About The King of Fighters '98
The King of Fighters '98 is a classic gem among retro 2D fighting games developed by SNK. Released in arcades in 1998, it’s a celebrated entry in the King of Fighters series, widely cherished for its dream match concept. Unlike other titles in the series, KOF '98 focuses less on storytelling and more on assembling an enormous roster of characters from earlier games — spanning KOF '94 to '97 — in one massive lineup. Fan favorites like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, and Mai Shiranui, along with iconic bosses like Rugal Bernstein, make their appearance, forming an unforgettable mix of fighters and styles.
What makes this game especially memorable is its finely-tuned gameplay balance, ensuring every character feels viable in combat. The tightly responsive mechanics let players experience pure, fluid fighting enjoyment, earning the game a place as one of SNK's most timeless achievements. Whether you're revisiting the classics or discovering retro cartoon games, KOF '98 offers an exceptional experience.
How To Play
The King of Fighters '98 features dynamic 3-on-3 team battles that keep the excitement high. Before jumping into a match, you select three characters and decide their entry order in combat. Once one fighter is defeated, the next from your team steps into the ring. The first team to lose all three fighters is declared the loser.
The gameplay mechanics are straightforward at first glance — light and strong punches and kicks form the foundation — but beneath this simplicity lies incredible depth. Players can string combinations of attacks, pull off perfectly timed blocks, and unleash special moves for an edge in battle. You can choose between two modes: Advanced Mode, which allows you to stock power and use powerful energy states, or Extra Mode, emphasizing timing and meter management.
A major highlight of KOF '98 is its dream match lineup. Multiple versions of characters appear, such as vintage iterations of Joe Higashi or Kyo in his '95-era form, letting players experiment with varied movesets. Whether you create a team of combo specialists, heavy hitters, or defensive tacticians, the game's roster encourages exploration and strategic planning.
Whether you're teaming up with friends for casual fun or mastering the precise timing of special moves, The King of Fighters '98 brings that unique blend of easy-to-learn basics and challenging depth that defines the best retro cartoon games. Decades later, its charm and exciting gameplay still hold strong.
