History NightmareFuel / TheKingOfFighters

* Literally in the case of Geese. He has an alternate form called ''Nightmare Geese'' that will '''give''' you nightmares trying to fight him. In this form, he's one of ''the'' cheapest {{SNK Boss}}es in existence. Subverted in ''Maximum Impact 2'' where he's balanced, but then doubly subverted in ''2002UM'', which introduces an '''''even cheaper''''' version of Nightmare Geese that you have to fight as the last Expert challenge in Challenge Mode to unlock everything. The ''2002 UM'' version is basically everything you fear about Geese. His already ridiculous speed, power, and health are massively boosted. He has ''double'' Double Shippukens that move ''much'' faster than regular ones, in addition to his already-fast Reppukens. His new Level 2 Super knocks you to the ground with a Jaeiken, and he follows it up with a barrage of Shippukens. He can do a Raging Storm ''any'' time but will usually do it after almost every throw or attack that knocks you down. He can still counter anything, and one of the counters ''also'' lets him directly follow up with Raging Storm. Another Level 2 Super triggers a powerful combo that leaves you stunned and helpless while Geese charges up his more powerful red Raging Storm. This wipes out '''50% of your life bar.''' He can Guard Cancel Roll (basically a free escape from your combo when blocked) anytime he wants. He can do all of this insanity because he has '''infinite''' meter, which allows him to burn his Guard Cancels and follow up using Super Moves. His CPU is also set at its highest level. He can and ''will'' annihilate you in seconds. Oh, and you have to face him with a single character, no teams or boss characters allowed. Good luck...
** And when you do play as him, his damage and health will be brought down to reasonable levels. He more than makes up for this with sheer versatility. Since he is not bound by what the CPU does when being played as, he can pull off such stunts as using his Raging Storm outside of specific instances, or doing infinite combos in the corner with his Double Shippukens. In the right hands, he can be just as cheap as the CPU.

* A lighter example than most, but Rock's "burning hand" win pose that occurs whenever he wins a match with one of his father Geese's moves qualifies to some extent, especially in ''XV'' with the updated animations and voice direction. Unlike past games, in ''XV'' the scene is framed as though his power is threatening to potentially ''burn him alive'' right then and there, with Rock letting out a choked scream of agony as he winces in horrible pain, before finally regaining control with terrified gasps.

* Clone Zero may be the most terrifying member of NESTS. In the cutscene that introduces him, he reveals he was the one who killed Ling and replaced him with a clone to spy on the Ikari Warriors, while also being the one behind the death of Krizalid for failing him. He reveals his EvilPlan: Using the fighters' energy to power the Zero Cannon, betraying the NESTS and taking over the world in their place. The aftermentioned KillSat is demonstrated by being fired at a city. Clone Zero does all of that with a SlasherSmile on his face while facing towards the viewer, accompanied by [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u17uuiuNhw0 this music]], which features beeping sounds and an OminousPipeOrgan.

* Team Awakened Orochi's ending in ''XV'' is a WhatIf scenario that paints a clear image of what Orochi's ultimate goal looks like - [[ApocalypseHow/Class3A the eradication of humankind]]. As shown in their {{Stinger}}, while the end result ''looks'' great, [[VictoryIsBoring it ultimately proves to be quite boring]], now that they've achieved victory, but are the only ones left to celebrate it.

* Clone Zero may be the most terrifying member of NESTS. In the cutscene that introduces him, he reveals he was the one who killed Ling and replaced him with a clone to spy on the Ikari Warriors, while also being the one behind the death of Krizalid for failing him. He reveals his EvilPlan: Using the fighters' energy to power the Zero Cannon, betraying the NESTS and taking over the world in their place. The aftermentioned KillSat is demonstrated by being fired on a city. Clone Zero does all of that with a SlasherSmile on his face while facing towards the viewer, accompanied by [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u17uuiuNhw0 this music]], which features beeping sounds and an OminousPipeOrgan.

* Clone Zero may be the most terrifying member of NESTS. In the cutscene that introduces him, he reveals he was the one who killed Ling and replaced him with a clone to spy on the Ikari Warriors, while also being the one behind the death of Krizalid for failing him. He reveals his EvilPlan: Using the fighters' energy to power the Zero Cannon, betraying the NESTS and taking over the world in their place. The aftermentioned KillSat is demonstrated by being fired on a city. Clone Zero does all of that with a SlasherSmile on his face while facing towards the viewer, accompanied by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u17uuiuNhw0 this music], which features beeping sounds and an OminousPipeOrgan.

* '''Rugal Bernstein''', the series' StarterVillain. One of the most feared entities in the criminal underworld, all those he defeats are [[FateWorseThanDeath bathed in liquid metal]] and [[WaxMuseumMorgue put on display as his "trophies"]]. Anyone who dares disturb his plans, no matter how minor, ends up either dead or worse, just to get the point across that Rugal is NOT someone to be trifled with. He single-handedly slaughtered Heidern's entire unit, killed his family, and gouged out his eye for good measure. He also kills his own servants on a whim for even the most minor of mistakes. He is 100% irredeemably ''evil'' with a capital E, making the likes of Geese and Krauser seem like harmless kittens in comparison. Not one to accept defeat lightly, he decides to [[TakingYouWithMe blow up his aircraft carrier with the tournament winners inside of it]]. Then, having survived, outright plots revenge against them through organizing another tournament and even taking their loved ones hostage and brainwashing them to serve him (in the case of Saisyu Kusanagi, Kyo's father). It's then revealed that he has the power of Orochi within him, turning into a demonic new form called Omega Rugal, his hair turning silvery-white and his skin a deathly grey. His win animation in '95 involves him ''clawing at his own chest'' to carve the symbol for Omega into it and howling like a madman. When defeated, he overloads on Orochi's power when trying to harness more of it, but promises the winners that he will return again one day. Sure enough, he does exactly that in ''XV'', being one of the many souls within the entity known as Verse that were released upon its defeat. And if you think his lore is terrifying, having to fight him is another matter entirely. Rugal is '''THE''' SNKBoss. He is so unbelievably difficult and unfair that by the end of it, you ''will'' have nightmares about the experience, no matter what game you fight him in as the boss.

* Goenitz in '''96'' wasn't any better. This [[AffablyEvil polite and affable]] [[SinisterMinister priest]] turns out to be the head priest of [[SealedEvilInACan Orochi]] trying to release him, and was the [[TheManBehindTheMan man behind Rugal's Orochi powers]], after [[EyeScream gouging his eye]] as a show of power. Not only that, he was also perfectly willing to send an innocent girl, Leona, into a flying rage and have her kill an entire village including her own family. In the game, he comes down crashing unannounced at the end of the tournament. Not only was the once festive final stage completely destroyed, people are sent flying in the air, including one very visibly clinging on a broken post only to fail a few seconds later. Gameplay-wise, Goenitz is also a [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard cheating bastard]], capable of throwing tornadoes at any place in almost an instant. His super bar is also for show—all his supers don't actually require charging. That means, he can also teleport and grab you with his super at any time.

* And then there's Otoma=Raga, a literal deity that has the power to [[DestroyerDeity destroy]] ''[[DestroyerDeity entire worlds]]'' and rebuild them as she sees fit. Not only is her entrance rather unsettling and awe-inspiring, but she also more than lives up to her name as the Goddess of Truth with her sheer size and [[SNKBoss ability to rip apart your health bar with little effort]].

* A lighter example than most, but Rock's "burning hand" winpose that occurs whenever he wins a match with one of his father Geese's moves qualifies to some extent, especially in ''XV'' with the updated animations and voice direction. Unlike past games, in ''XV'' the scene is framed as though his power is threatening to potentially ''burn him alive'' right then and there, with Rock letting out a choked scream of agony as he winces in horrible pain, before finally regaining control with terrified gasps.

* Team Awakened Orochi's ending in ''XV'' is a WhatIf scenario that paints a clear image of what Orochi's ultimate goal looks like - [[ApocalypseHow/Class3A the eradication of humankind]]. As shown in their {{Stinger}}, while the end result ''looks'' great, [[VictoryIsBoring it ultimately proves to be quite boring]], now that they've achieved victory, but are the only ones left to celebrate it.

* '''Rugal Bernstein''', the series' StarterVillain. One of the most feared entities in the criminal underworld, all those he defeats are [[FateWorseThanDeath bathed in liquid metal]] and [[WaxMuseumMorgue put on display as his "trophies"]]. Anyone who dares disturb his plans, no matter how minor, ends up either dead or worse, just to get the point across that Rugal is NOT someone to be trifled with. He single-handedly slaughtered Heidern's entire unit, killed his family, and gouged out his eye for good measure. He also kills his own servants on a whim for even the most minor of mistakes. He is 100% irredeemably ''evil'' with a capital E, making the likes of Geese and Krauser seem like harmless kittens in comparison. Not one to accept defeat lightly, he decides to [[TakingYouWithMe blow up his aircraft carrier with the tournament winners inside of it]]. Then, having survived, outright plots revenge against them through organizing another tournament and even taking their loved ones hostage and brainwashing them to serve him (in the case of Saisyu Kusanagi, Kyo's father). It's then revealed that he has the power of Orochi within him, turning into a demonic new form called Omega Rugal, his hair turning silvery-white and his skin a deathly grey. His win animation in '95 involves him ''clawing at his own chest'' to carve the symbol for Omega into it and howling like a madman. When defeated, he overloads on Orochi's power when trying to harness more of it, but promises the winners that "he'll be back...you jerks!". Sure enough, he does exactly that in ''XV'', being one of the many souls within the entity known as Verse that were released upon its defeat. And if you think his lore is terrifying, having to fight him is another matter entirely. Rugal is '''THE''' SNKBoss. He is so unbelievably difficult and unfair that by the end of it, you ''will'' have nightmares about the experience, no matter what game you fight him in as the boss.

* If you thought Chris was [[CreepyChild rather unsettling]] on his own, say hello to his Awakened counterpart, who manages to be the most terrifying member of the Hakkeshu to date - even moreso than ''[[PsychoForHire Ryuji Yamazaki]] himself''. Seriously, just look at his face whenever he uses his Climax Super on the opponent in ''XV''. And if that wasn't enough, there's also the newest rendition of his theme, [[https://youtu.be/swJtWXDGSRc "Mad Fantasy"]], which is downright ''unsettling'' compared to the bombast of [[https://youtu.be/Qoie74fl3dw "Rhythmic Hallucination"]] or the elegance of [[https://youtu.be/Vz22kfz653w "Fanatic Waltz"]]. There's a very good reason why Orochi went with him as its vessel, after all...

* A lighter example than most, but Rock's "burning hand" winpose that occurs whenever he wins a match with one of his father Geese's moves qualifies to some extent, especially in ''XV'' with the updated animations and voice direction. Unlike past games, in ''XV'' the scene is framed as though his power is threatening to potentially ''burn him alive'' right then and there, with Rock letting out a choked scream of agony as he winces in horrible pain, before finally regaining control with terrified gasps.

* At the climax of '''XIII''', Saiki decides to confront the heroes himself and dismisses his minions. Mukai attempts to fight the heroes first on behalf of his master, and what's Saiki's reaction? ''Kills his most loyal minion by [[RapidAging aging him so quickly]] [[BodyHorror that the bulky Mukai becomes a skin-and-bones corpse in seconds]]''.

* Re Verse, if you ignore the fact that her form resembles [[CuteBruiser Isla's]], is a truly nightmarish EldritchAbomination that was not only Isla's [[ThePowerOfHate repressed anger and resentment towards adults]], but is also [[TheBerserker every bit as feral]] as Iori and Leona are when they succumb to the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Riot of the Blood]]. The key difference here, however, is that while the latter two are human beings who have learned to control (or suppress) their power, Re Verse ''[[EnemyWithout breaks free]]'' from Isla, lending itself to its own sentience.

* Literally in the case of Geese. He has an alternate form called ''Nightmare Geese'' that will '''give''' you nightmares trying to fight him. In this form, he's one of ''the'' cheapest {{SNK Boss}}es in existence. Subverted in ''Maximum Impact 2'' where he's balanced, but then doubly subverted in ''2002UM'', which introduces an '''''even cheaper''''' version of Nightmare Geese that you have to fight as the last Expert challenge in Challenge Mode to unlock everything. The ''2002 UM'' version is basically everything you fear about Geese, TurnedUpToEleven. His already ridiculous speed, power, and health are massively boosted. He has ''double'' Double Shippukens that move ''much'' faster than regular ones, in addition to his already-fast Reppukens. His new Level 2 Super knocks you to the ground with a Jaeiken, and he follows it up with a barrage of Shippukens. He can do a Raging Storm ''any'' time but will usually do it after almost every throw or attack that knocks you down. He can still counter anything, and one of the counters ''also'' lets him directly follow up with Raging Storm. Another Level 2 Super triggers a powerful combo that leaves you stunned and helpless while Geese charges up his more powerful red Raging Storm. This wipes out '''50% of your life bar.''' He can Guard Cancel Roll (basically a free escape from your combo when blocked) anytime he wants. He can do all of this insanity because he has '''infinite''' meter, which allows him to burn his Guard Cancels and follow up using Super Moves. His CPU is also set at its highest level. He can and ''will'' annihilate you in seconds. Oh, and you have to face him with a single character, no teams or boss characters allowed. Good luck...

* Taken UpToEleven with Nightmare Geese in ''XIV.'' This time, his nightmarish aspects extend to his appearance, as he actually looks like he's returned from beyond the grave (despite KOF being a separate timeline from the one he dies in) with pale purple skin, [[RedEyesTakeWarning red eyes]], [[WhiteHairBlackHeart gray hair]] and tattered clothing. He now sports a VoiceOfTheLegion and ghostly [[PurpleIsTheNewBlack purple Reppukens]] as well, giving him a truly otherworldly and frightening vibe.

Despite its otherwise relatively lighthearted affair ([[SugarWiki/AwesomeMoments Intentionally]] or [[{{Narm}} not]]), there are still some scares to be had in 'KOF''.

** Just the fact that Otoma=Raga pulls another Rugal and [[TakingYouWithMe tries to take Isla with her]], complete with unsettling tentacles as she's doing so, can definitely be traumatizing for anyone in her situation. Good thing Shun'ei was there to save her in time...

* Goenitz in '''96''' wasn't any better. This [[AffablyEvil polite and affable]] [[SinisterMinister priest]] turns out to be the head priest of [[SealedEvilInACan Orochi]] trying to release him, and was the [[TheManBehindTheMan man behind Rugal's Orochi powers]], after [[EyeScream gouging his eye]] as a show of power. Not only that, he was also perfectly willing to send an innocent girl, Leona, into a flying rage and have her kill an entire village including her own family. In the game, he comes down crashing unannounced at the end of the tournament. Not only was the once festive final stage completely destroyed, people are sent flying in the air, including one very visibly clinging on a broken post only to fail a few seconds later. Gameplay-wise, Goenitz is also a [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard cheating bastard]], capable of throwing tornadoes at any place in almost an instant. His super bar is also for show—all his supers don't actually require charging. That means, he can also teleport and grab you with his super at any time.

Despite its otherwise relatively lighthearted affair (for [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMoments better]] or [[{{Narm}} worse]]), there are still some scares to be had even in a series like ''KOF''.

* '''97'' has the sub-boss fight against Orochi Iori and Orochi Leona.

** And then comes the fight. The pre-match intro is done in complete silence as the background flashes to red with creepy heartbeat sounds. Then the stage becomes fully engulfed in a RedFilterOfDoom as the Orochi opponent prepares to fight you, saying nothing but uttering blood-curdling screams. Iori may be the creepier one: his sprite animations have him acting like a zombie, with steam coming out of his mouth.

* Literally in the case of Geese. He has an alternate form called ''Nightmare Geese'' that will '''give''' you nightmares trying to fight him. In this form, he's one of ''the'' cheapest {{SNK Boss}}es in existence. Subverted in ''Maximum Impact 2'' where he's balanced, but then doubly subverted in ''2002UM'', which introduces an '''''even cheaper''''' version of Nightmare Geese that you have to fight as the last Expert challenge in Challenge Mode to unlock everything. The ''2002UM'' version is basically everything you fear about Geese, TurnedUpToEleven. His already ridiculous speed, power, and health are massively boosted. He has ''double'' Reppukens and Shippukens that move ''much'' faster than regular ones. His upgraded Jaeiken combo knocks you to the ground, and he follows it up with an unblockable barrage of Reppukens. He can do a Raging Storm ''any'' time but will do it after almost every throw or attack that knocks you down. He can still counter anything, and one of the counters ''also'' lets him directly go into a Raging Storm. Another counter triggers a powerful combo that leaves you stunned and helpless while Geese charges up his more powerful red Raging Storm. This wipes out '''90% of your life bar.''' He can Guard Cancel Roll (basically a free escape from your combo) anytime he wants. He can do all of this insanity because he has '''infinite''' meter. His CPU is also set at its highest level. He can and ''will'' annihilate you in seconds. Oh, and you have to face him with a single character, no teams or boss characters allowed. Good luck...
* Taken UpToEleven with Nightmare Geese in ''XIV.'' This time, his nightmarish aspects extend to his appearance, as he actually looks like he's returned from beyond the grave (despite KOF being a separate timeline from the one he dies in) with pale purple skin, [[RedEyesTakeWarning red eyes]], [[WhiteHairBlackHeart gray hair]] and tattered clothing. He now sports a VoiceOfTheLegion and ghostly [[PurpleIsTheNewBlack purple reppukens]] as well, giving him a truly otherworldly and frightening vibe.

* Re Verse, if you ignore the fact that her form resembles [[CuteBruiser Isla's]], is a truly nightmarish EldritchAbomination that was not only Isla's [[ThePowerOfHate repressed anger and resentment towards adults]], but is also [[TheBerserker every bit as feral]] as Iori and Leona are when they succumb to the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Riot of the Blood]]. The key difference here, however, is that while the latter two are human beings who have learned to control (or suppress) their power, Re Verse ''[[EnemyWithout breaks free]]'' from Isla, lending itself to its own sentience.

* Magaki in his normal form is a fairly standard well dressed, [[WhiteHairBlackHeart white haired villain]]. When you actually fight him however, he takes on a bizarre, alien appearance with bright pink skin and insect like eyes. His battle animations consist of erratic twitching and shuffling around like a zombie. His fighting style itself consists of tearing through the fabric of reality and creating pocket dimensions, so you're never safe from him. [[FateWorseThanDeath Shion learned this the hard way after attempting to betray him.]]

* If Magaki's highly unsettling "true form" doesn't give you nightmares, [[SNKBoss the way he fights]] will.

* If Magaki's highly unsettling "true form" doesn't give you nightmares, [[SNKBoss the way he fights]] will.
* Duo Lon's idle pose involves him holding his leading foot in such an extreme twisted inward angle that it suggests that his ankles are broken or at very least he can easily dislocate them at will. Considering how odd the Hizoku clan is to begin with, with a gamut of abilities ranging from necromancy to stretching their limbs at will to naturally producing poisonous substances from their bodies to dissipating into skeletons in order to disappear/reappear on a whim, it's safe to say they're more than a bit unsettling. Seeing as some of the other fighters are creeped out by Duo Lon (a NiceGuy and a shining example of DarkIsNotEvil), it's very possible the heroic members of Hizoku are full-blown Type 4 {{Terror Hero}}es firmly settled in CreepyGood territory.

* So you know that Verse is an amalgamation of many souls and most of them got released to the real world. One of them? [[spoiler:Mizuki Rashoujin, the dreaded priestess of Ambrosia that ruined the world so badly that Nakoruru needed to sacrifice her life just to undo her damage. Imagine Mizuki raising hell in the modern-day just as she escaped from Verse's body and she may be savvier now with her experience in the past with Nakoruru. And unlike Orochi, Ambrosia is completely malicious that this could be the most threatening foe that Kyo (or Shun'ei) may ever have to face one day...]]