent back.
Seth
Seth is a middle-aged mercenary agent who is investigating the Hizoku. He crossed paths with the Hizoku member Lin, and together, they have joined Benimaru to help him search for Kyo. However, like his fellow agent Vanessa, Seth is secretly working for Ling and Heidern.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Koh-Getsu
LP in midair
Seth drops behind him with a dive kick. He can be follow up with a sliding kick by pressing + LK . This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
An-Getsu
HP in midair
Seth drops in front of him with a dive kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Raku-Getsu
LK in midair
Seth falls while stomping with both feet, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ei-Getsu
HK in midair
Seth rolls higher, then drops down with a dive kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Sho-Yoh (super cancel)
P
Seth swings his arm into the air, kicking up dust from the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact. He swings his leading arm with LP or his following arm with HP .
Kyu-Getsu (super cancel)
K
Seth charges forward with a knee strike. If it hits, he follows up with a jumping kick that knocks the opponent back. He charges further when the move is performed with HK .
Doh-Kuzushi
LK
Seth holds a defensive posture. If he is hit by a high attack, he blocks the attack and shoves the opponent behind him.
Ashi-Tori
HK
Seth holds a defensive posture. If he is hit by a low attack, he blocks the attack and knocks the opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Mae Age Geri
+ LK
Seth does a step kick forward.
Tackle
+ LP
Seth leans forward with a shoulder tackle that knocks the opponent back.
Rolling Sobat
+ LP
Seth hops forward with a jumping kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Sliding Kick
+ LK
Seth slides along the ground with a kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Final Agent
HP + LK
Seth jumps in with a flying kick. If he does not hit the opponent, he walks forward and does a Sho-Yoh, then taunts.
Another Striker: Tenchi Gaeshi: Olympic Version (Goro Daimon)
HP + LK
Daimon runs in and tries to grab the opponent. If he does not succeed, he taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. If he succeeds, he picks up and slams the opponent against the ground, picks them back up and throws them through the air, then taunts. Daimon is a former member of the Hero Team who previously appeared in every King of Fighters game from The King of Fighters '94 to The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Doh-Tori-Shichimonsatsu
P
Seth holds his arm out defensively. If he is hit while doing this, he knocks the opponent to the ground and punches them repeatedly, then throws them behind him.
Morote Sho Yoh
P
Seth swings each arm into the arm, kicking up dust from the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Irimi-Nadazuki
K
Seth dashes forward, then does a sweep kick and multiple stomp kicks while leaning on his back, finishing with a kick that knocks the opponent over. He dashes further when the move is performed with HK .
Super: Doh-Tori-Shichimonsatsu
LP + HP
Seth holds his arm out defensively. If he is hit while doing this, he knocks the opponent to the ground and punches them repeatedly, then throws them behind him.
Garou Densetsu Team
A team representing characters from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games. Blue Mary joins the team for the first time, replacing Mai Shiranui, who moved to the Women Fighters Team.
Terry Bogard
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series. Terry is an American fighter from South Town. He has discovered that Blue Mary is one of the primary targets of NESTS and decides to form a team to help her.
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 (super cancel)
LP
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to roll across the floor.
Round Wave (super cancel)
HP
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to burst from the ground in front of him. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
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 (super cancel)
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 and hits more times 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
Hammer Punch
+ LP
Terry steps forward with a downward punch. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Rising Upper
+ HP
Terry does an uppercut.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: High Angle Geyser
HP + LK
If the opponent is on the ground, Terry charges in with a shoulder ram, then rises into the air with an uppercut and smashes the ground with a burning fist, causing an eruption of fire.
Striker: Dunk Geyser
HP + LK
If the opponent is in the air, Terry charges in and punches the ground, causing a geyser of energy to erupt from the ground in front of him.
Another Striker: Shinkuu Nage (Geese Howard)
HP + LK
Geese charges in with a shoulder tackle that knocks the opponent back on impact, then taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. If he does not hit the opponent but he touches the opponent with his taunt, he grabs and throws the opponent across his arms. Geese is the recurring villain of the Fatal Fury series who also appeared in The King of Fighters '96.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Power Geyser
P
Terry punches the ground, causing a geyser of energy to erupt from the ground in front of him.
High Angle Geyser
K
Terry charges forward with a shoulder ram, then rises into the air with an uppercut and smashes the ground with a burning fist, causing an eruption of fire.
Super: Triple Geyser
LP + HP
Terry punches the ground three times, causing an energy geyser to erupt from the ground with each hit, which can juggle the opponent from one into the next.
Andy Bogard
Andy, nicknamed "The Whole Body Weapon," is the younger brother of Terry and the fiancé of Mai. While Terry developed a scrappy style from fighting in the streets, Andy was trained in formal martial arts, including Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu that he learned from the master Hanzo Shiranui.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hishou Ken (super cancel)
LP
Andy flicks a quick spark of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact.
Geki Hishou Ken (super cancel)
HP
Andy strikes in front of him with his hand, then uses the other hand to create a powerful sphere of ki that can hit multiple times.
Shouryuu Dan (super cancel)
P
Andy jumps into the air while fanning his arms around him, which can hit multiple times before knocking the opponent to the ground. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zan'ei Ken
P
Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee. If the player presses P during the move, Andy follows up with an additional strike (Ga Dan Kou) that knocks the opponent back.
Kuuhaa Dan
K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
Gen'ei Shiranui
K in midair
Andy falls to the ground with an elbow strike. He can be follow up with a sweep kick (Shimo Agito) by pressing P or a rolling kick (Uwa Agito) by pressing K.
Geki Heki Haisui Shou
P (close)
Andy slides forward with an elbow strike, then does palm strikes with each hand, ending with a double-handed palm thrust that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Age Omote
+ LP
Andy thrusts upward with a palm, hitting up to two times.
Jou Agito
+ LK
Andy crouches and stands on a hand, then rolls forward with a kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Shippuu Zan'ei Ken
HP + LK
Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee, which knocks the opponent into the air on impact. If he hits the opponent, he taunts.
Another Striker: Rengeki Ensatsu Kon (Billy Kane)
HP + LK
Billy hops in while spinning and striking with his cudgel. If he hits the opponent, he jumps into the air while holding his cudgel out, which knocks down the opponent on impact. Billy is the right-hand man of Geese Howard who previously appeared as a playable character in The King of Fighters '95, The King of Fighters '97, and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Reppa Dan
K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Zan'ei Ryuusei Ken
P
Andy rushes forward with multiple strikes, then swings his hands around and channels his ki into a concentrated burst.
Super: Chou Reppa Dan
LK + HK
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Joe Higashi
Joe is a Japanese Muay Thai expert and a loyal ally of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hurricane Upper (super cancel)
P
Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves a short distance across the ground. He steps forward and generates a second cyclone that knocks the opponent over when the move is performed with HP .
Baku Retsu Ken
PPPPP
Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. He can follow up with a downward elbow strike by pressing LP or a jumping kick that knocks his opponent over by pressing HP during the move.
Slash Kick
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 (super cancel)
K
Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. 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. He jumps further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Slide Kick
+ LK
Joe does a slide kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Low Kick
+ LK
Joe does a low roundhouse kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Ora Ora Baku Retsu Ken
HP + LK
Joe jumps in with a flying kick, then slides forward with salvo of punches. If he hits the opponent, he does an uppercut that knocks the opponent over and taunts.
Another Striker: Windmill (Duck King)
HP + LK
Duck King jumps in, then rolls on the ground with numerous breakdancing kicks. Duck King is a breakdancing fighter from the Fatal Fury series.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Baku Retsu Hurricane Tiger Kakato
P
Joe slides forward with salvo of punches, then does two uppercuts that send cyclones flying and a rising knee strike, finishing with a kick in the air.
Shijou Saikyou no Low Kick
K
Joe turns away and builds his energy while K is held. When the button is released, he turns around and hits with a shin kick that knocks his opponent over. The move does more damage when it is charged for longer.
Super: Screw Upper
LP + HP
Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone, then jumps into the air with an uppercut while generating a tall cyclone that covers the full height of the screen.
Blue Mary
Blue Mary is an American detective who fights using grappling techniques. NESTS is trying to have her killed for investigating them, so she has joined the Garou Densetsu team for this tournament.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Spin Fall
P
Mary leaps forward and falls with an axe kick. It can be followed by a neck hold takedown (Mary Spider) by pressing P again during the move.
Vertical Arrow (super cancel)
K
Mary jumps and kicks diagonally upward. It can be interrupted with a scissor takedown (Mary Snatcher) by pressing K again during the move.
Straight Slicer (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Mary crouches and slides forward with a sweep kick. She can follow up with a grab, slam, and hold (Mary Crab Clutch) by pressing K during the move.
Real Counter
P
Mary taunts her opponent. Normal attacks pass through her while she is doing this. She can follow up by grabbing the opponent by the waist and performing a suplex (Backdrop Real) by pressing P or by rolling her body around the opponent's head with a takedown (Head Crush) by pressing K.
Mary Reverse Facelock
LK
Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by an attack from an airborne opponent while doing this, she catches the attack and locks the opponent in a hold.
Mary Head Buster
HK
Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by a high or mid attack from a grounded opponent while doing this, she catches the attack, rolls backward, and throws the opponent high into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hammer Arc
+ LP or + LP
Mary hops forward while swinging her fists down. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Double Rolling
+ LK or + LK
Mary jumps in the air with a spinning back kick, then does a low crouching kick. The second strike hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Climbing Arrow
+ LK
Mary does a donkey kick into the air, which knocks her opponent back on impact.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Rapid Spider
HP + LK
Mary slides in with a sweep kick. If she hits the opponent, she jumps onto the opponent's head for a grab. If she succeeds, she rolls to the ground, does a handstand, and thrusts the opponent into the air with her legs.
Another Striker: Sarashi Kubi (Ryuji Yamazaki)
HP + LK
Yamazaki jumps in with a flying punch, then tries to grabs the opponent. If he succeeds, he lifts them into the air by the neck, which does no damage but immobilizes the opponent temporarily. Yamazaki is a Japanese mobster who appears as a villain in the Fatal Fury and previously appeared as a playable character in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Mary Typhoon
K (close)
Mary climbs onto her opponent's shoulders, grabs their head between her feet, and slams them with her legs.
Mary Splash Rose
P
Mary dashes back and forward in front of her opponent, then does a jumping kick and knocks them into the air with multiple hand swipes.
Mary Dynamite Swing
K
Mary knocks her opponent into the air with a knee strike, grabs them in midair and drives them back to the ground, then grabs them again after they stand up and swings them around multiple times by the neck before letting go.
Super: Mary Dynamite Swing
LK + HK
Mary knocks her opponent into the air with a knee strike, grabs them in midair and drives them back to the ground, then grabs them again after they stand up, performs two suplexes, and swings them around multiple times by the neck before letting go.
Ryuuko no Ken Team
A team representing characters from the Art of Fighting series of fighting games. King joins the team for the first time, replacing Yuri Sakazaki, who moved to the Women Fighters Team.
Ryo Sakazaki
Ryo, nicknamed "The Invincible Dragon," is a dedicated martial artist in the family style of Kyokugen-ryuu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken (super cancel)
P
Ryo thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Kohou (super cancel)
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.
Kohou Shippuu Ken (super cancel)
P
Ryo winds up, then lunges forward with a high punch that knocks his opponent back on impact.
Mouko Raijin Setsu
K
Ryo leaps forward with a hand chop that knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku
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 .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hyouchuu Wari
+ LP
Ryo draws his hand back, then steps forward with an hand chop. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Joudan Uke
+ LK
Ryo steps forward with a high block. This move does no damage, but if timed correctly, it parries a high attack.
Gedan Uke (super cancel)
+ LK
Ryo slides forward with a low block. This move does no damage, but if timed correctly, it parries a low or mid attack.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Kuuchuu Ko'ou Ken
HP + LK
Ryo jumps into the air and thrusts a burst of ki energy diagonally downwards.
Another Striker: Kasshin Fuku Ryuu (Awakened Kaede)
HP + LK
Kaede rolls in, then stabs the ground with his sword, then a series of lightning strikes hit the ground in front of him in a line. Kaede is the protagonist of the fighting game The Last Blade, appearing in his "awakened" form.
Maniac Striker: G-Mantle Shot (G-Mantle)
HP + LK
G-Mantle jumps in, then throws a trio of darts onto the ground in front of him. G-Mantle is a masked figure who appeared in SNK advertising from this period.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Ryo 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 .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P
Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou.
Tenchi Haoh Ken
P
Ryo performs a straight punch that sends his opponent flying away.
Super: Haoh Shoukou Ken
LP + HP
Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Super: Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP
Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a low Kohou and a high Kohou.
Robert Garcia
Robert, nicknamed "The Raging Tiger," is a friend to the Sakazaki family and a student of Kyokugen-ryuu. He is more stylish and charismatic in contrast to the sensible and serious Ryo.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuu Geki Ken (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Robert swings his arm and throws a ring-shaped projectile across the screen. The projectile moves faster but not as far when the move is performed with HP .
Sujin Ranbu Kyaku (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P (close)
Robert advances with an uppercut, a body blow, a high kick, and a jumping roundhouse that knocks his opponent into the air.
Ryuu Zan Shou
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Robert flips backward with a kick that knocks his opponent over on impact. He flips higher and hits two times when the move is performed with HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Robert leaps ahead with multiple rotating kicks, which knock down his opponent on impact. He leaps farther and hits more times when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kou Ryuu Go Kya Geri
+ LP or + LP
Robert jumps forward with a spinning back kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ryuu Han Shuu
+ LK or + LK
Robert does a high side kick.
Nidan Sokutou Geri
+ LK
Robert does a back low heel kick, then slides forward with an upward kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Hien Ryuu Jin Kyaku
+K in midair
Robert dive kicks diagonally downwards. He travels a longer distance when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Ryuuren Moushuu
HP + LK
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Zan Shou.
Another Striker: Chouhatsu no Ken (Another Robert)
HP + LK
Another Robert jumps in. If the opponent is near, he raises into the air with an uppercut, knocking down the opponent on impact. If the opponent is far, he taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. Another Robert is an alternative design for Robert who wears a gi and taunts by flexing his bicep, as a parody of Dan from the Street Fighter series (who is, in turn, a parody of Ryo and Robert).
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
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 .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P (close)
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Zan Shou.
Kuzuryuusen
K
Robert advances forward with two Ryuu Zan Shous, then flips high into the air with another Ryuu Zan Shou.
Super: Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP (close)
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a low Ryuu Ga and a high Ryuu Ga.
King
King is a French Muay Thai expert and restaurateuse. She has joined the Ryuuko no Ken for the first time at the insistence of Yuri Sakazaki.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Venom Strike (super cancel)
LK
King performs a jumping kick, lobbing a fireball through the air.
Double Strike (super cancel)
HK
King performs two jumping kicks in quick succession, lobbing two fireballs through the air.
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 .
Mirage Kick (super cancel)
P
King runs forward, then hits her opponent with alternating high and low kicks. She runs slightly further when the move is performed with HP .
Surprise Rose
P
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 HP .
Mirage Dance
P (close)
King kicks her opponent multiple times, ending with a sweep kick.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Trap Kick
+ LK
King hops forward with a downward kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Slide Kick
+ HK
King slides forward with a sweep kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Trap Rush
HP + LK
King rushes in with a slide kick. If she hits the opponent, she follows up with a knee strike, then flies upward with an upside-down kick that launches her opponent into the air, finishing with a somersault kick at the height of the ascent.
Another Striker: Beast Blow (King Lion)
HP + LK
King Lion charges in with a shoulder ram. If he does not hit the opponent, he roars, then does a straight punch that knocks the opponent back. If he hits the opponent, he does a quick combo of punches that knocks the opponent down. King Lion is a character from the fighting game Savage Reign.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Illusion Dance
K
King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and multiple midair kicks.
Silent Flash
K
King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a knee strike, then flies upward with an upside-down kick that launches her opponent into the air.
Super: Illusion Dance
LK + HK
King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and multiple midair kicks.
Takuma Sakazaki
Takuma is the grandmaster of Kyokugen-ryuu, a deadly style of karate he devised. He is the father of Ryo and Yuri.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken (super cancel)
P
Takuma hurls a fireball from his palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Mou Ko Murai Gan
P
Takuma does a straight punch that knocks his opponent into the air.
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 a spinning back kick in midair 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. He runs farther when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Oniguruma
+ LP
Takuma swings his arm with a hook punch that knocks the opponent over on impact.
Hisha Otoshi
+ LP
Takuma pulls his arm back, then hits with an underhand palm strike.
Kawara Wari (super cancel)
+ LK
Takuma does an overhead elbow strike. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Keima Uchi
+ LK
Takuma punches downward while crouched, knocking his opponent to the ground on impact. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Chou Hissatsu: Tengu Shoukou Ken
HP + LK
Takuma jumps in while wearing his Mr. Karate mask, then channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Another Striker: Wheel Combo: Maxi Edge (Gai Tendou)
HP + LK
Gai jumps in with a flying kick, then a rolling kick forward, and a jumping kick. Gai is a character from the 3D fighting game Buriki One (in which Ryo appears in the Mr. Karate guise).
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
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 .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P
Takuma rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then hops back and performs a Haoh Shoukou Ken.
Shin Kishin Geki
P (close)
Takuma performs a hard-hitting hook, cross, and straight punch, sending the opponent flying away.
Super: Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP
Takuma rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then hops back and launches three successive Haoh Shoukou Kens.
Ikari Warriors Team
A team representing characters from the Ikari Warriors series of run-and-gun games.
Leona
Leona is the adoptive daughter of Heidern. She fights with similar techniques and slashes her hands like knives.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Baltic Launcher
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Leona throws her hands back and generates a large energy sphere in front of her that can hit her opponent multiple times. She leaps ahead and the sphere moves forward a short distance when the move is performed with HP .
Moon Slasher (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Leona slashes the air around her in a circle, which knocks down her opponent on impact.
Grand Saber (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Leona runs forward while low to the ground, then slashes with her hand when she reaches her opponent, knocking the opponent over on impact. When the move is performed with HK , she runs farther, and the move can be followed up by a somersault kick (Gliding Buster) with + HK .
X-Calibur (super cancel)
P in midair
Leona slashes her hands in an X pattern in the air, shooting a projectile diagonally downwards that knocks her opponent over on impact.
Earring Bakudan 1
K
Leona removes one of her earrings and throws it, which explodes when it hits the ground or her opponent. She throws it further when the move is performed with HK .
Earring Bakudan 2
K (close)
Leona removes one of her earrings and attaches it to her opponent if nearby. It explodes after a short duration or can be manually detonated by pressing K.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Heidern Inferno
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Leona catches her opponent between her legs, then flips over and kicks them down.
Strike Arc
+ LK or + LK
Leona swings her leg down in a circle, knocking down her opponent on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Killer Touch
HP + LK
Leona runs in. If she reaches her opponent, she plants a bomb that detonates and launches the opponent into the air.
Another Striker: Yonokaze (Goenitz)
HP + LK
Goenitz jumps in, landing in front of the opponent. He holds his hand into the air and vanishes, then a whirlwind appears in his place that knocks the opponent into the air on impact. Goenitz is the final boss of The King of Fighters '96.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
V-Slasher
P in midair
Leona dives down with a hand chop, then cuts back into the air, forming a V-shaped explosion.
Grateful Dead
P
Leona leaps over her opponent's head, then drives her hand into them and saps their life force (which does not heal her).
Rebel Spark
K
Leona runs to her opponent and stabs them, causing sparks to fly out and then explode.
Super: V-Slasher
LP + HP in midair
Leona dives down with a hand chop, then cuts back into the air, forming a V-shaped explosion.
Ralf Jones
Ralf is a mercenary who fights with explosive punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch
PPPPP
Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with while doing this.
Gatling Attack (super cancel)
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 (Chijou)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf jumps in the air with a knee strike, 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 .
Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Kuuchuu)
P in midair
Ralf drops down with an explosive dive punch that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Ralf Tackle (super cancel)
K
Ralf charges forward with a tackle that launches his opponent into the air.
Ralf Kick
Hold K for 2 seconds, then release
Ralf leaps through the air with a dropkick that knocks his opponent back. The move does more damage when it is charged for longer. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
Super Argentine Back Breaker
K (close)
Ralf tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Regal Body Blow
HP + LK
Ralf drops down with an explosive dive punch, then charges forward with a powerful, unblockable punch that knocks the opponent back.
Another Striker: Million Bash Stream (Yashiro Nanakase)
HP + LK
Yashiro jumps in with a flying punch, then moves forward while swinging his arms back and forth, finishing with a hit that knocks the opponent back. Yashiro is a member of the "New Faces Team" that previously appeared in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
P
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and a series of rapid explosive punches, then finishes with an uppercut.
Unamori Vulcan Punch
K
Ralf runs forward and pushes down his opponent, then pummels them with a series of explosive punches. He runs farther when the move is performed with HK .
Super: Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
LP + HP
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike and spinning backhand, then another elbow strike and spinning backhand, a series of rapid explosive punches, and multiple uppercuts, finally finishing with a jumping uppercut.
Super: Galactica Phantom
LP + HP
Ralf pulls his arm back and winds up for a powerful, unblockable punch.
Clark Still
Clark is a mercenary who fights with grappling moves.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gatling Attack (super cancel)
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 . He can follow up the move by grabbing the opponent and rolling into the air (Gatling Attack Full Force) with P, then he can finish with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he slams the opponent.
Napalm Stretch
P
Clark jumps into the air and tries to catch an airborne opponent. If he succeeds, he grabs them and rolls to the ground with a slam. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing P after he hits the ground with the opponent.
Mount Tackle
P
Clark runs forward and pushes his opponent down to the ground. He can follow up with a powerbomb (Clark Lift) by pressing LP , a DDT (Sleeper Lift) by pressing HP , or by grabbing the opponent, rolling backward, and finishing with a slam (Rolling Cradler) by pressing K. He can follow up any of the slams with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he slams the opponent.
Frankensteiner
K (close)
Clark grabs his opponent by the neck with his legs and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Super Argentine Back Breaker
K (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Death Lake Driver
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Clark grabs and throws his opponent to the ground.
Stomp Kick
+ LK
Clark stomps his leg forward.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Flashing Launcher
HP + LK
Clark jumps in with a flying kick, then tries to grab the opponent. If he succeeds, he turns around, points ahead, and throws the opponent.
Another Striker: Shermie Spiral Hold (Shermie)
HP + LK
Shermie jumps in, landing in front of the opponent. She grabs the opponent with her legs for a takedown, then taunts. Shermie is a member of the "New Faces Team" that previously appeared in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
P (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker three times, then slams the opponent into the ground.
Running Three
K (close)
Clark grabs his opponent, turns around, points ahead, and runs to the end of the stage while carrying and then slamming the opponent.
Super: Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
LP + HP (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker twice, then throws them high into the air again and jumps up to catch them between his legs, riding them down for a final slam.
Whip
Whip is an assassin with a mysterious background who is working for Heidern to investigate NESTS. She fights using a long whip.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Assassin Strike Code~BB (super cancel)
P or K
Whip flings her whip into the air, then drops back down at a different location. She drops about a quarter of the screen across with LP , halfway across the screen with LK , three quarters of the screen across with HP , or fully across the screen with HK . She damages and knocks over the opponent if she lands on them.
Boomerang Shot Code~SC (super cancel)
P
Whip crouches and swings her whip at an upwards angle. If it hits her opponent, the opponent is caught by the whip and tossed behind her.
Hook Shot Code~Kaze
P in midair
Whip attaches her whip to the ceiling and uses it to swings across while kicking, knocking down her opponent on impact.
String Shot TypeA Code~Yuuetsu
LP
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she cracks her whip and attaches it to her opponent, swings around on it, and stomps her opponent to the ground. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold LP or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
String Shot TypeA Code~Shouri
HP
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she lassos it around the opponent, dragging them toward her and stomping on them repeatedly when they are near. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold LK or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it.
String Shot TypeA Code~Chikara
LK
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she swings her whip forward, grabbing and pulling her opponent toward her. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold HP or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Whip Shot
+ LP LP LP LP LP
Whip flails her whip back and forth, which can be repeated up to five times by continuing to press LP .
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Valkyrie Killer
HP + LK
Whip jumps in and swings her whip around her, which knocks back the opponent on impact.
Another Striker: Shooting Dancer (Chris)
HP + LK
Chris charges in with a shoulder ram. If he does not hit the opponent, he jumps into the air with a spinning heel kick that knocks the opponent over. If he hits the opponent, he slides to the ground with a low kick that sweeps the opponent. Chris is a member of the "New Faces Team" that previously appeared in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Sonic Slaughter Code~KW
P
Whip slashes her whip around her repeatedly, kicking up a cloud of dust and knocking the opponent back and forth, then she throws the opponent across the screen.
Super: Sonic Slaughter Code~KW
LP + HP
Whip slashes her whip around her repeatedly, kicking up a cloud of dust and knocking the opponent back and forth, then she throws the opponent across the screen.
Psycho Soldier Team
A team representing characters from the Psycho Soldier series of platforming games.
Athena Asamiya
Athena is a famous J-Pop idol and a powerful psychic. She fights using a combination of kung fu and her psychic powers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball (super cancel)
P
Athena generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Psycho Shoot (super cancel)
P
Athena pulls her arms back, then throws an orb of psychic energy that launches her opponent into the air. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Phoenix Arrow (super cancel)
K in midair
Athena curls into a ball and dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor. She finishes with a sweep kick after landing when the move is performed with HK .
Psycho Sword (super cancel)
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 (super cancel)
LK
Athena holds her palms out and generates a shield of psychic power. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
Nu Psycho Reflector (super cancel)
HK
Athena holds her palms out and projects a large orb of psychic power in front of her. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
Psycho Teleport (super cancel)
K
Athena runs forward at high speed. She can be hit while doing this but can pass through opponents. She teleports half the width of the screen with LK or the full width of the screen 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 / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Athena grabs and throws her opponent in midair.
Phoenix Bomb
+ LK in midair
Athena drops back-first at her opponent. She bounces off her opponent if she hits. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Renkan Tai
+ LK
Athena hops forward with a high kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Psycho Healing
HP + LK
Athena jumps in and hovers in place while channeling psychic energy, which knocks the opponent back on contact and restores some health.
Another Striker: Flame Sword (Princess Athena)
HP + LK
Princess Athena jumps in and swings her flaming sword upward, which knocks the opponent over on impact. Princess Athena is the protagonist of the arcade game Athena. Her modern day counterpart is Athena, the protagonist of Psycho Soldier and the King of Fighters character.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shining Crystal Bit
P
Athena hovers in the air and channels psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. This move can be performed in midair. The move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK . If the player presses P during the move, Athena points forward and shoots an energy orb across the screen (Crystal Shoot). She throws the orb straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Phoenix Fang Arrow
K in midair
Athena curls into a ball and repeatedly dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor.
Super: Shining Crystal Bit
LP + HP
Athena hovers in the air and glows with psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. This move can be performed in midair. The move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK . If the player presses P during the move, Athena points forward and shoots an energy orb across the screen (Crystal Shoot). She throws the orb straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Sie Kensou
Kensou is Athena's friend (and secret admirer) who fights with similar kung fu techniques. He has lost his psychic powers but decides to participate in the tournament regardless.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Sen Shippo (super cancel)
P
Kensou leaps forward with a flying punch. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Renda (super cancel)
PPPPP
Kensou leans forward on one leg while swinging repeatedly with alternating arms.
Ryuu Renga Chiryuu
LP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike, then follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving forward, knocking over the opponent on impact.
Ryuu Renga Tenryuu
HP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike, then follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving diagonally up into the air, knocking over the opponent on impact.
Ryuu Sougeki
P in midair
Kensou dives diagonally downwards with a palm strike that hits multiple times.
Ryuu Gakusai (super cancel)
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 .
Senkyuutai
K
Kensou leans back and stands on one hand while kicking upward with each leg, which launches the opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kobokushu
+ LP
Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Kousentai
+ LK
Kensou hops forward with a turning kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Niku Man 4 U
HP + LK
Kensou jumps in with a palm strike that knocks the opponent back on impact, then eats a meat bun, which restores some health and increases the power gauge.
Another Striker: Psycho Crash (Psycho Soldier Kensou)
HP + LK
Psycho Soldier Kensou jumps in with a flying punch, then electrifies the ground in front of him when he lands, which knocks the opponent into the air. Psycho Soldier Kensou is a version of Kensou dressed to resemble his original appearance in the arcade game Psycho Soldier.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shinryuu Seioh Rekkyaku
LK
Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick, then stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Shinryuu Tenbu Kyaku
HK
Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick while juggling the opponent into the air, then stands on his hands after landing and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Chouryuu Renken
P
Kensou hits his opponent with several hard punches before swinging his clasped hands upward, which launches the opponent into the air.
Super: Shinryuu Tenbu Kyaku
LK + HK
Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick while juggling the opponent into the air, then stands on his hands after landing and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Chin Gentsai
Chin is Chinese martial arts master who trained Athena, Kensou, and Bao. He fights in the Drunken Fist style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hyoutan Geki Jaku (super cancel)
LP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him.
Hyoutan Geki Kyou (super cancel)
HP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him twice, once high and once low.
Suihai Kou
P
Chin takes a drink of sake from a gourd. After doing this, he can spit the sake diagonally upwards (Fun'en Kou) by pressing P or stumble drunkenly forward (Gouen Shourai Kai) by pressing P. The second move does not have to be done immediately after the first.
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 .
Suikan Kan Ou
P
Chin staggers drunkenly. While he is in this state, he can leap forward with a falling body attack (Chou Shuu Riku Gyo) with +P or roll forward with an upward hand strike (Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken) with +K. Or the move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK .
Bugetsu Sui
K
Chin falls back, flat on the ground, for a duration before standing back up again. While he is in this state, he can fly forward with a kick (Ryuu Ja Hanhou) with + LK , cartwheel backward (Rigyo Hanhou) with + HK , or roll forward with an upward hand strike (Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken) with +K. Or he can move with or or stand back up by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Suiho Hyoutan Shuu
+ LP
Chin falls on his back while swinging a gourd.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Hourai Raku'en
HP + LK
Chin jumps in and looks for the opponent (if not near), then leaps through the air with a rolling body attack that knocks the opponent over.
Another Striker: Gororin Panda (Baitang)
HP + LK
Baitang jumps in, then somersaults across the screen. Baitang is a panda bear who has befriended Bao.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gou Ran Enpou
P
Chin takes a drink from a gourd, then breathes a stream of fire. He breathes the stream diagonally upwards with LP or straight ahead with HP .
Gou En Shourai
P
Chin takes a drink from a gourd and explodes with fire, then stumbles drunkenly forward.
Super: Gou Ran Enpou
LP + HP
Chin takes a drink from a gourd, then breathes a throng of fireballs in a wide fan pattern.
Bao
Bao is a young boy who fights with kung fu. Chin believes that Kensou and Bao are linked by the "Dragon Spirit," which has caused Kensou's psychic powers to transfer to Bao.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball Attack: Front (super cancel)
LP
Bao throws a ball of psychic energy that travels straight ahead. This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Ball Attack: Rise (super cancel)
LP
Bao throws a ball of psychic energy that travels directly above him.
Psycho Ball Attack: Bound (super cancel)
LK
Bao throws a ball of psychic energy that bounces off the ground, then rises at a diagonal angle. This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Ball Attack: Reflect
LK
Bao generates a ball of psychic energy in front of him that is orbited by smaller balls of psychic energy. It hits multiple times and knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
Psycho Ball Crush: Front (super cancel)
HP
Bao curls into a ball while shrouded in psychic energy and rolls straight ahead, knocking over his opponent on impact. This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Ball Crush: Rise (super cancel)
HP
Bao curls into a ball while shrouded in psychic energy and rolls directly above him, knocking over his opponent on impact.
Psycho Ball Crush: Bound (super cancel)
HK
Bao curls into a ball while shrouded in psychic energy and bounces off the ground, then rises at a diagonal angle, knocking over his opponent on impact. This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Ball Crush: Reflect
HK
Bao curls into a ball while shrouded in psychic energy and rolls straight ahead, reflecting projectiles and knocking over his opponent on impact.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Bao can jump off the edges of the screen.
Soushou
+ LP in midair
Bao slaps down with both hands.
Hikida
+ LK in midair
Bao dives down head-first, knocking over his opponent on impact.
Kawasaki
+ LP
Bao steps forward and claws his hand downward.
Senheki Shuu
+ LK
Bao rolls forward with a cartwheel kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Senshou Shuu
+ LK
Bao flips through the air and comes down with a stomp kick.
Rikatsu Shuu
+ HK
Bao turns around with a trip kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Psycho Ball Attack
HP + LK
Bao runs in with a dash attack, then throws a large ball of psychic energy that knocks the opponent into the air on impact.
Another Striker: Powerful Miracle Tackle (Kaoru Watanabe)
HP + LK
Kaoru jumps in. She dashes across the screen with a shoulder ram that knocks the opponent over, then taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. Kaoru is an Athena super-fan who first appeared in the Psycho Soldier Team's ending in The King of Fighters '97.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball Attack: MAX
P
Bao throws a large ball of psychic energy that knocks him over and launches the opponent into the air on impact.
Psycho Ball Crush: SP
K
Bao hovers in the air while his body is surrounded in a sphere of psychic energy that launches the opponent into the air on contact.
Super: Psycho Ball Attack: MAX
LP + HP
Bao throws a large ball of psychic energy that knocks him over and launches the opponent into the air on impact.
Super: Psycho Ball DX
LK + HK
Bao throws a small, slow-moving ball of psychic energy that bursts multiple times upon hitting the opponent.
Women Fighters Team
A team consisting of female characters. Mai Shiranui and Yuri Sakazaki return to the team, alongside returning member Kasumi Todoh and newcomer Hinako Shijo.
Mai Shiranui
Mai is the last heiress to the Shiranui ninja clan. She is the leader of the Women Fighters Team in the absence of King.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ka Chou Sen (super cancel)
P
Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu En Bu (super cancel)
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 .
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
Mai jumps to the back edge of the screen, then repels off. She can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing instead of . If the player continues to hold P after performing the move or presses P while in midair, Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out, knocking her opponent over on impact. Or she can follow up by attacking with her rear (Ukiha) with +P or attacking with a knee drop (Yurazaume) with +K while in midair. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
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 .
Sayo Chidori (super cancel)
K
Mai swipes her folding fan downward in a large circle around her.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Mai can jump off the edges of the screen.
Yume Zakura
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Mai grabs and stomps her opponent to the ground.
Daiwa Fuusha Otoshi
+ LP in midair
Mai clasps her hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Yurazaume
+ LK in midair
Mai floats downward and attacks with a knee drop that knocks her opponent to the ground.
Ukiha
+ HK in midair
Mai drops diagonally downward while attacking with her rear, then sweeps her opponent with a fan upon hitting the ground.
Tsubakuro no Mai
+ LK
Mai hops forward with a step kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Benitsuru no Mai
+ LK
Mai slides forward with a low kick, then rolls back with a high kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Sakura Fubuki
HP + LK
Mai charges in with a shoulder ram. If she does not hit the opponent, she taunts, which increases the power gauge. If she hits the opponent, she rises into the air while twirling her fans, then finishes with an air throw.
Another Striker: Boukatsu: Hatei no Reifu (Chizuru Kagura)
HP + LK
Chizuru jumps in and does a dance, which restores some health and increases the power gauge. She holds her hands in the air at the end of the dance, which does light damage and knocks the opponent over if close. Chizuru is a member of the "Three Sacred Treasures Team" from the Orochi Saga who previously appeared as a mid-boss in The King of Fighters '96 and as a playable character in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi
K
Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
Hou'ou no Mai
P
Mai flips into the air, then spins downward in a ball while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight.
Mizutori no Mai
P
Mai throws three flaming fans at her opponent.
Super: Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi
LK + HK
Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
Yuri Sakazaki
Yuri is the youngest practitioner of Kyokugen-ryuu, who has adapted the style to fit herself. She has rejoined the Women Fighters Team.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken
P
Yuri thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from her hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. The projectile travels further when the move is performed with HP .
Haoh Shoukou Ken
, then hold P
Yuri 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 .
Rai'oh Ken
K
Yuri jumps into the air and swings her arms downward with a burst of ki. She jumps higher when the move is performed with HK .
Kuu Ga (super cancel)
P
Yuri runs forward with a jumping uppercut that knocks down her opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HP , she gets a running start and jumps farther, and the move can be followed up by a second jumping uppercut (Ura Kuu Ga) with P again.
Hien Senpuu Ken
P
Yuri leaps forward with a flying punch that knocks her opponent over. She leaps farther when the move is performed with HP . This move is a parody of Terry Bogard's Burn Knuckle.
Hien Senpuu Kyaku
K
Yuri jumps into the air and rotates on an axis while kicking her leg out. She jumps higher and farther when the move is performed with HK . This move is a parody of Sakura's Shunpuu Kyaku from Street Fighter Alpha 2.
Hyaku Retsu Binta
K
Yuri rushes forward and grabs her opponent, then slaps them repeatedly. She runs slightly further when the move is performed with HK .
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
+ LP
Yuri throws herself forward while striking with her rear.
Senkai Kyaku (super cancel)
+ LK
Yuri performs a wide overhead kick. She can follow up with a high side kick by pressing LK again.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Hien Rekkou
HP + LK
Yuri runs in. If she does not reach the opponent, she taunts, which increases the power gauge. If she reaches the opponent, she advances forward with multiple jumping uppercuts.
Another Striker: Daichi no Megumi (Nakoruru)
HP + LK
Nakoruru jumps in and channels energy, which restores some health and increases the power gauge. Nakoruru is a character from the Samurai Shodown series of fighting games.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps.
Hien Rekkou
K
Yuri advances forward with two low jumping uppercuts, then a final, high jumping uppercut. This move is a parody of Ken's Shouryuu Reppa from Super Street Fighter II Turbo.
Super: Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps, finishing with a Rai'oh Ken.
Super: Shin! Chou Upper
LK + HK
Yuri hits her opponent with an uppercut from each hand (if her opponent is in close range), then ascends into the air with a jumping uppercut. This move is a parody of Ryu's Shin Shouryuuken from Street Fighter III.
Kasumi Todoh
Kasumi is a Japanese teenager who fights using Aikido. She has rejoined the Women Fighters Team at the invitation of Mai and Yuri.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kasame Ate (super cancel)
P
Kasumi pulls her arms back, then throws them down, splashing a wave of energy downward that knocks her opponent over on impact. This move can be performed in midair.
Senkou Nagashi
P (up to 3 times)
Kasumi advances forward with multiple strikes. The motion can be repeated up to three times, ending by kicking the opponent away.
Hakusan Tou (super cancel)
K
Kasumi swings her fist into the air, knocking the opponent into the air on impact.
Messhin Mutou
LK
Kasumi holds her arm out in a defensive posture. If she is hit by an airborne attack, she intercepts the attack, then grabs and throws the opponent.
Sasshou Inshuu
HK
Kasumi holds her palm out in a defensive posture. If she is hit by a grounded attack, she intercepts the attack, then grabs and kicks the opponent away.
Hanshin Morote Gaeshi
K
Kasumi kneels and holds her arms in a defensive posture. If she is hit by a low attack, she intercepts the attack, then grabs and throws the opponent to the other side of her.
Tatsumaki Souda
P (close)
Kasumi hits her opponent with a series of blows, ending with an uppercut that launches the opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hiji Ate
+ LP
Kasumi turns and steps forward with a downward elbow strike that hits two times. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Katsu
HP + LK
Kasumi jumps in with a flying kick, then taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. If she touches the opponent with her taunt, she grabs and throws them.
Another Striker: Dai Kokuchou (Li Xiangfei)
HP + LK
Xiangfei jumps in, then taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. Xiangfei is a character from the Fatal Fury series who previously appeared in The King of Fighters '99.
Maniac Striker: Unknown (Unknown)
HP + LK
"Unknown" jumps in with a flying kick, then swings his arms down and calls down three flame barriers in front of him. "Unknown" is Kasumi's father Ryuhaku Todoh, whom Kasumi has been searching for, cloaked in shadow.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kasane Ate
P
Kasumi pulls her arms back, then throws them down, splashing a tall wave of energy that rolls across the ground and can hit multiple times. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold P.
Shingan Kuzu Otoshi
P
Kasumi holds a defensive stance. If she is hit by an attack (besides a projectile or a throw) while doing this, she grabs and slams the opponent with a shoulder throw, then hits them with a punch once on the ground.
Super: Shingan Kuzu Otoshi
LP + HP
Kasumi holds a defensive stance. If she is hit by an attack (besides a projectile or a throw) while doing this, she grabs and slams the opponent with a shoulder throw, then hits them with a punch once on the ground.
Hinako Shijo
Hinako is a young girl who, despite her petite size, fights with sumo wrestling techniques.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tsukidashi (super cancel)
P
Hinako advances forward while alternately thrusting her palms. The last hit knocks the opponent over. She advances further when the move is performed with HP .
Tsuki Otoshi (super cancel)
P
Hinako claws with one hand, then slaps both hands downward, which knocks the opponent to the ground.
Kote Nage
K (close)
Hinako grabs and slams her opponent into the ground behind her.
Kake Nage
K (close)
Hinako grabs and trips her opponent into the ground behind her.
Yoriki
K (close)
Hinako grabs her opponent, then runs them into the wall.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Harite (Tiyo)
HOLD LP LP
Hinako slaps with one hand, then slaps with the other hand.
Harite (Nishiki)
HOLD LP HP
Hinako slaps with one hand, then slides forward and slaps with the other hand.
Maemitsu Tataki
+ LP
Hinako steps forward and claws a hand upward.
Tsuppari
HOLD LK LK
Hinako thrusts a palm forward, then thrusts the other palm forward. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Nodowa
HOLD HP HK
Hinako steps forward and claws a hand sideways, then does a trip kick. The second strike hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Ketaguri
+ HK
Hinako does a shin kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Teppou Hinako
HP + LK
Hinako jumps in, then advances forward while alternately thrusting her palms and taunts.
Another Striker: Lilly no Ouen (Lilly Kane)
HP + LK
Lilly runs in, then taunts, which increase the power gauge. Lilly is the sister of Billy Kane, who has been referenced in the story of the Fatal Fury games but makes her first in-game appearance here.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gasshou Hineri
K
Hinako hops forward and tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she swings the opponent through the air.
Super: Gasshou Hineri
LK + HK
Hinako hops forward and tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she shakes the opponent, then swings them through the air.
Korea Justice Team
A Korean team consisting of the taekwondo masters Kim Kaphwan (from Fatal Fury) and Jhun Hoon and two criminals that they are trying to rehabilitate.
Kim Kaphwan
Kim is a Korean taekwondo master who fights for justice. He is trying to rehabilitate the two criminals on his team, Chang and Choi.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Han Getsu Zan (super cancel)
K
Kim flips forward with a semicircular split-leg kick, which can hit with the heel of each leg. 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. When the move is performed with HK , he ascends higher and hits additional times, and the move can be followed up with another kick (Tenshou Zan) by pressing + HK .
Hishou Kyaku (super cancel)
K in midair
Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.
Ryuusei Ranku (super cancel)
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 .
Haki Kyaku
K
Kim stomps the ground, hitting opponents in front of him. This move can neutralize ground projectiles.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kuuren Geki
+ LP
Kim hops forward with a spinning kick that can hit two times.
Neri Chagi
+ LK
Kim lifts his leg high and comes down with an axe kick, which hits up to two times. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Hishou Kyaku
HP + LK
Kim jumps in with a stomp kick. If he hits the opponent, he follows up with a circular kick in midair, knocking the opponent down on impact.
Another Striker: Hisen Zan (Kim Sue-il)
HP + LK
Kim Sue-il dashes in. If he does not hit the opponent, he taunts. If he hits the opponent, he rises into the air while attacking with his staff, which knocks down the opponent on impact. Kim Sue-il is a character from the fighting game Kizuna Encounter who shares Kim Kaphwan's fighting style and sense of justice.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes with a backflip kick. This move can be performed in midair.
Hou'ou Hiten Kyaku
K
Kim hits with a high back kick that knocks his opponent into the air.
Super: Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then kicks the opponent into the air and finishes with multiple backflip kicks. This move can be performed in midair.
Chang Koehan
Chang is a massive criminal who fights with a ball and 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 (super cancel)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Chang flings his ball by its chain in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He winds up the ball by swinging it and slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Tekkyuu Taiko Uchi
K
Chang picks his nose. If he is hit while doing this, he sneezes, knocking his opponent away.
Dai Hakai Nage
P (close)
Chang grabs and slams his opponent back and forth multiple times.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hiki Nige
+ LP
Chang slides along the ground, holding his ball out in front of him, which sweeps his opponent. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Tekkkyuu Dai Kourin
HP + LK
Chang flops down with a body press that knocks his opponent to the ground.
Another Striker: Shiden Kyaku (Kim Dong Hwan)
HP + LK
Dong Hwan jumps in. If he does not hit the opponent, he taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge. If he hits the opponent, he strikes the ground with an electrified stomp. Dong Hwan is the son of Kim Kaphwan who first appeared in Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
Maniac Striker: Tekkyuu Dai Kaiten (Smart Chang)
HP + LK
Smart Chang jumps in while attacking with his ball, then slides forward while swinging his ball by its chain over his head, finishing by bashing the ball into the ground. Smart Chang is a slim, muscular version of Cheng.
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 finishes with one of several moves chosen at random.
Tekkyu Dai Assatsu
P
Chang flies diagonally upward, then falls with a body attack. He moves forward a short distance before jumping when the move is performed with HP .
Tekkyuu Dai Bokusatsu
K
Chang bashes his ball downward repeatedly while moving forward, then knocks the opponent into the air with the last hit.
Super: Tekkyu Dai Assatsu
LP + HP
Chang flies diagonally upward, then falls with a body attack.
Choi Bounge
Choi is a tiny criminal who fights with dual leather-gloved claws.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hien Zan
K
Choi flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move can hit twice when it is performed with HK .
Kaiten Hien Zan
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 (Kishuu Hien Zuki).
Tatsumaki Shippuu Zan (super cancel)
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
Choi jumps to the back edge of the screen. He can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing instead of . If the player continues to hold K after performing the move, Choi immediately does a spinning attack with his claws after hitting the wall. He spins diagonally downwards with LK or straight ahead with HK .
Hishou Kyaku (super cancel)
K in midair
Choi dives diagonally downward, then stomps repeatedly on his opponent.
Senpuu Hien Shitotsu
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
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 . He can follow up with another drill spin (Shitotsu Bunki) by holding the D-Pad in any direction while pressing any attack button, which can be done up to two times.
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
+ LP or + LP
Choi tilts to the side while poking with both claws. This move can break the opponent's guard.
Toorima Geri
+ LK or + LK
Choi somersaults forward with a kick.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Chouhatsu Zanmai
HP + LK
Choi jumps in. If the opponent is near, he spirals upward in a tornado while slashing around him with his claws, knocking down the opponent on impact. If the opponent is far, he taunts, which decreases the opponent's power gauge.
Another Striker: Ryuusei Kyaku (Kim Jae Hoon)
HP + LK
Jae Hoon does a sweep kick, then jumps into the air for a flaming axe kick. Jae Hoon is the son of Kim Kaphwan who first appeared in Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
Maniac Striker: Shissou Hishou Zan (Cool Choi)
HP + LK
Cool Choi dashes in while slashing his claws. Cool Choi is a taller version of Choi.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shin! Chouzetsu Tatsumaki Shinkuu Zan
P
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.
Shin! Chouzetsu Rinkaiten Toppa
P in midair
Choi barrels diagonally downward while holding his claws in front of him and spinning rapidly.
Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Choi slides forward with a series of claw slashes, ending with a somersault kick.
Super: Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Choi slides forward with a series of attacks, ending with two somersault kicks.
Jhun Hoon
Jhun Hoon is Kim's old friend and rival who joins to help him. He fights with similar taekwondo moves, though he is more showy and fights with one hand behind his back.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haiki Geki (super cancel)
P
Jhun Hoon crouches and kicks in a circle, kicking up a ring of dust around him. When the move is performed with LP , he can transition into his Soushuu Jin stance by continuing to hold LP .
Mangetsu Zan (super cancel)
K
Jhun Hoon rolls through the air in an arc while kicking, landing with a split-leg kick. The move covers a wider arc and hits more times when it is performed with HK . When the move is performed with LK , he can transition into his Ryouko Jin stance by continuing to hold LK .
Kuusa Jin
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Jhun Hoon spins diagonally upward while kicking, which knocks the opponent into the air. He ascends higher and hits an additional time when the move is performed with HP . When the move is performed with LP , he can transition into his Soushuu Jin stance after he lands by continuing to hold LP .
Soushuu Jin
LP
Jhun Hoon stands with one leg raised for as long as LP is held down. While in this stance, he can perform a high axe kick (Shuusou Kyaku: Joudan) with + HP , a back heel kick (Shuusou Kyaku: Gedan) with HP , a front kick (Taikyoku Ha) with HK that knocks his opponent away, or a roundhouse kick (Kirikae Kougeki: Dousa Go) with + LK or + LK . He can move with or while in this stance, and he continues to hold the stance for as long as LP is held, even after performing a follow-up move but not after being hit. He can switch legs and transition into his Ryouko Jin stance by holding LK (including after Kirikae Kougeki: Dousa Go).
Ryouko Jin
LK
Jhun Hoon stands with one leg raised for as long as LK is held down. While in this stance, he can perform a jumping axe kick (Hiko Geki: Ue) with + HP that is an overhead strike and knocks down his opponent, a sweep kick (Mouko Geki: Naka) with HP that launches his opponent into the air, a sliding kick (Shuuko Geki: Shimo) with + HP , an evasive stance (Taikyoku Hi) with HK that can dodge attacks, or a stomp and roll away (Kirikae Kougeki: Dousa Go) with + LP or + LP . He can move with or while in this stance, and he continues to hold the stance for as long as LK is held, even after performing a follow-up move but not after being hit. He can switch legs and transition into his Soushuu Jin stance by holding LP (including after Kirikae Kougeki: Dousa Go).
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuurou Shuu
+ LK in midair
Jhun Hoon does a stomp kick and bounces away.
Soshuu Geki
+ LP
Jhun Hoon does a spinning back heel kick. He can transition into his Soushuu Jin stance by continuing to hold LP .
Ryouko Geki
+ LK
Jhun Hoon does a high roundhouse kick. He can transition into his Ryouko Jin stance by continuing to hold LK .
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Fukuko Shuugeki
HP + LK
Jhun Hoon runs in. If he does not hit the opponent, he jumps in the air with an axe kick that knocks the opponent to the ground. If he hits the opponent, he spins diagonally upward while kicking, which knocks the opponent into the air.
Another Striker: Ko Neppuu (Kang Baedal)
HP + LK
Kang Baedal jumps in, then walks forward with two kicks that create spinning cyclones in the air. Kang Baedal is an early alternate design of Jhun Hoon.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hou'ou Ressou Kyaku
K
Jhun Hoon does a series of kicks that form energy waves in front of them, finishing with a midair spinning kick.
Hou'ou Tenbu Kyaku
K in midair
Jhun Hoon dives diagonally downward with a stomp, then flips in circles while kicking, ending with a spinning kick in midair.
Super: Hou'ou Ressou Kyaku
LK + HK
Jhun Hoon does a series of kicks that form energy waves in front of them, finishing with multiple midair spinning kicks.
Single-Entry Fighters
These characters are not members of any team.
Kyo Kusanagi
Kyo is a Japanese high school student and heir to the Kusanagi clan, thought to have died sealing away the snake demon Orochi. He was captured by the NESTS organization, which created thousands of clones using his DNA. NESTS is holding King of Fighters tournaments in order to learn fighting techniques with which to train the clones. Kyo is now hunting for the people responsible for cloning him.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
114 Shiki: Aragami
LP
Kyo lunges forward with an explosive hook punch using his following arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a fiery uppercut (128 Shiki: Kono Kizu) with P or an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) with P. The follow-up move can be followed up with a downward punch (Ge Shiki: Migiri Ugachi) with P or a side kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) with K.
115 Shiki: Dokugami
HP
Kyo steps forward with an explosive hook punch using his leading arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a backhand (401 Shiki: Tsumi Yomi) with P, then a jumping attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) with +P.
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki (super cancel)
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 .
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 . It can be followed up with another kick by pressing K again.
707 Shiki: Kooma Ho Furi (R.E.D. Kick)
K
Kyo rolls through the air with a kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
427 Shiki: Hikigane (super cancel)
K
Kyo hits with a fiery uppercut that launches his opponent into the air. He hops forward first when the move is performed with LK .
910 Shiki: Nue Tsumi
P
Kyo launches his opponent into the air with an uppercut. If he is attacked before the uppercut, he counters with an elbow drop (Ge Shiki: Ryuu Iri) against a high or mid attack or a downward flaming punch (Ge Shiki: Tora Fuse) against a low attack.
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. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu You
+ LK
Kyo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
88 Shiki
+ HK
Kyo kicks twice while crouched.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
HP + LK
Kyo jumps in and holds his hand in the air while his body is infused with fire, then he slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Another Striker: Remember KoF (Syo Kirishima)
HP + LK
Syo jumps in, then spins downward head-first like a torpedo. If he does not hit the opponent, he taunts, which increases the power gauge. If he hits the opponent, he follows up with a combo of punches that ends by launching the opponent into the air and catching them on a raised fist. Syo is an early alternate design of Kyo.
Maniac Striker: Kusanagi no Jin (Saisyu Kusanagi)
HP + LK
Saisyu jumps in, then throws fiery red sparks across the ground. Saisyu is Kyo's father, who previously appeared as a mid-boss in The King of Fighters '95 and as a playable character in The King of Fighters '98.
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.
182 Shiki
P
Kyo charges his strength while P is held. When the button is released, he steps forward with a flaming body blow and uppercut. The move does more damage when it is charged for longer, and it is unblockable when fully charged.
Super: Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
LP + HP
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.
Iori Yagami
Iori is Kyo's rival and heir to the Yagami clan, thought to have died sealing away the snake demon Orochi. He has joined the tournament for the opportunity to fight Kyo again.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai (super cancel)
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 (super cancel)
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 further when the move is performed with HK .
Kuzukaze
P (close)
Iori grabs and shoves his opponent away. This move does no damage but switches sides with the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Yumebiki
HOLD LP LP
Iori claws with an open hand, then swings it back in a fist.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu In Shinigami
+ LK
Iori pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ge Shiki: Yuri Ori
+ LK in midair
Iori kicks behind him.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: 108 Shiki: Yami Barai
HP + LK
Iori runs in and throws fiery purple sparks across the ground, which damage and temporarily stun the opponent.
Another Striker: Deicide (Mature & Vice)
HP + LK
Mature or Vice jumps in and swipes her hand out, which stretches to reach. If it connects, she grabs and throws her opponent back. Mature and Vice are two Hakkesshu assassins who previously partnered with Iori in The King of Fighters '96 (and again in the non-canonical The King of Fighters '98).
Another Iori jumps in with a flying kick, then he swipes the air with a streak of purple fire. Another Iori is an alternate design of Iori wearing a trenchcoat.
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.
Ura 327 Shiki: Yami Sogi
P
Iori throws two bursts of purple flames onto the ground, which launch the opponent into the air on impact. If both hit, Iori pulls his body back into the shadows, then bends back forward and summons a pillar of purple fire to blast the opponent back into the air.
Super: Kin 1211 Shiki: Ya Otome
LP + HP
Iori dashes forward and performs a series of hand strikes, ending by grabbing the opponent and creating an explosion of purple fire.
Bosses
Kula Diamond is playable as a single-entry character. Clone Zero can be played in the Practice mode with a cheat code.
Kula Diamond
Kula is a young girl who had been kidnapped and experimented upon by NESTS as part of their "Anti-K'" project. She was created by NESTS to hunt and kill the fugitive K', with cryokinetic abilities specifically designed to counter his pyrokinetic powers. She is assisted by the robot Candy and the NESTS agents Diana and Foxy. She can be fought as a secret mid-boss if certain conditions are fulfilled (but not when playing as Kula).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Diamond Breath (super cancel)
P
Kula blows a stream of icy breath toward the ground. The breath knocks her opponent over on impact when the move is performed with LP . It travels further but only knocks the opponent back when the move is performed with HP .
Crow Bite (super cancel)
P
Kula leaps forward in an arc with a spiraling uppercut while trailed by icy sparkles, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She ascends higher and leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Counter Shell (super cancel)
P
Kula swipes a hand downward, which knocks down the opponent on impact. This move can reflect projectiles.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One Inch Punch (super cancel)
+ LP
Kula reaches forward and clenches her fist, delivering a concentrated strike that knocks her opponent over.
Slider Shoot
+ LK
Kula slides forward while sweeping with both legs. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Striker attacks)
Name
Command
Description
Striker: Candy Spin (Candy)
HP + LK
Candy enters with a sitting spin, then kicks with a camel spin like a figure skater, which can hit multiple times and knock the opponent over. Candy is Kula's robot guardian.
Another Striker: Hornet Needle (Foxy)
HP + LK
Foxy slides in. If the opponent is near, she flips through the air with a circular kick that knocks down the opponent on impact. If the opponent is far, she spits a needle across the screen that knocks down the opponent on impact. Foxy is a NESTS agent responsible for watching over Kula.
Maniac Striker: Genocide Cutter (Rugal Bernstein)
HP + LK
Rugal jumps in, landing in front of the opponent. He jumps in the air with a crescent kick, which knocks his opponent over on impact. Rugal is the final boss of The King of Fighters '94 who also appeared (in an alternative form, revived by the blood of Orochi) as the final boss of The King of Fighters '96 and The King of Fighters '98.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Diamond Edge
P
Kula thrusts her hands down, causing a giant ice spike to pop out of the ground.
Super: Diamond Edge
LP + HP
Kula thrusts her hands down, causing three giant ice spikes to pop out of the ground, each farther than the last.
Super: Freeze Execution
LP + HP
Diana rushes across the screen, knocking the opponent over on impact, then holds her arms out and freezes everything.
Clone Zero
Zero is a high-ranking NESTS agent and the final boss of the game. He has disguised himself as the military officer Ling in order to infiltrate Heidern's operations. He has created a weapon called the Zero Cannon, mounted on a satellite orbiting the Earth, and intends to use it to take over the world.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Zanpuu Enpa: Satsuma (super cancel)
LP
Zero whips his coattails a short distance in front of him, which knocks the opponent into the air. This move can reflect projectiles.
Zanpuu Enpa: Hankyou (super cancel)
HP
Zero whips his coattails a long distance in front of him, which knocks the opponent into the air.
Zanpuu Enpa: Kouga
LP
Zero jumps into the air while rolling his coattails around him like a buzzsaw, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Zanpuu Enpa: Shouha
HP
Zero jumps high into the air while rolling his coattails around him like a buzzsaw, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Mabu Kousou
K
Zero kneels. If his opponent is near, he emits purple flames, then turns around and whips his coattails behind him, which knocks the opponent back.
Shikka Koujin
K
Zero casts a shadow on the ground. If the opponent stands in the end of the shadow, the opponent is stunned as Zero rushes in with a punch and does three kicks, the last of which knocks the opponent away.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Jagai Kusetsu
+ LP
Zero swings his fist down, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gokusa Zanjin
P
Zero whips his coattails a short distance in front of him, then leaps through the air while rolling his coattails around him.
Hakura Messei
K
Zero punches the ground, creating a vacuum around him that draws numerous damaging spheres toward him.
Special Edit Teams
There are only two Special Edit Teams in this game, which are unofficial teams that have special endings when the game is completed with them.
Team
Characters
Kyo & Iori Team
Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and any two other characters besides Kula Diamond (must be chosen manually and not roulette slots)
Kula Team
Kula Diamond and any three other characters
Stages
In the single-player modes, the stages are chosen randomly for each match, except the second-to-last battle is always fought in the Factory stage and the final boss Clone Zero is always fought in the Palace stage. In the other modes, the stage is chosen randomly.
If Kula is fought by the fourth match, the battle takes place in a frozen version of the Pier stage. If she is fought after that, the battle takes place in a frozen version of the Factory stage.
Aquarium
City
Dump
Factory
Pier
Pyramids
Palace
Extra stages
These 15 stages are exclusively available in the Dreamcast version of the game in the Practice and Vs. modes when the second player has a certain Striker selected. They are taken from various SNK games, including previous The King of Fighters entries.
These 5 stages are unlocked when all of the Special puzzles have been completed in the Gallery mode. Like the other extra stages, they are only available for use in the Practice and Vs. modes when the second player has a particular Striker selected.
The game was re-released for the PlayStation 2 in 2007 as part of The King of Fighters: The NESTS Saga (ザ·キング·オブ·ファイターズ -ネスツ編-). This compilation includes the Neo Geo and Dreamcast versions of the three games in the NESTS story arc (The King of Fighters '99, The King of Fighters 2000, and The King of Fighters 2001), with the addition of online play and a color edit mode.
The PlayStation 2 port of the game, released in November 2002 in Japan, only a few months after the Dreamcast port, includes ten additional Maniac Strikers absent from the Dreamcast version but lacks the extra stages.
and 
and crouch with 
. They backstep or run with 
and jump behind and ahead with 
or 
. They can perform short hops 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. Characters have knockdown attacks, which knock the opponent over, that are performed with 
). Strikers can be called while standing still, moving, or attacking. The special move performed varies by character. Most are offensive attacks, but some restore some health, build the character's power gauge, decrease the opponent's power gauge, or hold the opponent in place for an attack. The Striker leaves immediately if hit by the opponent. Strikers can only be summoned a limited number of times during a match, which is determined by the number of "Strike Bombs" at the bottom of the screen. The starting number of Strike Bombs is three per player by default, but this can be changed in the options. A team gains another Strike Bomb after losing a round.
, which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack. When the player has at least one stock of the power gauge stored and less than the maximum number of Strikers, taunting converts one stock of the gauge into another Strike Bomb. This can also be done when the character is in Counter Mode or Armor Mode, though this reduces the time that the state lasts.
