King Of Fighters Overview
The Fighting Games Genre’s First Crossover Fighting Game…and It Isn’t Capcom…
In 1993, SNK Company came up with an extreme idea…create a crossover fighting game. Not only crossing over their most popular fighting series, at the time, Garou Densetsu (Fatal Fury) and Ryuuko no Ken (Art of Fighting), but many old school 2-D games including Athena/Psycho Soldiers, Ikari Warriors, and various SNK Sports titles; such as Football Frenzy and Dunk Dreams. This insane idea would become SNK’s most franchised game and Capcom’s greatest competition…THE KING OF FIGHTERS.
Storyline
IT’S FREAKING LONG…PLEASE READ STORY IN THIS LINK…
http://db.gamefaqs.com/coinop/arcade/file/...hters_story.txt
But, here’s the KoF Mythos in a nutshell…
The Beginning…
The King of Fighters first started by Geese Howard and was a singles competition. So basically, the Fatal Fury tournament would be called “The King of Fighters.” After the first tournament, Geese’s Half Brother, Wolfgang Krauser ran the King of Fighters. Ultimately, Terry Bogard would be the first King of Figthers champion. Why??? Notice that in the Fatal Fury/Garou Densetsu intro that the poster says, “King of Fighters.”
The Mysterious “R” and the Team Battle System…
KoF 94…it introduces…and re-introduces characters and introduces the new 3 on 3 team battle. Also, it introduces the characters of the Japan Team: Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Goro Daimon; as well as sadistic madman, Rugal Bernstein. Rugal took over the King of Fighters after Krauser and Geese. To make it interesting, he created the team battle system…3 on 3. To represent Japan, a tournament was held to determine the 3 representatives of Japan. In the end, it would be Kyo Kusanagi, his classmate and rival, Benimaru Nikaido, and Judo Champion, Goro Daimon. In addition to the Japanese team, characters from various SNK title would join the fray; including the Ikari Warriors led by Commander Heidern, the Psycho Soldiers led by Athena Asamiya, the Legendary Lone Wolves led by Terry Bogard, the Kyokugen Ryu Dojo led by Takuma “Mr. Karate” Sakazaki, the strangest team from Korean led by defender of Justice and Tae Kwon Do Champion, Kim Kaphwan, the US Team represented by its professional sports of basketball, football, and boxing; and…oh…the “Princesses of Punch”…King, Yuri Sakazaki, and Mai Shirunai. In the end, it would be Kyo to defeats Rugal. Bitter about his defeat, Rugal self destructs his submarine, the Black Noah. However, the “Hero” team would barely escape unharmed.
The Orochi Saga (95-97): “The Awakening of Orochi…and the 3 Sacred Treasures...the Kusanagi Sword, the Yagami Orb, and the Yata Mirror.”
The Seal of the Orochi is broken and it is Kyo’s destiny as a Kusanagi Clansmen to slay the demon Orochi; but not without the help of his rival out to kill him, Iori Yagami, and the guardian of the Orochi Seal, Chizuru Kagura, a member of the Yata Clan. For with the combine strength of the Kusanagi Sword to slay the Orochi, the Yagami Orb to bind Orochi, and the Yata Mirror to seal Orochi; then and only then can the threat of Orochi be defeated. Besides Iori, we’re introduced to Vice, Mature, and many Orochi Clan members.
The NESTS Saga (99-2001): “The Age of NESTS…Cyber Punk Era…Clones, Cyborgs, Robots, and Mutants…OH MY!!!”
After the defeat of Orochi, the NESTS Cartel, an international criminal organization, kidnaps Kyo to learn more about the Kusanagi Crimson Flame, the flame that can even defeat a god. NESTS wants to use Kyo’s flame to rule the world. In addition, we are introduced to a new hero, K’ Dash…also known as K’ Prime…the first Kyo Clone; a human who was infused with Kusanagi Flame, and his partner Maxima, once a man, now a cyborg which enhanced abilities. We also meet the Anti K, Kula Diamond, a young girl with the power of ice to rival the Kusanagi Flame and…Tetsuo…err…K’ 9999 (pronounced K-Four-Nine), the 9999th Kyo Clone, the Artificial Clone; as well as many others.
King of Fighters 2003 and beyond: “The Mysterious New Saga…the Dragon Spirit or is it something else???”
In a new year of the King of Fighters, three new heroes rise above to face a new challenge. This new team of heroes consists of a Hizoku Assassin named Duo Lon, a self proclaimed “God of Martial Arts” named Shen Woo, and a happy-go-lucky Frenchmen named Ash Crimson, who is able to wield a green flame. Since this is a barely new saga…all I can say that this might combined the Orochi and NESTS Saga and it’s a race between rival factions to get to this new dark power which rivals both Orochi and NESTS and will determine the fate of mankind. My hypothesis is that it might involve the Dragon Spirit, as hidden power that awakened from Athena Asamiya’s friends, Sie Kensou and Bao when the NESTS Cartel was defeated in 2001. In addition, it seems Ash has an agenda. At the climax of King of Fighters 2003, Ash steals Chizuru’s Orochi Sealing abilities. It’s unclear if Ash Crimson is an Orochi Clansmen, a NESTS Agent, or maybe even both. Furthermore, many Garou-Mark of the Wolves characters are popping up. So far, Tizoc the Griffon Mask and Gato are playable characters not to mention Hokutomaru Shirunai, Kim Dong Hwan, Kim Jae Hoon, and Hotaru Futaba are mentioned in the King of Fighters storyline. Also, Rock appeared in Terry’s 2001 win pose and now, Terry is in his Garou threads. Also, Terry gains the BUSTER WOLF in this year's King of Fighters. Who knows what might happen in King of Fighters 2004, the 10th Anniversary King of Fighters Game.
Please Note: King of Fighters 98-“The Slugfest” and King of Fighters 2002-“The Challenge to Ultimate Battle” are only dream matches…
More to the storyline…King of Fighters EX series for the Gameboy Advance…this is like what happened in 98 and 2002, so to speak…this series was made by Sammy and distributed by Playmore.
Characters from the EX series:
Moe Habana (Hero Team), Reiji Oogami (Hero Team), Miu Kurosaki (Yagami Team), and Jun Kagami (Yagami Team)
In the first KoF EX, Geese wants to take control of the Orochi power and at the mean time Kyo has barely escaped the NESTS Cartel. Kyo is now being taken cared of by Moe Habana. News spread of Geese’s tournament and, along with Benimaru Nikaido, a new Hero Team is born to stop Geese’s plans.
In the second KoF EX, children across the world are being kidnapped by a mysterious organization. Chizuru Kagura suspects it’s the work of Orochi and sends fellow Yata Clan member, Reiji Oogami, to join up with Kyo Kusanagi and Moe Habana and investigate this disturbance in the Orochi Seal. At the mean time, a young girl Miu Kurosaki and her companion, Jun Kagami, request the aid of one Iori Yagami to help find Miu’s little brother, Shinobu. It’s revealed that Shinbou is the reincarnation of “The Heavenly God of Wind,” Goenitz. Now, it’s up to the heroes of the King of Fighters to rescue the young boy.
The King of Fighters…POSSIBLY THE ONLY CROSSOVER GAME WITH A CONTINOUS STORYLINE!!!
The formula of a team battle crossover game was an interesting concept by SNK. But, what even made it more surprising is that the King of Fighters had a storyline. Unlike Capcom’s storylines which had many plot holes, SNK had this unbelievable habit of creating a continuous in storyline. By intertwining stories from not only Garou Densetsu/Fatal Fury and Ryuuko no Ken/Art of Fighting, but fitting in the storylines of Athena/Psycho Soldiers and Ikari Warriors into the game, who knew it was possible considering this…didn’t Athena/Psycho Soldiers and Ikari Warriors occur in the future or some alternate dimension??? Well, knowing SNK for its intricate and unique storytelling, wouldn’t be surprised how those game stories fit it in. Anyway, add awesome artwork by Shinkiro and you have one sick fighting game. The only beef with this game was the “connect the dots” joystick motions that SNK is notorious for. You know…back, up, down, quarter circle forward, half circle back, dragon punch motion…that sort of thing. However, you get used to it. In fact, you get so used to it, that you can execute them faster than the Capcom Supers.
Character Line Up…and considering this a freaking long list…I’ll just tell you which characters are from what game…as of now…
From Garou Densetsu (Fatal Fury), this includes characters from Garou-Mark of the Wolves:
Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, Mai Shirunai, Mary “Blue Mary” Ryan, Kim Kaphwan, Li Xiangfei, Billy Kane, Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, Ryuji Yamazaki, Tizoc the Griffon Mask, and Gato.
From Ryuuko no Ken (Art of Fighting):
Ryo Sakazaki, Yuri Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Takuma “Mr. Karate” Sakazaki, King, Kasumi Todoh, Eiji Kisagari, and Mr. Big.
From Athena/Psycho Soldiers:
Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou
From Ikari Warriors:
Lt. Clark “Paul” Steel, Lt. Ralf “Vince” Jones, Commander Heidern (only had a cameo in Ikari III: Road to the Final Victory)
From the SNK Sports Games:
Lucky Glauber (Dunk Dreams), Brian Battler (Football Frenzy), Heavy D! (3 Count Bout)
Characters made specifically for the King of Fighters:
The Fighters from Japan:
Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, Goro Daimon, Saisyu Kusanagi, Chizuru Kagura, Shingo Yabuki
Characters of the Orochi Clan and victims of the “Riot of Blood”:
Iori Yagami, Sgt. Leona Heidern, Vice, Mature, “Heavenly King of Parched Earth” Yashiro Nanakse, “Heavenly King of Insanely Violent Lightning” Shermie, “Heavenly King of the Destiny Flame” Chris
Characters of the NESTS Cartel:
K-Dash/K’ Prime, Maxima, Kula Diamond, Whip (alias Private Muchiko of the Ikari Warriors, Seirah-clone of K’s dead sister), Seth, Vanessa, Foxy, K’9999 (pronounced K-Four-Nine), Angel (pronounced An-Hell)
The Psycho Soldiers:
Chin Gensai, Bao
The Korean Defenders of Justice:
Jhun Hoon, Jinju “May” Lee, Chang Koehan, Choi Bounge
Other new characters:
Hinako Shijou (Female Team), Ramon (Hero & Yagami Team), Lin (Benimaru & Hero Team)
Characters of King of Fighters 2003:
Ash Crimson (Hero Team), Duo Lon (Hero Team), Shen Woo (Hero Team), Malin (Team Athena)
Bosses of the King of Fighters (in Order):
Rugal Bernstein/Omega Rugal, “The Heavenly King of Wind” Goenitz, Orochi, Krizalid, Clone Zero, Original Zero, Ingiz
The Death and Resurrection of the SNK and Neo*Geo…
During the process of King of Fighters 2000, SNK declared themselves bankrupt and many of its companies including ones in the US and Japan were going out of business. Many of SNK’s staff spread out to other companies. Some going to Sammy (the company behind the Guilty Gear series), while others went to rival company, Capcom; this included SNK's head artist, or should I say former head artist, Shinkiro. However, fans wanted the King of Fighters to continue; with the array of fighters, intriguing storyline, and an awesome collection of music; the King of Fighters would refuse to die. Enter Korean company, Eolith, who took up the rights of SNK’s most popular franchise. Unfortunately, for King of Fighters, it wouldn’t be the same. With many of the original staff members gone and Eolith running the show, King of Fighters 2001 became the black sheep of the King of Fighter franchise. King of Fighters 2001 had horrific artwork and music. The ratio system was then applied to the King of Fighters. Despite its flaws, King of Fighters 2001 was still loved…so to speak…by fans; though to this day is labeled the black sheep of the franchise. The following year, Eolith started from scratch and improved the artwork; as well as bringing back and remixing old SNK tracks, including tracks from the past King of Fighter games. It’s safe to say that 2002 was an improvement over 2001. After the success of King of Fighters 2002, a small video game company named Playmore took over and joining with other small video game companies, a new SNK was born...SNK Neo*Geo/Playmore. Also, fan artist, Falcoon was hired by Playmore to do artwork for the newest addition to the King of Fighters series, King of Fighters 2003. Furthermore, it seems that SNK Neo*Geo/Playmore broke ties with Korean Company, Eolith. And due this turn of events, Eolith’s copyrighted characters; K’ 9999, Angel, and Jinju “May” Lee will not see another King of Fighters unless Playmore gets rights to them; it’s really sad. Anyway, who knows what SNK’s future is, only time will tell.
Top 10 Fun Facts about King of Fighters…IMHO…in no particular order…
The Orochi Saga was following the Orochi folktale from Japanese Mythology, while The NESTS Saga was a ripped from many Sci-Fi Animes, specifically Akira.
Athena Asamiya is the only character to change costume every year…and it shows…
The King of Fighters 96 boss, “The Heavenly God of Wind” Goenitz, is the one responsible for ripping out Rugal Bernsteins’ eye.
Kyo Kusanagi’s girlfriend, Yuki, is a descendant of the Kushinada. Poor girl, she was about to be sacrificed to Orochi in 1997. (Play as Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru and you’ll understand)
Two of Iori Yagami’s Supers are reference to the Orochi myth. “One for the Road Blast,” or Ya Sakazuki (Eight Wine Cups) referred to the eight wine cups which made each of Orochi’s heads drunk. “The Maiden Masher,” or Ya Otome (Eight Maidens) refer to the eight maidens who were supposed to be sacrificed to Orochi.
Angel’s Super Move in 2002, “Wind’s Fairground” is a direct rip off of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s trademark move, “The People’s Elbow.”
K’ 9999 is an obvious rip off of Tetsuo Shima from the anime, Akira, all the way to the trademark cape. In addition, many of his moves are derivative from Tetsuo such as his sonic scream and his mutated tentacle. Still don’t believe me??? Well, here’s another thing, Tetsuo’s seiyuu, Nozumu Sasaki, also seiyuu for K’9999.
Kusanagi, the 3rd Kyo Clone in King of Fighters 2002 is portrayed by Mitsu Iwata, who seiyuu for Shotaro Kaneda in Akira. Kusanagi has a special intro with K’ 9999…and so it goes…*translated in English*:
K’9999: “KUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAANGIIII!!!!”
Kusanagi: “That’s Mr. Kusanagi to you…PUNK!!!”
Many sentai alumni pink rangers seiyuu in the King of Fighters series; including Haruna Ikezawa (Five Pink), Reiko Chiba (Pteraranger), and Tamao Sato (Ohpink).
Okay... one more…and my favorite King of Fighters Fact…if K’ 9999 is the Tetsuo Shima of the King of Fighters…and…Athena Asamiya is the Sailor Moon of the King of Fighters…then that makes Jinju “May” Lee…the Kamen Rider of the King of Fighters. For one thing, May Lee’s favorite hobby is watching tokusatsu (Japanese Hero shows), she has the traditional Rider Henshin Belt, the Scarf, and the Rider Pose. Not to mention, her super, “May Lee The End” is the parody of the Rider Kick. Surprisingly, barely any SNK fans I talked to don’t know who Kamen Rider is. Hell, they know more about the Goraijers than Kamen Rider. Anyway, when I showed who Kamen Rider was…one said Kamen Rider looks like a dude who came from an asylum, another called Kamen Rider, “Crap Spandex Man,” and another called him a “Power Ranger Reject.” That’s what little knowledge they know about Kamen Rider.
PLEASE SNK NEO*GEO/PLAYMORE…PLEASE BRING BACK MAY LEE…AND GIVE HER AN ADVENT DECK AND DRIVER PHONE AND I GUARANTEE SHE’LL KICK EVERYONE’S ASS; INCLUDING THE CAPCOM, MARVEL, AND GUILTY GEAR CHARACTERS!!!
Much of my sources are courtesy of NEOGEO.COM (www.neo-geo.com) and KING OF FIGHTERS ONLINE (www.kofonline.com).