The King of Fighters ’98

The King of Fighters '98

Overview & History

Released by SNK in 1998 for the Neo Geo AES, The King of Fighters '98: The Slugfest (subtitled *Dream Match Never Ends*) stands as a monumental crossover fighting game. Departing from the serialized narrative arcs of its predecessors, '98 serves as a non-canonical dream match, inviting an unprecedented roster of 38 base characters—including deceased fan favorites like Rugal Bernstein and the classic boss sprites—to clash in supreme 3-on-3 team combat. The AES cartridge version captured the arcade perfection that defined late-90s SNK hardware, offering immaculate sprite art, a phenomenal jazz-fusion soundtrack, and deeply nuanced balance refinements that turned the competitive scene upside down.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

KOF '98 introduced the definitive split-meter system, allowing players to choose between the Advanced mode (derived from KOF '97, featuring stockable Power Gauges, rolls, and MAX activation) and the Extra mode (paying homage to KOF '94 and '95, where players charge their meter manually to unleash Desperation Moves when health turns flashing red). Combat is exceptionally fluid, relying on tight hit-stuns, precise chaining of normal attacks into command normals, and intricate special moves executed via joystick motions. For instance, Kyo Kusanagi utilizes his iconic *100 Shiki: Yami Barai* (quarter-circle forward plus punch) projectile and the multi-hit *Ura 108 Shiki: Yami Orochi*, while Terry Bogard dominates spatial control with his classic *Power Wave* and the devastating *Rising Tackle* charge motion. The removal of narrative constraints allowed SNK programmers to fine-tune hitboxes, recovery frames, and priority systems, creating a tournament staple celebrated for its uncompromising depth, high skill ceiling, and rewarding combo structure.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause