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The King of Fighters series
Screenshot from King of Fighters XI
Developer(s)	SNK, SNK NeoGeo, Playmore, SNK Playmore
Publisher(s)	SNK, SNK Playmore
Designer(s)	SNK Playmore
Release date(s)	October , 1994 KOF 94 July, 1995 KOF 95 1995 Quiz KOF July, 1996 KOF 96 July, 1997 KOF 97 1998 KOF 98 1999 KOF 99 December 30, 2000 KOF 2000 2001 KOF 2001 2002 KOF 2002 2003 KOF 2003 July 30, 2004 The King of Fighters Neowave 2004 KOF: Maximum Impact 2005 The King of Fighters XI 2006 KOF: Maximum Impact 2 2007 The King Of Fighters XII (upcoming, date subject to change in any moment)
Genre(s)	Versus Fighting
Mode(s)	Team Battle, One-On-One; Up to 2 players simultaneously
Platform(s)	Arcade, Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage, Neo Geo CD, Neo Geo Pocket, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Sega Saturn, Xbox
Input	8-way Joystick, 4-5 Buttons
Arcade cabinet	Upright
Arcade system(s)	Neo Geo, Atomiswave, Taito Type X2 (not yet released)
Arcade display	Raster, (Horizontal) Neo Geo system: 320 x 224 pixels, 4096 colors

The King of Fighters (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ, Za Kingu obu Faitāzu^?), or KOF for short, is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. It combined elements from two of its existing fighting game series (Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting) and reintroduced characters from games predating the Neo Geo (such as Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldier). Unique among fighter franchises, The King of Fighters released a sequel each year and named each game for its year of release. However, this naming system posed problems similar to those with sports games named by year: once the new yearly edition debuts, consumers often perceive the previous year's edition as outdated and less desirable to own. In order to combat this, SNK frequently rotates which characters take part in the current year's edition, encouraging fans of omitted characters to buy and play older editions. Additionally, SNK could not always release its console version of the arcade game in the same year for which it was titled. For example, The King of Fighters 2003 for the PlayStation 2 did not premiere in the United States until February of 2005. Furthermore, with its increasingly sophisticated concepts, graphics, and gameplay, The King of Fighters became extremely difficult to update on an annual schedule. Therefore, in December 2004, The King of Fighters 2003 artist Falcoon revealed that SNK Playmore had ceased the yearly sequel updates to the series in favor of an irregular release schedule and a naming scheme without dates. The most recent game in the series, The King of Fighters XI, premiered on October 26, 2005. Image File history File links Information_icon. ... Image File history File links Showimage2. ... A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual) that creates computer or video games. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... A game designer is a person who designs games. ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... 1994 1994 in games 1993 in video gaming 1995 in video gaming Notable events of 1994 in computer and video games. ... 1995 1995 in games 1994 in video gaming 1996 in video gaming Notable events of 1995 in video gaming. ... See also: 1995 in video gaming, other events of 1996, 1997 in video gaming, history of video games Events DigiPen Institute of Technology receives accreditation, first school in the world to offer college degrees in video game development. ... See also: 1996 in video gaming, other events of 1997, 1998 in video gaming, history of video games Events 3rd annual E³ (Electronic Entertainment Expo) October 4 - Gunpei Yokoi (1941-1997) dies after a double car accident. ... 1998 1998 in games 1997 in video gaming 1999 in video gaming Notable events of 1998 in video gaming. ... 1999 1999 in games 1998 in video gaming 2000 in video gaming Notable events of 1999 in video gaming. ... 2000 2000 in games 1999 in video gaming 2001 in video gaming Notable events of 2000 in video gaming. ... 2001 2001 in games 2000 in video gaming 2002 in video gaming Notable events of 2001 in video gaming. ... 2002 2002 in games 2001 in video gaming 2003 in video gaming Notable events of 2002 in computer and video games. ... 2003 2003 in games 2002 in video gaming 2004 in video gaming Notable events of 2003 in computer and video games. ... 2004 2004 in games 2003 in video gaming 2005 in video gaming Notable events of 2004 in video gaming. ... 2005 2005 in games 2004 in video gaming 2006 in video gaming Notable events of 2005 in video gaming. ... 2006 2006 in games 2005 in video gaming 2007 in video gaming Notable events of 2006 in video gaming. ... 2007 2007 in games 2006 in video gaming 2008 in video gaming Notable events of 2007 in video gaming. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... This article describes fighting games in which opponents face off in a battle. ... Centipede by Atari is a typical example of a 1980s era arcade game. ... The Sega Dreamcast (Japanese: ドリームキャスト; code-named Dural and Katana during development) was Segas fifth and final video game console and the successor to the Sega Saturn. ... GBA redirects here. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The system, with four games The Neo Geo CD was released shortly after its cartridge-based equivalent in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs. ... Neo Geo Pocket (Monochrome) The Neo Geo Pocket was SNKs original hand held system. ... Neo Geo Pocket Color The Neo Geo Pocket Color (or NGPC) was released in 1998 in Japan. ... The Sony PlayStation ) is a video game console of the 32/64-bit era, first produced by Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-1990s. ... The PlayStation 2 (PS2) ) is Sonys second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. ... The Sega Saturn ) is a 32-bit video game console, first released on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America and July 8, 1995 in Europe. ... Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console produced by Microsoft. ... Joystick elements: 1. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Button (computing). ... This arcade cabinet, containing Centipede, is an upright. ... An arcade system board is a standardized printed circuit board or group of printed circuit boards that are used as the basis for multiple arcade games with very similar hardware requirements. ... Neo-Geo is the name of a cartridge-based arcade and home video game system released in 1990 by Japanese game company SNK. The system offered comparatively colorful 2D graphics and high-quality sound. ... The Atomiswave is Sammy Corporations 2003 custom arcade system board and cabinet, which is based on Segas NAOMI system board (Thus its often common to see the Sega logo on its boot up screen). ... A computer display is an interface between the computer and the operator. ... Suppose the smiley face in the top left corner is an RGB bitmap image. ... Screenshot of Kung Fu Master (1984, Irem). ... SNK Playmore (formerly SNK) is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... Fatal Fury (餓狼伝説 or Garou Densetsu in Japan) is a fighting game series developed by SNK for the Neo-Geo system. ... Art of Fighting ) is a fighting game series created by SNKnow-a-days it is known mostly as one one of the many SNK series that ties into The King of Fighters. ... Neo-Geo is the name of a cartridge-based arcade and home video game system released in 1990 by Japanese game company SNK. The system offered comparatively colorful 2D graphics and high-quality sound. ... Ikari Warriors is a 1986 arcade game by SNK (manufactured in the United States by Tradewest). ... Psycho Soldier is an action arcade game developed by Japanese software company SNK that was released originally in 1986 and internationally in 1987. ... The PlayStation 2 (PS2) ) is Sonys second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. ... ← - 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Deaths in December • 30 Artie Shaw • 29 Julius Axelrod • 28 Jacques Dupuis • 28 Jerry Orbach • 28 Susan Sontag • 26 Reggie White • 26 Sir Angus Ogilvy • 23 P. V. Narasimha Rao • 23 Doug Ault • 19 Renata Tebaldi • 16... Falcoon is a japanese artist working under SNK Playmore, mainly working on The King of Fighters franchise. ... The King of Fighters XI (KOF XI) is the latest installment of the King of Fighters series. ... October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

During August 2005, an anime series based upon KOF entitled The King of Fighters: Another Day was announced. It debuted at the Tokyo Game Show about a month later. Production I.G produces the title as an original net animation. There are a total of four episodes, each about 10 minutes in length (but considerably less, when accounting for the end credits). Fansubbers from around the world have produced fansubs in many languages as each episode was released. It has since been released as a bonus DVD, packaged with The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 2. 2005 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Deaths in August August 31: Michael Sheard August 26: Lord Fitt August 24: Jack Slipper August 24: Maurice Cowling August 24: Dr. Tom Pashby August 23: Brock Peters August 22: Lord Lane August 21: Robert Moog August... Anime ) (IPA pronunciation: in Japanese, but typically or in English) is an abbreviation of the word animation. Outside Japan, the term most popularly refers to animation originating in Japan. ... Booths at the Tokyo Game Show in 2004 The Tokyo Game Show , or simply TGS) is a video game expo / convention held in Tokyo, Japan. ... Original Net Animation (ONA) is an acronym used in Japan for anime titles that are directly released onto the Internet. ... Opening credits of School Rumble with karaoke fansub subtitles. ...

Games

Early console ports of the game were released on the Neo Geo CD system and Sega Saturn. Later ports on the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation and more recently PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox. Other games carrying the King of Fighters name exist for Game Boy, the Game Boy Advance, and the Neo Geo Pocket. The system, with four games The Neo Geo CD was released shortly after its cartridge-based equivalent in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs. ... The Sega Saturn ) is a 32-bit video game console, first released on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America and July 8, 1995 in Europe. ... The Sega Dreamcast (Japanese: ドリームキャスト; code-named Dural and Katana during development) was Segas fifth and final video game console and the successor to the Sega Saturn. ... The Sony PlayStation ) is a video game console of the 32/64-bit era, first produced by Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-1990s. ... The PlayStation 2 (PS2) ) is Sonys second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. ... Xbox and a Controller S The Xbox is Microsofts game console, released on November 15, 2001. ... For the entire Game Boy series of handheld consoles, see Game Boy line. ... GBA redirects here. ... Neo Geo Pocket (Monochrome) The Neo Geo Pocket was SNKs original hand held system. ...

With a few exceptions, each chapter in the main King of Fighters series constitutes an episode in an ongoing storyline. To date, the storyline comprises of three plot arcs, each consisting of a roughly three-episode story. Thus far, each arc precedes a non-canonical "dream match" chapter used to bring back old characters--regardless of whether they have officially died or gone missing in the main plot--and systems without affecting the storyline. KOF '94, the first KOF game, uniquely stands as a canonical game and probably as a dream match at the same time. // Regular Context The line of a story. ... In episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books and comic strips a story arc is an extended or continuing storyline. ...

In each plot arc, the series introduces a new hero and companions around whom the main plot revolves. In KOF '94, Kyo Kusanagi appeared as the hero of the Orochi Saga. For the NESTS Saga, KOF '99 replaced Kyo with the conflicted and mysterious K'. The current storyline, begun in KOF 2003, involves an anti-hero--or possibly a villain--named Ash Crimson. In each episode, the rest of the teams have their own subplots which weave together to give a more complete perspective on the overall plot. From the Greek , in mythology and folklore, a hero (male) or heroine (female) usually fulfills the definitions of what is considered good and noble in the originating culture. ... Kyo Kusanagi ) is one of the main characters in SNK Playmores King of Fighters videogame series; he was first introduced in The King of Fighters 94. ... K (pronounced Kay-Dash) is a video game character in SNK Playmores King of Fighters fighting game series. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... One popular concept of the villain, meant to mimic the purposely distinctive visage of villains from silent films of the early 20th century. ... Ash Crimson is a video game character in the King of Fighters series. ... A subplot is a series of connected actions within a work of narrative that function separately from the main plot. ...

The King of Fighters tournament, the namesake of this series, actually originated in Fatal Fury, a classic SNK fighting game that predated the KOF series. Fatal Fury 2 and Art of Fighting 2 also revisited the tournament before SNK released KOF '94. Fatal Fury (餓狼伝説 or Garou Densetsu in Japan) is a fighting game series developed by SNK for the Neo-Geo system. ... Fatal Fury (餓狼伝説 or Garou Densetsu in Japan) is a fighting game series developed by SNK for the Neo-Geo system. ... Art of Fighting ) is a fighting game series created by SNKnow-a-days it is known mostly as one one of the many SNK series that ties into The King of Fighters. ...

Prelude

• The King of Fighters '94 (Episode 1)

• The original KOF game. The player selects from premade teams of three fighters, each team representing a different country. It brings together SNK's favorite characters from its other fighter franchises, platformers, and sports games while introducing Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Goro Daimon as Team Japan. It was not conceived as part of a saga, but because of the game's popularity, SNK decided to turn it into an annual franchise.
• The game was remade and released in 2004 for the Sony Playstation 2 as The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout in Japan. This version has several new features like online play, team edit, a playable Rugal Bernstein, and the addition of Saisyu Kusanagi.
• The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout had several problems being released in the US/North America; this was mainly contributed to budget issues and in-game glitches. The game was announced to be released on the Xbox, though the game was ultimately cancelled in March 2006 (the game's scheduled release). According to Ben Herman, the president of SNK Playmore USA, bug fixing would have taken too long, resulting in it missing the holiday season. [1].

The King of Fighters ), or KOF for short, is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Platform games, or platformers, are a very popular genre of video games that originated in the early 1980s. ... Kyo Kusanagi ) is one of the main characters in SNK Playmores King of Fighters videogame series; he was first introduced in The King of Fighters 94. ... This article or section may need to be cleaned up and rewritten because it describes a work of fiction in a primarily in-universe style. ... Goro Daimon is a video game character in the King of Fighters series. ... In the video game subculture, an enhanced remake (also called updated classics) is an updated version of a video or computer game that was originally developed for a less advanced system. ... In order to meet Wikipedias quality standards, this articles trivia section may require cleanup. ... Saisyu Kusanagi is a character in the King of Fighters series. ... Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console produced by Microsoft. ...

The Orochi Saga

In early 2006, SNK Playmore released a compilation of KOF '95 - KOF '97 for the PS2 under the title The King of Fighters Orochi. In 2007, SNK Playmore is set to rerelease KOF:98 for the PS2 under the title The King of Fighters 98: Ultimate Match. The PlayStation 2 (PS2) ) is Sonys second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. ...

• The King of Fighters '95 (Episode 2)

• Introduces the team edit feature which allows players to create their own 3-character team. Iori Yagami, Kyo Kusanagi's mortal enemy, makes his first appearance.
• Ported to the PlayStation in Japan and the US and to the Sega Saturn in Japan and Europe. The Saturn port requires a memory expansion cartridge to run. It contains the ability to play as Saisyu and Omega Rugal using a code.
• This game was also released on the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan and the US.

• The King of Fighters '96 (Episode 3)

• The first edition to achieve KOF's distinct look; its graphics and sound better resemble even KOF's latest edition than they do those of KOF '95. Chizuru Kagura appears for the first time. Leona Heidern replaces adopted father Heidern on the Ikari Warriors Team. Fan favorite Boss Team (Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, and Mr. Big) makes its first (and only) appearance.
• Ported to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in Japan. The Saturn port requires a memory expansion cartridge to run. It contains the ability to play as Chizuru and Goenitz using a code.
• This game was also released on the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan and the US.

• The King of Fighters '97 (Episode 4)

• Climax of the Orochi Saga. It still has the longest endgame battle sequence of all the KOF games. Shermie, Chris, and Yashiro Nanakase make their debut and form the Orochi Team. Shingo Yabuki, Orochi Iori, and Orochi Leona also make their debut.
• Ported to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in Japan. The Saturn port requires a memory expansion cartridge to run. It contains a special art gallery feature as well as the ability to play as Orochi using a code. This game was never released in the US.

• The King of Fighters '98: Dream Match Never Ends (The Slugfest)

• Separate from the KOF story line, this dream match contains fighters from all previous King of Fighters games except for Eiji Kisaragi, Kasumi Todoh, Goenitz and the Boss Team (Geese Howard, Wolfgang Krauser, and Mr. Big) from KOF '96. Saisyu Kusanagi also makes his first appearance as a non-secret playable character.
• Ported to the PlayStation and Sega Dreamcast. SNK refitted the Dreamcast version (renamed The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999) with an extended hand-animated introduction, link-up capability with KOF R-2 for the Neo Geo Pocket Color, and 3D backgrounds.

The King of Fighters (or KOF for short) is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Iori Yagami ) is a video game character who made his first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting game, The King of Fighters 95. ... Nintendo Company, Limited (任天堂 or ニンテンドー Nintendō; NASDAQ: NTDOY, TYO: 7974 usually referred to as simply Nintendo, or Big N ) is a multinational corporation founded on September 23, 1889[1] in Kyoto, Japan by Fusajiro Yamauchi to produce handmade hanafuda cards. ... For the entire Game Boy series of handheld consoles, see Game Boy line. ... The King of Fighters (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ in japanese), or KOF for short, is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Chizuru Kagura is a videogame character from the King of Fighters series. ... Leona Heidern is a video game character who made her first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting gameseries, The King of Fighters. ... Geese Howard ) was the boss of all organized crime in the fictional city of Southtown in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting fighting game series. ... Wolfgang Krauser ) is a boss character in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury series. ... Mr. ... Leopold Goenitz is a video game character who made his first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting game, The King of Fighters 96 as the last boss, following Chizuru Kagura. ... Nintendo Company, Limited (任天堂 or ニンテンドー Nintendō; NASDAQ: NTDOY, TYO: 7974 usually referred to as simply Nintendo, or Big N ) is a multinational corporation founded on September 23, 1889[1] in Kyoto, Japan by Fusajiro Yamauchi to produce handmade hanafuda cards. ... For the entire Game Boy series of handheld consoles, see Game Boy line. ... King of Fighters 97 is the fourth game in the King of Fighters series. ... Shingo Yabuki is a character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... The Orochi in The King of Fighters is a version of the Kusanagi legend. ... The King of Fighters (or KOF for short) is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Eiji Kisaragis own fighting style makes him a deadly rival of the Kyokugenryu family. ... Kasumi Todoh Kasumi Todoh (藤堂香澄 Tōdō Kasumi) is a video game character in both the Art of Fighting and King of Fighters series. ... Geese Howard ) was the boss of all organized crime in the fictional city of Southtown in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting fighting game series. ... Wolfgang Krauser ) is a boss character in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury series. ... Mr. ... The Sony PlayStation ) is a video game console of the 32/64-bit era, first produced by Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-1990s. ... The Sega Dreamcast (Japanese: ドリームキャスト; code-named Dural and Katana during development) was Segas fifth and final video game console and the successor to the Sega Saturn. ... Neo Geo Pocket Color The Neo Geo Pocket Color (or NGPC) was released in 1998 in Japan. ... A 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion using Blender and Yafray 3D computer graphics are works of graphic art that were created with the aid of digital computers and specialized 3D software. ...

The NESTS Chronicles

In Late 2006, SNK Playmore plans to release a compilation of KOF '99 -KOF 2001 for the PS2 in JAPAN, under the title The King of Fighters NESTS.

• The King of Fighters '99: Millennium Battle (Episode 5)

• Introduces the striker system, which allows the player to call on a teammate to aid the current fighter. K', the hero of this story arc, appears for the first time along with Maxima and Whip. Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi are not selectable without a respective code for each in the arcade. Originally neither character was going to appear in '99, but were put in at the last moment. Kyo also stops wearing his school uniform in this game.
• Ported to the Sega Dreamcast and the Sony PlayStation in the US. The Dreamcast version was titled The King of Fighters: Evolution, while the PlayStation retained the '99 namesake. In the Dreamcast version (regarded as the better port of the two, due to its massive visual updating), Seth and Vanessa are hidden strikers, and Krizalid is a selectable character (only in his second form).

• The King of Fighters 2000 (Episode 6)

• Allows the player to select alternates as strikers instead of just playable characters. Alternates were characters from previous installments of KOF, other SNK games, or were alternate versions of playable characters (such as Athena). Vanessa and Seth make their first player selectable appearances along with Ramon, Hinako Shijou, and Lin. Kula Diamond is a secret character. Last King Of Fighters game to have had artwork drawn by Shinkiro and the last King Of Fighters game made by SNK before bankruptcy. As such, it contains several send-offs to the series, and SNK itself, mainly in the form of the many Another Strikers, but also subtly in the title of Kyo's theme, "Goodbye, Esaka", and more obviously, with Terry's apparent death in the Garou Team's ending. (Though he does "live again", in the end, just as SNK did).
• This game was ported to the Dreamcast and the Sony PlayStation 2. The US/North American PS2 was bundled together with King of Fighters 2001.

• The King of Fighters 2001 (Episode 7)

• The first King of Fighters be developed by Eolith; it's also considered the Black Sheep of the KOF Family. In this version, the player decide on how many out of 4 fighters will participate in a match. Those left unselected become strikers. The number of fighters versus strikers determines how many power gauges the player has for desperation moves, fewer fighters increasing the gauges available. Kula Diamond and Foxy make their debuts on the playable character roster. Eolith exclusives Angel, K9999, and May Lee also make their debuts. Many fans consider the background art and music quite inferior to previous KOF's.
• This game was ported to the Dreamcast and the Sony PlayStation 2. The US/North American PS2 release is bundled together with King of Fighters 2000.

• The King of Fighters 2002 - Challenge to the Ultimate Battle

• King of Fighters 2002 marks the return to the classic 3-on-3 battle system and features many teams from past KOF versions. Rugal Bernstein returns once again as the ending boss, albeit with a few powerful modifications. Clone Kusanagi (Kyo '95) is a hidden character as are Orochi Iori. Shingo Yabuki, King, Goenitz, and Geese Howard in the Xbox/PS2 version. King and Shingo are also secret characters in the Dreamcast version. This is the second and last King of Fighters to be developed by Eolith.
• This game was ported to the Dreamcast, as well as to the Sony Playstation 2 and the Microsoft Xbox. The US/North American PS2 and Xbox release is bundled together with King of Fighters 2003.

The King of Fighters (or KOF for short) is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... K (pronounced Kay-Dash) is a video game character in SNK Playmores King of Fighters fighting game series. ... Maxima is a character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... Whip is a character from the King of Fighters series // History Whips past is as shrouded in mystery as the young woman herself. ... Iori Yagami ) is a video game character who made his first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting game, The King of Fighters 95. ... Kyo Kusanagi ) is one of the main characters in SNK Playmores King of Fighters videogame series; he was first introduced in The King of Fighters 94. ... Seth is a videogame character in the King of Fighters series. ... Vanessa is a character in the King of Fighters series. ... The King of Fighters (or KOF for short) is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Athena Asamiya(麻宮アテナ) is a character originally from SNK Playmores video games Athena and Psycho Soldier and was the companys mascot before being replaced by Terry Bogard. ... Vanessa is a character in the King of Fighters series. ... Seth is a videogame character in the King of Fighters series. ... Ramon is a fictional character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... Hinako Shijou is a character in the King of Fighters series. ... Lin is a character in the King of Fighters series of video games. ... Kula Diamond is a video game character in the King of Fighters fighting game series. ... Shinkiro (Japanese: 森気楼, Shinkirô) is a Japanese illustrator and conceptual artist currently employed by Capcom, known for his ultra-realistic style. ... The King of Fighters ), or KOF for short, is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Kula Diamond is a video game character in the King of Fighters fighting game series. ... The King of Fighters ), or KOF for short, is a fighting game series by SNK that debuted in 1994. ... Flag Ship from the video game Gorf This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ... Shingo Yabuki is a character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... Geese Howard ) was the boss of all organized crime in the fictional city of Southtown in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting fighting game series. ...

The Tales of Ash

• The King of Fighters 2003 (Episode 8)

• Unlike previous games, KOF 2003 employs a tag team battle system (referred to as "multi-shift" in game) and presents the most intensive gameplay adjustments the KOF series has seen since its 1996 makeover. It notably introduces the new "hero" team of Ash Crimson, Shen Woo, and Duo Lon along with newcomer Malin and a few returns such as Chizuru Kagura and Hinako Shijo. It also returns to the roots of the KOF storyline (a cult trying to reawaken Orochi). Kusanagi and Maki Kagura (Chizuru's older sister) make up the sub-bosses as you advance forward. The new bosses are Adelheid and Rose (allegedly Rugal's son and daughter) and Mukai. Tizoc (aka The Griffon) and Gato from Garou(Fatal Fury): Mark of the Wolves make their KoF debut, as does Terry Bogard's outfit from that game (Rock Howard also makes a brief cameo appearance). This is the first KOF canon game that neither Andy Bogard nor Choi Bounge have been in the character roster (both make a brief cameo appearance). Kyo changes costumes once again, wearing a black leather jacket in this installment. As in the Orochi Saga, you are also able to play as the Sacred Treasures team consisting of Chizuru Kagura, Kyo Kusanagi, and Iori Yagami.
• This game was ported to the Sony Playstation 2 and the Microsoft Xbox. The US/North American PS2 and Xbox release is bundled together with King of Fighters 2002.

• The King of Fighters XI (Episode 9)

• After taking a two year hiatus (KOF Neowave is not considered part of this saga), XI takes place a year from when 2003 left off. The game still follows the storyline of its predecessor with a cult trying to resurrect the Orochi, but now Ash Crimson is starting to show his true colors as well. While SNKP kept the same style of gameplay (albeit altered/improved a bit to fit the Atomiswave design) as 2003, they also notably dropped fan favorites Mai Shiranui, Leona Heidern, Robert Garcia and Joe Higashi from the character roster for the first time since their debuts. To fill their spots, they brought back Kula Diamond, Eiji Kisaragi, and Kasumi Todoh, introduced several characters from different SNK franchises such as Bonne Jenet from Garou(Fatal Fury): Mark of the Wolves and Duck King from Fatal Fury, and revealed all-new fighters Elisabeth Blanctorche, Oswald, and Momoko. KOF XI currently has worldwide arcade distribution.
• The game was released in Japan for the PlayStation 2 on June 22, 2006. This version updates the current game with additional music and stages, as well as an updated character roster with the reinclusion of Mai Shiranui, Geese Howard, EX Kyo, Robert Garcia, Mr. Big and new arrivals to the KOF arena, Hotaru Futaba and Tung Fu Rue. These extra characters are based on their Neogeo Battle Coliseum versions, and must be unlocked.
• There have been no recent announcements made regarding a US/North American release of KOF XI, albeit this game has already been set for European release in early 2007.

• The King of Fighters XII (Episode 10)

• The King of Fighters XII is scheduled for release in 2007-2008. SNK-Playmore has stated that it will be released for the Taito Type-X2 arcade system as they have had plans to withdraw from developing games for the SEGA-Sammy's Atomiswave. KOF XII is expected to conclude the current saga, although there is no written statement confirming this from the game's producers or from SNK-P (There is fan speculation that Ash's agenda to gain Kyo's "sacred treasure" may delay the conclusion of this saga until a further KOF release). The game has been stated to feature the first major graphical overhaul for the series since KOF 96.[2]

King of Fighters 2003 is the tenth game in the King of Fighters Series. ... Ash Crimson is a video game character in the King of Fighters series. ... Shen Woo is a video game character in the King of fighters series. ... Duo Lon is a video game character in the King of Fighters series. ... The King of Fighters XI (KOF XI) is the latest installment of the King of Fighters series. ... Mai Shiranui ) is a character from both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series of fighting games by SNK (now SNK Playmore). ... Leona Heidern is a video game character who made her first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting gameseries, The King of Fighters. ... Robert Garcia is a character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... Joe Higashi ) is a character in both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series, used mostly for comic relief, he is currently dating Lilly Kane, the sister of another Fatal Fury and King Of Fighters character Billy Kane, who disaproves greatly of this. ... Kula Diamond is a video game character in the King of Fighters fighting game series. ... Eiji Kisaragis own fighting style makes him a deadly rival of the Kyokugenryu family. ... Kasumi Todoh Kasumi Todoh (藤堂香澄 Tōdō Kasumi) is a video game character in both the Art of Fighting and King of Fighters series. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... The King of Fighters XII (KOF XII) is to be the next installment of the King of Fighters series. ... It has been suggested that SNK Playmore be merged into this article or section. ... Taito may mean: Taito Corporation, a Japanese developer of video game software and arcade hardware. ... Sega Corporation ) is an international video game software and hardware developing company, and a former home computer and console manufacturer. ... The Atomiswave is Sammy Corporations 2003 custom arcade system board and cabinet, which is based on Segas NAOMI system board (Thus its often common to see the Sega logo on its boot up screen). ...

Spinoffs

• The King of Fighters: Neowave

As a preliminary game designed to introduce King Of Fighters to the Atomiswave arcade system, the King of Fighters: Neowave has notable improvements in background graphics and music quality compared to its Neo Geo predecessors. Like KOF '98 and KOF 2002, KOF: Neowave returns to the classic 3-on-3 battle system and features many teams from previous KOF games. A young Geese Howard from Art of Fighting 2 makes his appearance as the final boss. KOF: Neowave is the first arcade installment to remove the year from its title.

• The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact

A spinoff game series, produced by former SNK subsidiary Noise Factory. One of SNK's first console-only games since the NES, and their first attempts at 3D fighters since the Hyper NeoGeo 64. It was released on the PlayStation 2, 2004 in celebration of the King of Fighters' tenth year anniversary. It was later ported to the Xbox as "KOF: Maximum Impact - Maniax" with additional content, dual-language audio tracks, and online play via Xbox Live. There is a probable PSP release in the near future.

• The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact II (King of Fighters 2006)

The King of Fighters: Maximum II, also known as The King of Fighters 2006 in the US/North America, is a direct sequel to its predecessor and was released in the summer of 2006.

The game was also packaged with a bonus DVD of "The King of Fighters: Another Day", supposedly a prequel leading up to the Maximum Impact 2 and involved key characters from the King of Fighters XI. SNK Playmore stated officially that KOF:AD was not canon and was just a promotional tool for KOF:MI2 and KOF XI.

• The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact III

The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact 3 is scheduled for release in 2009-2010 for the PlayStation 3.

• The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact Regulation-A

The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact Regulation-A is scheduled for release in 2007 for the Taito Type-X2 arcade system. It is the first arcade release made for the KOF: MI series and has the inclusion of Ash Crimson and Mary Ryan(Blue Mary) into its character roster[3].

The Atomiswave is Sammy Corporations 2003 custom arcade system board and cabinet, which is based on Segas NAOMI system board (Thus its often common to see the Sega logo on its boot up screen). ... Geese Howard ) was the boss of all organized crime in the fictional city of Southtown in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting fighting game series. ... Noise Factory is a Japanese company that specialises in developing games. ... NES redirects here. ... The PlayStation 2 (PS2) ) is Sonys second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Xbox Live is a subscription-based online gaming service for Microsofts Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. ... The PlayStation 3 , trademarked PLAYSTATION 3,[6] unofficially abbreviated PS3) is Sonys seventh generation era video game console, third in the PlayStation series. ...

Other (non-canonical) games

• The King of Fighters '95 / Nettou The King of Fighters '95

An adaptation of The King of Fighters '95 for the Game Boy, along with a hidden boss character, Nakoruru from the Samurai Shodown series.

• Nettou The King of Fighters '96

An adaptation of The King of Fighters '96 for the Game Boy, which featured the Orochi awakened versions of Leona and Iori Yagami, as well as a hidden boss: Mr. Karate from Art of Fighting.

• The King of Fighters R-1

An adaptation of The King of Fighters '97 for the Neo Geo Pocket.

• The King of Fighters R-2

An adaptation of The King of Fighters '98 for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Linkable with KOF '99 Dream Match for the Dreamcast.

• Quiz King of Fighters

A KOF-themed quiz game released only in Japan for the Neo Geo. Roster includes select characters from Samurai Shodown.

• The King of Fighters: Battle de Paradise

A KOF-themed board game released for the Neo Geo Pocket.

• The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood

An adaptation of The King Of Fighters '99 for the Game Boy Advance, with a new character named Moe Habana.Geese Howard is the final boss with Iori being a sub boss. K', Maxima, and Vanessa make appearances as "Another Strikers". Purports to be set in 1998, between the Orochi and NESTS sagas.

• The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood

An adaptation of The King Of Fighters 2000 for the Game Boy Advance, including a new plot, three new playable characters (Reji, Jun, and Miu), the return of Moe Habana from the original KOF:EX, and a new boss character Sinobu (a young boy channeling the spirit of Goenitz) of which you are able to play as in both normal and powered up versions once all characters have reached "Master Orochi" Level. Judging by the Korean team's background story, which mentions Jhun Hoon's accident, this tournament takes place between The King of Fighters 2000 and The King of Fighters 2001.

• The King of Fighters Kyo

An RPG of sorts for the PlayStation, released only in Japan. Follows Kyo shortly before the events of the '97 edition, as he gathers members for his team. A number of fans consider this game as semi-canon due to the fact that it shows Kyo's true intention of entering the KoF '97 tournament in the first place (with Yashiro kidnapping Yuki and {almost} sacrificing her to Orochi).

• The King of Fighters : Extreme

A port of The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood for the Nokia N-Gage.

• The King of Fighters

A KOF fighter for cell-phones, loosely based upon the Neo Geo Pocket series.

• The King of Fighters -Mobile-

An adaptation of KOF for Japanese cell-phones.

• The King of Fighters -Volleyball-

A volleyball game for Japanese cell-phones, using the KOF characters.

• KOF Girl Mahjong

A mahjong game for Japanese cell-phones.

• The King of Millionaire

A card game for Japanese cell-phones.

• Days of Memories -Boku to Kanojo no Atsui Natsu-

A dating sim for Japanese cell-phones, using the KOF characters.

• The King of Fighters M2

A sequel to The King of Fighters -Mobile-

• Days of Memories 2 -Boku no taisetsu na kimi e-

A sequel to the first Days of Memories.

• The King of Fighters -SNK Slot Panic-

A slot machine game for Japanese cell-phones.

For the entire Game Boy series of handheld consoles, see Game Boy line. ... Nakoruru (Japanese: ナコルル) is a character in the Samurai Shodown series of fighting games. ... Note: This article is specifically about the original Samurai Shodown game. ... Takuma Sakazaki (タクマ・サカザキ) is a character from SNK Playmores Art of Fighting and King of Fighters video game series. ... Neo Geo Pocket (Monochrome) The Neo Geo Pocket was SNKs original hand held system. ... Neo Geo Pocket Color The Neo Geo Pocket Color (or NGPC) was released in 1998 in Japan. ... Sega Dreamcast The Sega Dreamcast (Japanese: ドリームキャスト; code-named Katana during development) was Segas last video game console. ... Note: This article is specifically about the original Samurai Shodown game. ... GBA redirects here. ... Geese Howard ) was the boss of all organized crime in the fictional city of Southtown in SNK Playmores Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting fighting game series. ... Leopold Goenitz is a video game character who made his first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting game, The King of Fighters 96 as the last boss, following Chizuru Kagura. ... Jhun Hoon is a fictional character in the King of Fighters video game series. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Nokia N-Gage phone (original version) The Nokia N-Gage is a mobile telephone and handheld game system designed using the Nokia 3650 as a base. ... Neo Geo Pocket (Monochrome) The Neo Geo Pocket was SNKs original hand held system. ... Dating simulations (or dating sims) are a genre of computer and video games, usually Japanese, with romantic elements. ...

Related games

These games are not part of the King of Fighters series, but do feature KOF characters or other direct references:

• Art of Fighting series
• Athena
• Buriki-One - Gai Tendo is available as a striker in KOF 2000. He and Silver(Silber) make their debut as playable sub-bosses in KOF XI.
• Fatal Fury series
• Garou: Mark of the Wolves - Rock Howard, Bonne Jenet, Gato, Tizoc, Hotaru Futaba & Terry Bogard with this game's outfit have made playable appearances in KoF 2003, XI, Maximum Impact 1 & 2 (aka KoF: 2006), Neo Geo Battle Coliseum & the SNK vs. series.
• Ikari Warriors series
• Kizuna Encounter - Kim Sue-il and King Lion are available as strikers in KOF 2000. Sho Hayate and Jyazu make their debut as a playable sub-boss in KOF XI. Also Kim Kaphwan is supposed to be Kim Sue-il's ancestor.
• Last Blade series - Kaede from Last Blade 2 appears as a striker in KOF 2000, and Zantetsu is the ancestor of Eiji Kisaragi.
• Neo Geo Battle Coliseum
• Psycho Soldier - Athena Asamiya first appeared in this game, and was one of SNK's original mascot characters.
• Samurai Shodown - Anachronistic cameo appearances are made in certain characters' endings by Mai Shiranui. Nakoruru appears as a striker in KOF 2000, and a fighter in the Game Boy version of KOF '96. In KOF Maximum Impact 2, Hanzo Hattori is featured as a secret character.
• SNK Gals' Fighters - Gals' Fighters is a Neo Geo Pocket game that features female characters from various SNK games, where the characters compete in the aptly-named The Queen of Fighters tournament, organized by a mysterious "Miss X", with whoever being able to defeat "Miss X" (in reality, Iori Yagami dressed as a woman) be granted a special wish.
• Metal Slug - Fio makes a cameo appearance as a striker in KOF 2000, and a playable appearance in KOF Maximum Impact 2.
• SNK vs. series (Capcom vs. SNK, Capcom vs. SNK 2, SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium, SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos)

Art of Fighting ) is a fighting game series created by SNKnow-a-days it is known mostly as one one of the many SNK series that ties into The King of Fighters. ... Screenshot Athena is a arcade game, produced and published in 1987 by SNK. It was later ported to the NES. Only the NES version has been released in North America. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Gai Tendou Gai Tendou is a character in Buriki One on Neo Geo 64. ... Fatal Fury (餓狼伝説 or Garou Densetsu in Japan) is a fighting game series developed by SNK for the Neo-Geo system. ... Rock Howard (ロック・ハワード) is a video game character who was introduced in SNK Playmores fighting game Garou: Mark of the Wolves. ... Bonne Jenet (a. ... Gato is a video game character who was introduced in SNK Playmores Garou: Mark of the Wolves and also makes appearances in the King of Fighters series of fighting games // History King of Fighters Gato first appears in the King of Fighters series in 2003 as part of the... Tizoc, otherwise known as The Griffon Mask in the Japanese verion, is a character from both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series. ... {{General CVG character |name= Hotaru Futaba |firstgame=Garou: Mark of the Wolves |series=Fatal Fury series, King of Fighters series |voice actress= Yui Horie |inuniverse={{SNK characterbox |birthplace=Japan |birthdate=May 11, 1990 |age=16 years old |height=156 cm (51) |weight=42 kg |bloodtype=A |likes=Chocolate ice... Terry Bogard ) is a video game character created by SNK, and is the main character of the Fatal Fury series. ... Neo Geo Battle Coliseum (abbreviated NGBC or NBC) is a 2 on 2 tag team fighting game for the Atomiswave arcade board. ... The SNK vs. ... Ikari Warriors is a 1986 arcade game by SNK (manufactured in the United States by Tradewest). ... Kizuna Encounter (Fuun Super Tag Battle in Japan) is a fighting game by SNK and is the sequel of Savage Reign. ... The Last Blade (幕末浪漫 月華の剣士: Bakumatsu Roman Gekka no Kenshi which roughy tranlates as Bakumatsu Romance The Swordsman of Moon Flower), or LB for short, is a fighting game series created by SNK for the Neo-Geo arcade and home system. ... Neo Geo Battle Coliseum (abbreviated NGBC or NBC) is a 2 on 2 tag team fighting game for the Atomiswave arcade board. ... Psycho Soldier is an action arcade game developed by Japanese software company SNK that was released originally in 1986 and internationally in 1987. ... Athena Asamiya(麻宮アテナ) is a character originally from SNK Playmores video games Athena and Psycho Soldier and was the companys mascot before being replaced by Terry Bogard. ... Note: This article is specifically about the original Samurai Shodown game. ... Gals Fighters is a 2-dimensional 1-on-1 versus fighting game which appeared on the Neo Geo Pocket Colour in 2000. ... Miss X can be Iori Yagami dressed as a woman (Ioriko) to the game Gals Fighters by SNK. by muchikowhip ... Iori Yagami ) is a video game character who made his first appearance in the Neo Geo fighting game, The King of Fighters 95. ... Metal Slug ) is a run and gun video game for the Neo-Geo console/arcade platform created by SNK. It was released in 1996 for the MVS arcade platform. ... The SNK vs. ... Capcom vs. ...

Trivia

• The events in Art of Fighting series occurred during the 1978 - 1979. However, its cast appears 15 years later in the KOF tournament mostly (if not entirely) unaged. But as mentioned above, the timeline of KoF and the rest of SNK's fighting games (Art of Fighting/Fatal Fury) are different. However, Maximum Impact does fit Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting quite well in terms of storyline.

• KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF's newest spinoff, revises swaths of established backstory for KOF characters and settings alike. However, despite its growing ties to the KOF continuity, the MI series better fits the continuity of the Fatal Fury series, and has been officially stated by Falcoon that the main series KOF and KOF MI are two different universes. He also stated that King of Fighters Another Day was just a promotional tool for KOF MI2 and KOF XI, not to be canon. [4]

• The producer of KOF'94-'99, Takashi Nishiyama is the person who directed Street Fighter 1 (credited as "Piston Takashi" in that game). [5] [6] [7] [8]

• So far, the only characters who has been in every King of Fighters game (from '94 to XI and excluding spin-offs) are Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido (Original KoF Characters), Terry Bogard, Kim Kaphwan (Fatal Fury/Garou Densetsu), Athena Asamiya (Psycho Soldier), Ryo Sakazaki, Yuri Sakazaki (Art of Fighting), Ralf Jones and Clark Steel (Ikari Warriors).

Falcoon is a japanese artist working under SNK Playmore, mainly working on The King of Fighters franchise. ... The King of Fighters: Another Day is an animated series based on popular fighting game King of Fighters. ... Street Fighter (1987) is the first fighting game in the Street Fighter series. ... Kyo Kusanagi ) is one of the main characters in SNK Playmores King of Fighters videogame series; he was first introduced in The King of Fighters 94. ... This article or section may need to be cleaned up and rewritten because it describes a work of fiction in a primarily in-universe style. ... Terry Bogard ) is a video game character created by SNK, and is the main character of the Fatal Fury series. ... Kim Kaphwan (김갑환 RR: Gim Gap-hwan, M-R: Kim Kap-hwan, キム・カッファン Kimu Kaffuan in Japanese) is a character in both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series by SNK. Kim is a master of Tae Kwon Do, and also considers himself a fighter of justice. ... Athena Asamiya(麻宮アテナ) is a character originally from SNK Playmores video games Athena and Psycho Soldier and was the companys mascot before being replaced by Terry Bogard. ... Ryo Sakazaki ) is the main character in Art of Fighting, and one of the main characters in The King of Fighters, both fighting game series from SNK. His name is most often written in kana, however, in some games kanji is used to write parts of his name. ... Yuri Sakazaki ) is a video game character from SNK Playmores Art of Fighting series first as a damsel in distress and then as one of the protagonists, and The King of Fighters series as one of the supporting characters, and in SNK vs. ... Ralf Jones is a character from both the Ikari Warriors and King of Fighters video game series. ... Clark Steel is a character from both the Ikari Warriors and King of Fighters video game series. ...

See also

• List of characters from King of Fighters
• KOF '99 to 2001's Strikers

The King of Fighters series contains many characters, some of which are from other SNK fighting games, and some of which have appeared in other games. ... A Striker is a type of character featured in the fighting game series The King of Fighters. ...

External links

Official websites

• The King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website

General resources

• MobyGames' entry for the King of Fighters series