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King
of Fighters
Developer: SNK
By Justice 861
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…
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 Continuous 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
KICKEVERYONE’S ASS; INCLUDING THE CAPCOM, MARVEL, AND
GUILTY GEAR CHARACTERS!!!
Much of my sources are courtesy of NEOGEO.COM
and King
of Fighters Online.
Justice 861
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