The King of Fighters '98 Online

About The King of Fighters '98

The King of Fighters '98: The Slugfest – subtitled "Dream Match Never Ends" – is the game many fans call the best King of Fighters ever made. After the Orochi saga ended in KOF '97, SNK skipped the story and simply brought back almost every fighter from KOF '94 to '97, including characters who had been written out, like Heidern, Takuma and the Orochi team. Some fighters even get classic versions with their older movesets.

The final boss is Omega Rugal, back from KOF '95 for one last fight.

How it plays

KOF '98 keeps the two systems from KOF '97 and polishes them:

• Advanced mode – stock up to three power bars, roll and run. The standard for competitive play.
• Extra mode – charge the gauge manually, dodge and get stronger supers at low health.

What makes '98 special is balance. Very few characters dominate, so you can play your favorite and still win. Its clean animation and responsive controls make it a great place to learn KOF.

Best characters

• Kyo Kusanagi – the classic hero, with strong combos and a reliable uppercut.
• Iori Yagami – rushdown with the famous Aoi Hana combo.
• Terry Bogard – easy commands and a great Power Geyser.
• Clark Still and Goro Daimon – grapplers that punish mistakes heavily.
• Leona Heidern – solid charge character with great anti-air.

Tips

• Learn the short hop – it is the safest way to start attacking in KOF '98.
• Choose a team you can actually play: one character you know well is better than three you don't.
• Play your strongest character last – they can stock more power bars.

Ready for more? The next dream match is KOF 2002. Learn the commands in our KOF 2002 move list – most work in '98 too – or browse the King of Fighters hub.