The Saturn version was released late on the 31st of December, almost missing 1996 altogether. Though this version was released exclusively in Japan, it supports all the languages of the Neo Geo versions (Japanese, English, Spanish and Portuguese).
The King of Fighters '96 requires a 1MB Extended RAM Cartridge in order to function correctly. The later 4MB cartridge is incompatible; while the game will boot, graphics will be corrupted.
A new King of Fighters tournament is announced. Since the previous year, the tournament's fame has grown immensely, turning it into a major international event. Huge corporations transform the King of Fighters tournament into a widely televised, commercialized, and celebrated event, drawing crowds from around the world. The tournament is now held by Chizuru Kagura, a descendant of the ancient Yata clan responsible for sealing the snake demon Orochi, along with the Kusanagi and Yasanaki clans. Each clan possesses one of the Three Sacred Treasures, ancient relics (based on the Imperial Regalia of Japan) that were used to seal Orochi. Chizuru uses the tournament in hopes of finding and recruiting Kyo and Iori in order to stop the upcoming Orochi threat.
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
The game is a team fighting game featuring characters from multiple SNK franchises. This entry adds increased maneuverability techniques, replacing the forward hop with the ability to run, replacing the dodge mechanic of the previous games with a new roll, and adding short hops. Command normals have been removed, most projectile attacks have been weakened, the inputs for many special moves have been simplified, throw escapes have been added, and "Super Desperation" moves have been introduced. Most of the sprites for returning characters have been redrawn or revised, some of the teams were rearranged, and several new characters were added (and some characters were removed). The new characters from other SNK games are Kasumi Todoh from Art of Fighting 3 and a new Boss Team consisting of Geese Howard from Fatal Fury, Wolfgang Krauser from Fatal Fury 2, and Mr. Big from Art of Fighting. The new original characters are Leona, an amnesiac raised by Heidern who is linked to the Orochi plotline, Mature and Vice, Rugal's secretaries who are now playable, and Chizuru and Goenitz, the two bosses.
As before, the playable characters are divided into multiple teams of three. The player can freely mix and match characters from different teams to form a custom team, but choosing characters from one of the canonical teams gives special endings in the arcade modes. Before each match, players arrange the team members in any order. For the first round of the match, the first member of each team fights. When a character is defeated, the following member of the team takes his or her place in the next round, while the character on the opposing team continues to fight and has a small portion of health restored (more health is restored if the round is completed faster). The other members of the team stand in the background of the stage during the fight. The match ends when all three members of either team are defeated.
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. Characters can perform evasive rolls with + to roll backward or ++ to roll forward (or ++ when facing left). Characters are invulnerable during most of the roll, though they can still be grabbed and thrown. They can roll through opponents when they are close.
When stunned or grabbed, characters can call an undefeated team member in for a special assist attack with +++ if they are visible in frame in that moment. Most team members have a 50% chance of helping, but some always help or never help, depending on the relationships between the characters. For example, Ryo always helps his sister Yuri, but Kyo never helps his rival Iori.
Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent while standing or crouching. 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). 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 by rolling away quickly by pressing + upon landing.
Each player has a power gauge at the bottom of the screen which charges when the character is blocking or taking attacks. It can also be filled manually, although it leaves the character vulnerable to an attack, by holding ++, which can only be done while standing. Once the power gauge is filled, the character enters "MAX mode," and basic attacks become stronger for a short period as the gauge drains. When characters are in this state, players can perform a Desperation move that immediately consumes the entire power gauge. Characters can perform Desperation moves indefinitely when the health gauge is nearly empty and flashing red. If both requirements are fulfilled (the character's health gauge is flashing red and the character's power gauge is full), the character can perform a Super Desperation move instead that does more damage. Characters in "MAX mode" can also cancel into a roll while blocking, but this costs the contents of the power gauge.
Characters can taunt with +, which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack. Taunting an opponent can reduce their power gauge, slow down their manual charging, and stop them from reaching the maximum level.
Modes
The game has the following modes:
Team Play: A single-player mode where the player forms a team of any three characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against all of the teams in the game (ending with the bosses Chizuru Kagura and Goenitz), for a total of 11 matches. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. This is the main mode.
Team Vs: A two-player mode where each player forms a team of any three characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match, and the game keeps track of each player's wins and losses.
Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and then fights one-on-one matches against one character from every team (ending with the bosses Chizuru Kagura and Goenitz), for a total of 11 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game.
Single Vs: A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match, and the game keeps track of each player's wins and losses.
Survivor: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and then fights one-on-three matches against all of the teams in the game (ending with the bosses Chizuru Kagura and Goenitz), for a total of 11 matches. The character does not have any health restored between matches aside from the amount partially restored after each round (depending on the player's performance).
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). This is the last King of Fighters game where the player fights every team in the single-player mode.
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
In the options, players can set the function of the extra buttons on the Saturn control pad under the "Play Style" setting. Normal leaves them unassigned (which is the default setting), Simple assigns special mechanics to them that usually take multiple button presses (similar to the default assignments in King of Fighters '95), and Special assigns special moves to them (which vary by character). The assignments for the Simple control scheme are for evasive rolls, for knockdown attacks, for taunting, and to power up or for a support attack.
Shujinkou Team
A Japanese team consisting of Kyo Kusanagi, the main character of the Orochi Saga, and his allies, who have banded together again to fight Goenitz.
Kyo Kusanagi
The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. A Japanese high school student and heir of the Kusanagi clan, one of three clans that sealed away the legendary being known as Orochi. His clan possesses the Kusanagi Sword (草薙の剣). He has a nightmare in which he sees Goenitz, a member of the Hakkesshu, trying to revive Orochi, and he reassembles the team to defeat him.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
114 Shiki: Aragami
LP
Kyo lunges forward with an explosive hook punch using his following arm. 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. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a backhand (401 Shiki: Tsumi Yomi) with P or a jumping attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) with +P.
100 Shiki Oni Yaki (Special )
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 .
910 Shiki Nue Tumi
P
Kyo launches his opponent into the air with an uppercut.
75 Shiki Kai (Special )
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.
202 Shiki Koto Tsuki You (Special )
K
Kyo runs into his opponent with an elbow strike, then lifts the opponent into the air with his hand and causes an explosion of red fire.
R.E.D. Kick (Special )
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 .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ura 108 Shiki Orochi Nagi
P
Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Benimaru Nikaido
A young model and Kyo's best friend. He is a professional fighter and the son of a multimillionaire family. He fights with shootboxing and electrokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raijin Ken (Special )
P
Benimaru jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist, which hits up to three times and knocks down the opponent on impact. This move can be performed in midair.
Iai Geri (Special )
K
Benimaru does a rapid knee strike. If the player presses +K during the move, Benimaru follows up with a hopping side kick, then an backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over.
Shinku Kakate Goma (Special )
K
Benimaru stands on one hand and spins his body around, kicking with both hands, knocking his opponent far back on impact.
Super Inazuma Kick (Special )
K
Benimaru backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over.
Benimaru Coleda
HP (close)
Benimaru grabs and electrocutes his opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Spinning Knee Drop
+ HP / HK or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Benimaru grabs and knees his opponent to the ground.
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.
Goro Daimon
A former Olympic gold medalist judoka who has geokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jirai Shin (Special )
LP HP (fake)
Daimon lifts his hands above his head, then claps them down, shaking the ground and knocking over opponents not in the air.
Tenchi Gaeshi (Special )
HP (close)
Daimon picks up and slams his opponent against the ground, then picks them back up and throws them through the air.
Kumo Tsukami Nage
LP (close)
Daimon grabs an airborne opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Kiri Kabu Gaeshi
HP (close)
Daimon grabs a grounded opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Chou Ousoto Gari (Special )
LK (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent.
Chou Ukemi (Special )
K
Daimon rolls forwards. He rolls farther when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Dodge
HP + LK + HK
Daimon dodges an attack.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
P (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent, then picks up and slams them back and forth three times before throwing them high into the air.
Garou Densetsu Team
A team representing characters from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games. They join the tournament after learning that Geese Howard is an invited guest.
Terry Bogard
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series. He enters the tournament to once again face his nemesis Geese Howard.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Burn Knuckle (Special )
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 (Special )
P
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to roll a short distance across the ground. The projectile travels slightly further when the move is performed with HP .
Power Dunk (Special )
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 (Special )
P
Terry spins into the air while upside down and holding an arm out. He ascends higher when the move 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 (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.
Andy Bogard
Terry's brother and a ninja of the Shiranui-ryuu style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hishou Ken (Special )
P
Andy throws a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. The burst is longer when the move is performed with HP .
Shouryuu Dan (Special )
P
Andy jumps into the air while fanning his arms around him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zan'ei Ken (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +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 that knocks the opponent back.
Kuuhaa Dan (Special )
K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move knocks the opponent down when performed with LK or hits twice when performed with HK .
Gen'ei Shiranui
K in midair
Andy dives quickly to the ground. The move does no damage by itself, but it can be followed up by a crouching palm thrust that knocks his opponent over with P or a rolling kick with K.
Geki Heki Haisui Shou
HP
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 (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.
Joe Higashi
A Muay Thai kickboxing champion and a good friend of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hurricane Upper (Special )
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 when the move is performed with HP .
Baku Retsu Ken
PPPPP
Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. If the player presses P during the move, Joe follows up with a downward elbow strike.
Slash Kick (Special )
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 (Special )
K
Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Ougon no Kakato (Special )
K
Joe jumps forward while doing a rolling kick that can hit multiple times.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Screw Upper
P
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.
Ryuuko no Ken Team
A team representing characters from the Art of Fighting series of fighting games. Yuri Sakazaki takes the place of her father, Takuma, after his retirement.
Ryo Sakazaki
The protagonist of the Art of Fighting series. He is a practitioner of Kyokugen-ryuu, a style of karate created by his father.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko Ou Ken (Special )
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 (Special )
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 .
Mouko Raijin Gou
P
Ryo slides forward with an uppercut that can hit multiple times. He slides slightly further when the move is performed with HP .
Hien Shippu Kyaku (Special )
K
Ryo leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Ken (Special )
HP (close)
Ryo does a combo of three quick punches that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. 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.
Robert Garcia
Ryo's best friend and friendly rival who fights using a kick-heavy version of Kyokugen-ryuu. He comes from a wealthy family.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuu Geki Ken (Special )
P
Robert 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 .
Ryuu Ga (Special )
P
Robert jumps into the air while performing an uppercut. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Hien Ryuu Jin Kyaku
K in midair
Robert dive kicks diagonally downwards. He travels a longer distance when the move is performed with HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku (Special )
K
Robert leaps ahead with multiple rotating kicks, which knock down his opponent on impact. He kicks two times when the move is performed with LK and four times when the move is performed with HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Kyaku (Special )
HK (close)
Robert does a combo of four quick kicks that knock his opponent over.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Ga.
Yuri Sakazaki
The younger sister of Ryo, who fights with an unorthodox take on Kyokugen-ryuu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko Ou Ken (Special )
P
Yuri 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 .
Rai'oh Ken (Special )
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
P
Yuri jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She ascends higher when the move is performed with HP . While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a second jumping uppercut (Ura Kuu Ga) with P again.
Hien Senpuu Ken (Special )
P
Yuri leaps forward with a flying punch that knocks her opponent over. She leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Hien Senpuu Kyaku (Special )
K
Yuri jumps into the air and rotates on an axis while kicking her leg out, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She jumps higher and farther when the move is performed with HK .
Hyaku Retsu Binta
HP
Yuri rushes forward and grabs her opponent, then slaps them repeatedly.
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.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shokou Ken
P
Yuri channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps.
Shin Ikari Team
A new team representing characters from the Ikari Warriors series of run-and-gun games. Heidern has decided not to participate this year, having fulfilled his goal of killing Rugal, so his adopted daughter Leona takes his place.
Leona
A new recruit to the squad. She was found and adopted by Heidern, who found her after her village was destroyed and her family was murdered by the Hakkesshu. She has lost her memory but resolves to take revenge upon Goenitz.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Baltic Launcher (Special )
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 hovers in the air and the sphere moves forward a short distance when the move is performed with HP .
Moon Slasher (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Leona slashes the air around her in a circle, which knocks down her opponent on impact.
Grand Saber (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Leona runs forward while low to the ground, then slashes with her hand, knocking the opponent over on impact. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a somersault kick (Gliding Buster) with + HK .
X-Calibur (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Leona flips into the air, then slashes her hands in an X pattern on the way down.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Critical Dive
+ HP / HK or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Leona mounts her opponent like a surfboard, then kicks them away.
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.
Ralf Jones
The protagonist of the Ikari Warriors series. He is a mercenary whose fighting style is based on hard punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch (Special )
PPPPP
Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with while doing this.
Gatling Attack (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut. He slides further when the move is performed with HP .
Kyukoka Bakudan Punch (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P or P in midair
Ralf jumps in the air, then drops down with an explosive dive punch.
Ralf Kick (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Ralf leaps through the air with a dropkick that knocks his opponent back. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
Super Argentine Back Breaker
HK (close)
Ralf tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
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.
Clark Still
Ralf's best friend and a former spy before joining the Ikari Warriors. He fights with a wrestling-based fighting style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch (Special )
PPPPP
Clark does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with while doing this.
Napalm Stretch
P
Clark jumps into the air and catches an airborne opponent, then 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.
Rolling Cradler (Special )
P
Clark runs forward, then grabs the opponent and rolls backward with them, finishing with a slam. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing P after he slams the opponent.
Frankensteiner (Special )
LK (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 by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Super Argentine Back Breaker (Special )
HK (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 by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Dodge
HP + LK + HK
Daimon dodges an attack.
Death Lake Driver
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Clark grabs and throws his opponent to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
HP (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker three times, then slams the opponent into the ground.
Psycho Soldier Team
A team representing characters from the Psycho Soldier series of platforming games. They join the tournament to put their powers and training to the test.
Athena Asamiya
The protagonist of Psycho Soldier. She is a pop idol with powerful psychic abilities and kung fu training (with a greater emphasis on the former).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball (Special )
P
Athena generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Phoenix Arrow
P in midair
Athena curls into a ball and dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor. She finishes with a sweep kick after landing when the move is performed with HP .
Psycho Sword (Special )
P
Athena rises upward while her hand slices the air with psychic power. She ascends higher when the move is performed with HP . This move can be performed in midair.
Nu Psycho Reflector (Special )
K
Athena holds her palms out and generates a shield of psychic power. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles. She leaps forward before generating the shield when the move is performed with HK .
Psycho Teleport (Special )
K
Athena runs forward at high speed. She can be hit while doing this but can pass through opponents.
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 or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Athena grabs and throws her opponent in midair.
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. 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
The self-proclaimed love interest of Athena, who has the same psychic abilities and kung fu training as Athena (though his fighting style emphasizes the latter).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kyuu Dan (Special )
P
Kensou generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Ren Ga Chi (Special )
LP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike. If it hits, he follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving forward.
Ryuu Ren Ga Gen (Special )
HP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike. If it hits, he follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving diagonally up into the air.
Ryuu Sou Geki
P in midair
Kensou dives diagonally downwards with a palm strike that hits multiple times.
Ryuu Gaku Sai (Special )
K
Kensou stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shinryuu Seiou Kyaku
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.
Chin Gentsai
The master of Athena and Kensou and a master of various styles of kung fu, though he fights primarily with drunken boxing.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hyoutan Geki Jaku (Special )
LP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him.
Hyoutan Geki Kyou (Special )
HP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him twice, once high and once low.
Ryuu Rin Hou Rai (Special )
P
Chin leaps through the air with a rolling body attack. He stumbles forward with multiple spinning elbow strikes before leaping when the move is performed with HP .
Suikan Kan Ou
P
Chin leaps forward with a falling body attack.
Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken (Special )
K
Chin rolls along the ground, then does an upward hand strike that knocks his opponent over.
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 stand back up by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gou Ran Enpou
P
Chin takes a drink from his gourd, then breathes a stream of fire. He breathes the stream diagonally upwards with LP or straight ahead with HP .
Kim Team
A Korean team consisting of Kim Kaphwan (from Fatal Fury) and two original characters. They join the tournament so Kim can prove the effectiveness of his criminal rehabilitation program.
Kim Kaphwan
A taekwondo master with a strong sense of justice who formed the Korea Justice Team in order to rehabilitate the two criminals on his team.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Han Getsu Zan (Special )
K
Kim rolls forward with a somersaulting crescent kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Kuusa Jin (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Kim spins diagonally upward while kicking. He ascends higher and hits an additional time when the move is performed with HP .
Hien Zan (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Kim flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher and hits additional times when the move is performed with HK .
Hishou Kyaku
K in midair
Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.
Ryuusei Ranku (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Kim slides forward with a sweep kick, then jumps in the air and performs an axe kick. He slides further when the move is performed with HK .
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.
Chang Koehan
A very large criminal who fights with a big metal ball attached to a chain.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Kaiten (Special )
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 (Special )
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 slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Tekkyu Hien Zan (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Chang flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Dai Hakai Nage (Special )
HP
Chang grabs and slams his opponent back and forth multiple times.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Bousou
P
Chang charges forward with a series of strikes, then swings his ball by its chain over his head and flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back.
Choi Bounge
A very small criminal who fights with two clawed hands (resembling the horror movie villain Freddy Krueger).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kaiten Hien Zuki (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi runs forward, then jumps while slashing his claws when he is near his opponent. He jumps higher when the move is performed with HP .
Tatsumaki Shippuu Zan (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi spirals upward in a tornado while slashing around him with his claws. 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 dive attack with his claws after hitting the wall.
Hishou Kyaku (Special )
K in midair
Choi dives diagonally downward, then stomps repeatedly on his opponent.
Senpuu Hien Shitotsu (Special )
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Choi flies ahead head-first while spinning like a drill with his claws in front of him. He flies faster and further when the move is performed with HK . He can follow up with another drill spin by holding the D-Pad in any direction while pressing any attack button.
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.
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 Josei Kakutouka Team
A new Women Fighters Team, with Kasumi Todoh (from Art of Fighting 3) taking the place of Yuri Sakazaki, who joined her brother's team.
Kasumi Todoh
An Aikido student who is searching for her father, Ryuhaku Todoh (from the first Art of Fighting game).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kasame Ate (Special )
P
Kasumi pulls her arms back, then throws them down, splashing a wave of energy downward. She slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP . This move can be performed in midair.
Shiro Yamado (Special )
P
Kasumi uppercuts her opponent into the air.
Messhin Mutho (Special )
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.
Sassho Inshuu (Special )
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.
Tatsumaki Souda
HP (close)
Kasumi hits her opponent with a backhand, an underhand palm strike, and an uppercut.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kasane Ate
P
Kasumi pulls her arms back. When the button is released, she throws them down, splashing a tall wave of energy that rolls across the ground and can hit multiple times.
Mai Shiranui
A kunoichi who practices her family's own martial art, Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ka Chou Sen (Special )
P
Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu En Bu (Special )
P
Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact.
Hishou Ryuu'en Jin (Special )
K
Mai does a backflip while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. She flips higher when the move is performed with HK .
Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi (Special )
K
Mai performs a cartwheel, then drops to the ground with an elbow strike. The move travels more distance when it is performed with HK .
Musasabi no Mai (Chijou)
P
Mai jumps to the back edge of the screen. 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, Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out. 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. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
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.
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.
King
A bar owner who fights with her own kick-heavy take on Muay Thai.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Venom Strike (Special )
K
King performs a jumping kick, lobbing a fireball through the air. The projectile moves faster and further when the move is performed with HK .
Double Strike
K
King performs two jumping kicks in quick succession, lobbing two fireballs through the air. The projectiles move faster and further when the move is performed with HK . The second projectile always travels the full width of the screen.
Trap Shot
K
King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a barrage of fast kicks.
Tornado Kick (Special )
K
King climbs into the air with multiple rotating kicks. She kicks more times when the move is performed with HK .
Mirage Kick (Special )
K
King runs forward, then hits her opponent with alternating high and low kicks.
Surprise Rose (Special )
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 .
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 two leaping kicks.
Yagami Team
A new team consisting of Iori Yagami, rival to protagonist Kyo Kusanagi, and Rugal's former secretaries Mature and Vice. They enter the tournament with the goal of killing Kyo. It is always the second-to-last team fought before facing the bosses in the arcade modes.
Iori Yagami
The last heir to the Yagami clan (formerly known as the Yasakani Clan) one of the three clans that sealed away Orochi, and the rival of Kyo. His clan possesses the Yasakani Jewel (八尺瓊曲玉).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki Yami Barai (Special )
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 (Special )
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 (Special )
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.
Kuzukaze (Special )
HP (close)
Iori grabs and shoves his opponent away.
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.
Mature
A member of the Hakkesshu brotherhood who was assigned to watch over Rugal, taking the role of one of his assistants. She has now been ordered by Goenitz to assist Iori to ensure that he progresses to the championship finals. She fights with her sharp nails.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Despair (Special )
P
Mature flips forward through the air while swiping her hands. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
Death Row (Special )
P (up to 3 times)
Mature advances with an upward hand swipe. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case she follows up with two lateral swipes.
Metal Massacre (Special )
K
Mature runs forward, then does a lateral hand swipe when she is near her opponent.
Decider (Special )
P
Mature swipes her hand out, which stretches to reach. If it connects, she grabs and throws her opponent back. She slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Heaven's Gate
K
Mature charges across the screen, tackling the opponent into the wall, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Vice
A member of the Hakkesshu brotherhood who was assigned to watch over Rugal, taking the role of one of his assistants. She has now been ordered by Goenitz to assist Iori to ensure that he progresses to the championship finals. She fights with her monstrous strength.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Outrage (Special )
K
Vice kicks rapidly in front of her.
Ravenous (Special )
K in midair
Vice kicks rapidly in front of her while falling.
Decider (Special )
P
Vice swipes her hand out, which stretches to reach. If it connects, she grabs and throws her opponent back. She slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Gore Fest (Special )
HP (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the head, slides forward while dragging the opponent against the ground, then throws them into the air.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Negative Gain
HP (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the neck with her legs, then slams them to the ground three times.
Boss Team
A new team consisting of the bosses of three games: Geese Howard (Fatal Fury), Wolfgang Krauser (Fatal Fury 2), and Mr. Big (Art of Fighting). It is always the last team fought before facing the bosses in the arcade modes.
Geese Howard
The nemesis of the Bogard brothers. He enters the tournament under the guise of seeking revenge against Terry Bogard, but he really wants to learn more about Orochi's power.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Reppuuken (Special )
LP
Geese swipes his hand upward, creating an arc of ki energy in front of him.
Double Reppuuken (Special )
HP
Geese steps forward with two alternating hand swipes, each creating an arc of ki energy in front of him. The second swipe knocks down the opponent on impact.
Shippuuken
P in midair
Geese throws a fireball a short distance diagonally downward.
Hishou Nichirin Zan (Special )
P
Geese jumps in the air and swipes his hand downward, creating an arc of ki energy in front of him, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Jaeiken (Special )
P
Geese dashes forward with an elbow ram, the two alternating palm strikes, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Atemi Nage
K
Geese catches a jumping attack from his opponent and counters with a throw.
Atemi Uchi
K
Geese catches a standing attack from his opponent and counters with a throw.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raging Storm
P
Geese ducks and calls energy spikes around him.
Wolfgang Krauser
Geese's half-brother, who enters the tournament to test his strength.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
High Blitz Ball (Special )
P
Wolfgang throws a high fireball. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Low Blitz Ball (Special )
K
Wolfgang throws a low fireball. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HK .
Leg Tomahawk
K
Wolfgang leaps forward with a rolling kick. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Kaiser Kick (Special )
K
Wolfgang jumps with a dropkick.
Kaiser Double Sobat (Special )
K
Wolfgang hops forward with two quick kicks.
Lift Up Blow
P (close)
Wolfgang grabs his opponent, then jumps back with a suplex.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kaiser Wave
P
Wolfgang pulls his arms back, then throws a tall fireball across the screen. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Mr. Big
A crime boss who enters the tournament to try to expand the influence of his criminal organization.
Move list
Name
Command
Description
Drum Shot
PPPPP
Mr. Big slides forward while swinging his sticks in front of him.
Grand Blaster (Special )
P
Mr. Big swings a stick along the ground, creating a burst of flame in front of him, which knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
California Romance (Special )
P
Mr. Big jumps into the air while holding one of his sticks out. He charges forward with one of his sticks before jumping when the move is performed with HP .
Cross Diving (Special )
P
Mr. Big flies forward while holding his sticks out and spinning like a torpedo. He flies farther when the move is performed with HP .
Spinning Lancer (Special )
K
Mr. Big links his sticks together into a long staff, then spins forward while holding the staff. He spins farther and follows up with an additional strike that knocks the opponent over when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Blaster Wave
P
Mr. Big charges his sticks with lightning, then lunges forward, using the sticks to generate an orb of electricity in front of him.
Bosses
Both bosses are new characters and can be played using a cheat code.
Chizuru Kagura
The heiress of the Yata clan, one of the three clans to seal away Orochi. She hosts the tournament in order to bring the descendants of the three clans together to prevent Orochi from being revived by the Hakkesshu. Her clan possesses the Yata Mirror (八汰鏡). She fights with dance-like motions and open-handed strikes and can create mirror images of herself. She is harmed if one of her mirror images is attacked. She is the sub-boss of the game.
Move list
Name
Command
Description
108 Katsu Tamayura no Shitsune (Special )
P
Chizuru swipes an arm down, creating an energy orb that knocks down her opponent on impact. She twirls forward a short distance when the move is performed with HP .
100 Katso Tenjin no Kotowari (Special )
P
Chizuru creates a mirror image that spins upward with her arms outstretched.
212 Katsu Shinsoku no Noroti (Special )
P or K
Chizuru creates a mirror image that runs forward and hits her opponent with an upward palm strike when it is performed with P, which knocks the opponent back, or a lateral palm swipe when it is performed with K, which knocks the opponent down. It can be followed up by a jumping strike with P or by a downward palm strike with K. She takes the place of the mirror image after the move is complete when the move is performed with HP or HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ichimen Ikatsu San Rai no Fui Jin
K
Chizuru creates a mirror image that twirls forward with her arms outstretched.
Ichimen 85 Katsu Reigi no Ishizue
P
Chizuru slides forward with a low strike. If it hits, the opponent glows and cannot perform special moves for a duration.
Goenitz
A priest of the Hakkesshu, a cult of Orochi's devoted followers. He seeks to revive his master. It is revealed that he is the one who gave Rugal a small portion of Orochi's blood in The King of Fighters '95. He is the final boss of the game.
Move list
Name
Command
Description
Wanpyou Tokobuse (Special )
LP
Goenitz snaps his fingers and creates multiple curved blades of wind that shred through the air high in front of him.
Wanpyou Mametsu (Special )
HP
Goenitz snaps his fingers and creates multiple curved blades of wind that shred through the air low in front of him.
Hyouga (Special )
K
Goenitz vanishes in a gust of wind, then reappears while dashing low and forward when the move is performed with LK or falling forward from the air when the move is performed with HK .
Yonokaze (Special )
P or K
Goenitz creates a tall vortex that fills the height of the screen. He creates it in front of him with LP , a third of the screen in front of him with LK , two thirds of the screen in front of him with HP , or across the screen with HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shin Ya Otome
P
Goenitz dashes forward with a series of hand swipes, then grabs and strangles his opponent before throwing them.
Yamidoukoku
HP (close)
Goenitz grabs his opponent by the head, then summons a vortex under the opponent.
Special Edit Teams
The game is the first in the series to introduce the concept of Special Edit Teams, which are custom teams that the player can form that have their own endings. There are only two Special Edit Teams in this game.
The first is the Three Sacred Treasures Team, formed by choosing Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, and (with a cheat code) Chizuru Kagura. These are the descendants of the three clans that sealed away Orochi in the past. The canonical ending to the game is only seen when the game is completed with this team. Chizuru asks Kyo and Iori to work together in order to prevent Orochi from being resurrected, but because of the longstanding feud between their clans, they refuse.
The second is the Goenitz Team, formed by putting Goenitz (using a cheat code) on a team with any other characters. In the ending, Chizuru appears and explains that the Goenitz on the player's team was an illusion.
Stages
Every team has their own stage where they are faced. The stage is chosen based on the first member of the opposing team when facing a mixed team.
Shujinkou Team
Garou Densetsu Team
Ryuuko no Ken Team
Shin Ikari Team
Psycho Soldier Team
Kim Team
Shin Josei Kakutouka Team
Yagami Team
Boss Team
The Finals at Kagura Stadium
The Ruins of Kagura Stadium
Versions
The Saturn version of The King of Fighters '96 stems from the Neo Geo CD and shares its arranged CD audio soundtrack. Loading times are faster on the Saturn than on the Neo Geo CD, though sound effects have been lowered in quality and some stage introduction special effects are missing. Animations on the character selection screen are missing in all CD versions of the game, as are team reactions when the player is slammed into the ground during a fight.
The Saturn compares favourably to its PlayStation counterpart, which in addition to the aforementioned cuts, lacks many character and background animations. The PlayStation port also manages to load slower than the Neo Geo CD at times, despite its disc drive being twice as fast.
Production credits
Producer: T・Nishiyama
Chief Director: Kuwayan
System Director: Toyochan
Sub Director: Toyochan, Haruo Tomita, Namaan-Hiroto, T.Hosokawa
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.
for evasive rolls, 
for knockdown attacks, 
for taunting, and 
to power up or for a support attack.
