The King of Fighters '99
  

 
REVIEW:  The sixth installment of the KOF series introduces a new anti-hero known as K' (pronounced K-dash). Joining him are a handful of newcomers, such as: Maxima, Whip, Bao, and Xiangfei. The classic 3-on-3 battles are back once again, but a fourth "assist" character (AKA the Striker) is now selectable. Strikers can jump into battle for an assist attack to help extend combos or pressure the opponent.
   

 
After many years of traditional battles, KOF '99's striker/assist system is a welcomed change of pace to the classic 2D gameplay, and something the series needed if you ask me... (although I'm sure some "hardcore" KOF players might beg to differ, since a handful of bugs and balance issues came with the new striker system). I say to them: those flaws are only seen in high level play, and assist attacks are fun, dammit! Besides, considering all of the other 2D fighting games out in 1999 that featured fast-paced tag-team gameplay and/or assists, KOF '99 was at least keeping up with the times.


Other new additions to the gameplay include the Counter Mode & Armor Mode systems. Counter Mode increases the player's offensive strength and allows the player to use their character's Super Special Move infinitely, as well as combo a Special Moves into a Super Special Moves by using a "Super Cancellation Attack" or a "Moving Attack". The other powered up mode is Armor Mode, which increases the character's defensive strength, allowing the character to take more damage from the opponent. However the player cannot use Super Special Moves during Armor Mode.
   

 
KOF '99's new gameplay mechanics breathe new life into the series, but at its core, of course it still feels like classic KOF. Graphically, the game has also advanced a bit. There are a ton of new hand-drawn backgrounds that look excellent, and even a few character sprites were redefined. The new characters also look particularly awesome in 2D form (and in the artwork). Also enhancing the overall presentation, is an all new soundtrack, in addition to brand new hit sparks and super move effects. 


An enhanced edition of KOF '99, titled King of Fighters '99: Evolution, was released for Dreamcast in the year 2000. The Dreamcast port included new striker characters and a few new stages. The new strikers, include: Athena Asamiya (in her school uniform), Fio Germi, Gai Tendo, Vanessa, Syo Kirishima, Alfred Airhawk, Kyo, Goro Daimon, Billy Kane, Yamazaki, Seth & Chizuru Kagura. KOF '99: Evolution can also be connected with the Neo Geo Pocket Color title, King of Fighters: Battle de Paradise. If you actually owned both games, you could transfer your points from Battle de Paradise to KOF '99: Evolution which would speed up the leveling process for Extra Strikers. 

Page Updated: February 22nd, 2024 Developer(s): SNK Publisher(s): SNK Artwork by: Shinkiro, Hiroaki Platform(s): Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, PC, Dreamcast, PS1, PS2, PSN Release Date(s): July 22nd, 1999              Arcade Sept. 23rd, 1999          /   Neo Geo Dec. 2nd, 1999               Neo Geo CD Mar. 23rd, 2000             PlayStation Dec. 12th, 2000             Dreamcast - as KOF '99: Evolution Apr. 22nd, 2001             PlayStation Apr. 19th, 2007              PS2 - in KOF: NESTS Collection as KOF'99: Evo 2009                                   PlayStation Network Characters:  Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, K', Maxima, Whip, Bao, Jhun Hoon, Li Xiangfei, Andy Bogard, Terry Bogard, Joe Higashi, Kasumi Todoh, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Benimaru Nikaido, Mai Shiranui, King, Yuri Sakazaki, Ralf Jones, Leona Heidern, Clark Still, Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou, Chin Gentsai, Chang Koehan, Kim Kaphwan, Choi Bounge, Blue Mary, Takuma Sakazaki, Shingo Yabuki, Krizalid Featured Video: Related Games: KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2002: Unlimited Match, KOF 2003, KOF XI, KOF XII, KOF XIII, KOF XIV, KOF XV, KOF '94, KOF'94: Re-bout, KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '98: Ultimate Match, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF: Neowave, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Martial Masters, Daraku Tenshi - The Fallen Angels    Gameplay Engine  8.0 / 10 Story / Theme  8.0 / 10 Overall Graphics  7.5 / 10 Animation  7.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  8.5 / 10 Innovation  7.5 / 10 Art Direction  9.5 / 10 Customization  7.5 / 10 Options / Extras  7.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  8.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  6.5 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  8.0 / 10 Characters  8.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  8.3 / 10  Review based on Arcade version        Final Words: KOF '99 did a lot of things right for the time. Presentation-wise, this installment was easily the "most stylish" and modern-looking iteration of the series to date. In addition to some brilliant hand-drawn backgrounds and improved character sprites / animation, KOF '99 introduced interesting newcomers to the franchise and packed a great roster! While the roster wasn't as large as the prequel, KOF '99 presented enough new content and gameplay tweaks to feel like a true sequel over KOF '98 (which were indeed big shoes to fill).  While the game isn't perfect and definitely has balance issues, I find KOF '99 to be one of the most pivoting and interesting iterations of KOF upon release, and a solid stepping stone from KOF '98 (albeit the smaller roster). In high to mid-level gameplay, there are some notable bugs and cheap death combos (which utilize over-powered Assist attacks) that rear their ugly heads... but that likely won't hurt the game for the typical casual player. Competitive flaws aside, the Striker system and other gameplay additions definitely add replayability to KOF's classic formula. KOF '99 is definitely one installment not to be missed for style alone. Lest we forget KOF '99 debuted one of the coolest characters in the franchise, K'. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen                      Click Here for all Posters / Box Artwork! Click Here for all Animated Stages! Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES