History Videogame / TheKingOfFighters

* Maximum Impact: A 3D fighting game series which takes place in an AlternateContinuity, right down to having characters not featured in the main ''KOF'' storylines.

These include ''Maximum Impact'', a 3D fighting game series which takes place in an AlternateContinuity, right down to having characters not featured in the main ''KOF'' storylines; ''The King of Fighters: KYO'', an RPG that ties the events of ''[='96=]'' with ''[='97=]'' and indulges in Kyo and the background of his clan; a BulletHell spinoff called ''KOF Sky Stage'' for the Xbox Live Arcade; ''The King of Fighters-i 002'', an iPhone game that ties into ''XIII''; ''The Rhythm of Fighters'', a RhythmGame spinoff for iOS; and ''[[VideoGame/KOFAllStars The King of Fighters All Stars]]'', a beat-em up mobile gacha game spinoff.

* ObviousBeta: ''XII''[='s=] home version was released with very spartan single-player features (only five fights and no boss), a poorly regulated and hastily-patched online mode (to the point of being unplayable), and massive {{Game Breaking Bug}}s. Studious crackers have found files on the game disc regarding DummiedOut characters.
** This one ended up about as obvious as they come considering ''every DummiedOut character'' that had a named file uncovered in ''XII'' wound up being added to the ''XIII'' roster (including a retro, flame-powered version of Iori offered as DownloadableContent, originally fished out of ''XII'' under the filename "[=iori98=]").

** ''2002: Unlimited Match'', which has EVERYONE who was in the NESTS saga games (except K9999, who gets a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute in the form of Nameless), INCLUDING Geese (with his added Nightmare mode from ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Real Bout Fatal Fury Special]]'', [[SNKBoss cheapness and all!]]) and Goenitz, last seen on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 port of ''2002''. Though for some reason, Orochi Iori is not present as a playable character though he was found as a DummiedOut element.

* CanonImmigrant: The idea of a "Heroine" Team consisting of Athena, Mai, and Yuri was introduced in the Neo Geo Pocket Color game ''King of Fighters R-1'' (a heavily-simplified adaptation of '''97''), which had a low number of characters relative to the main series and thus bunched them together for the sake of convenience. More than 20 years later, the trio officially teamed up in ''XV'' as Team Super Heroine.

A manga adaptation of ''King Of Fighters XIV'', named ''Manga/TheKingOfFightersXIVANewBeginning'' started serialization in January 2018.

* ArtEvolution: Patch 1.10 of XIV includes a significant graphical upgrade to the character models, making it look even better and less like a [=PS2=] game as it was derided before. [[http://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/28/king-fighters-xiv-patch-1-10-will-make-game-look-better/ See for yourself]]

-->-- '''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7GcbCgEqcE Cipher]]''', ThematicThemeTune of ''The King of Fighters '98'' (and its UpdatedRerelease, ''Ultimate Match'', as a remixed version).

* The original '''King of Fighters''' arc (known alternatively as the '''Rugal Saga''') ('94-'95), which focuses on notorious crime lord Rugal Bernstein and his attempt to establish himself as the world's strongest fighter by staging a [[TournamentArc grand tournament]] and inviting contenders from all across the globe. It is strongly associated with the artist [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Shinkiro Shinkiro]], as were most of SNK's franchises of the time. Though some consider the first two games their own arc, it is sometimes thrown together with the next arc.

* The '''NESTS Chronicles''' arc ('99-'01, '02 is a non-story dream match) about the eponymous organization and their conspiracy to [[CloningBlues create weaponized clones]] of the most powerful warriors in the world. As Kyo is absent for the majority of this arc (he doesn't show until the end of ''[='99=]'' and remains a supporting character for the remainder of the saga), the main protagonist is a new character called K' (pronounced "Kay Dash"). It is strongly linked with the artist [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Styleos Styleos]], although Shinkiro handled art in the ''[='99=]'' and ''2000'' versions before SNK went under and he left the company; [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]] took over as official artist for ''2001'' and ''2002'', both by Korean developer Eolith.
* The '''Tales of Ash''' arc ('03, XI and XIII. XII is more a dream match and test run for the new engine they were developing) , which introduces androgynous French pretty boy Ash Crimson as the new main character. The story involves a sinister plot to capture the powers of the Kusanagi, Yagami, and Kagura clans and use them to [[SealedEvilInACan seize the sealed power of Orochi]], as well as the question of [[EnigmaticMinion just whose side Ash is on]]. The main enemy of this arc is a band of enigmatic people named "Those from the Past". It had [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]], [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Falcoon Falcoon]], Shinkiro's unnoficial "successor" [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Hiroaki Hiroaki]] and [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Eisuke_Ogura Eisuke Ogura]] as artists. It also experienced a change of hardware platforms multiple times ('03 on UsefulNotes/NeoGeo as with all the previous games, XI on Atomiswave and XII and XIII on Taito Type X2) the first in-game ArtShift ever, and turmoil in the parent company, but managed to get on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} in the end. This is also where the series drops the yearly naming convention in favor of numbered sequels starting with XI.

* The '''Tales of Ash''' arc ('03, XI and XIII. XII is more a dream match and test run for the new engine they were developing) , which introduces androgynous French pretty boy Ash Crimson as the new main character. The story involves a sinister plot to capture the powers of the Kusanagi, Yagami, and Kagura clans and use them to [[SealedEvilInACan seize the sealed power of Orochi]], as well as the question of [[EnigmaticMinion just whose side Ash is on]]. The main enemy of this arc is a band of enigmatic people named "Those from the Past". It had [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]], [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Falcoon Falcoon]], Shinkiro's unnoficial "successor" [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Hiroaki Hiroaki]] and [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Eisuke_Ogura Eisuke Ogura]] as artists. It also experienced a change of hardware platforms multiple times ('03 on NeoGeo as with all the previous games, XI on Atomiswave and XII and XIII on Taito Type X2) the first in-game ArtShift ever, and turmoil in the parent company, but managed to get on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} in the end. This is also where the series drops the yearly naming convention in favor of numbered sequels starting with XI.

* TheComputerIsaCheatingBastard : In some games, particularly the early ones, the AI has a serious tendency to use charge moves without charging them. Heidern, the character with most charge moves in the Rugal Arc, is particularly bad for this and it makes him arguably the hardest to fight non-boss character in those games.

* MassiveMultiplayerCrossover

* The original '''King of Fighters''' arc (known alternatively as the '''Rugal Saga''') ('94-'95), which focuses on notorious crime lord Rugal Bernstein and his attempt to establish himself as the world's strongest fighter by staging a [[TournamentArc grand tournament]] and inviting contenders from all across the globe. It is strongly associated with the artist [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Shinkiro Shinkiro]], as were most of SNK's franchises of the time.

* The '''Tales of Ash''' arc ('03, XI and XIII. XII is more a dream match and test run for the new engine they were developing) , which introduces androgynous French pretty boy Ash Crimson as the new main character. The story involves a sinister plot to capture the powers of the Kusanagi, Yagami, and Kagura clans and use them to [[SealedEvilInACan seize the sealed power of Orochi]], as well as the question of [[EnigmaticMinion just whose side Ash is on]]. The main enemy of this arc is a band of enigmatic people named "Those from the Past". It had [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]], [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Falcoon Falcoon]], Shinkiro's unnoficial "successor" [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Hiroaki Hiroaki]] and [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Eisuke_Ogura Eisuke Ogura]] as artists. It also experienced a change of hardware platforms multiple times, the first in-game ArtShift ever, and turmoil in the parent company, but managed to get on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} in the end. This is also where the series drops the yearly naming convention in favor of numbered sequels starting with XI.
* An as of yet unnamed new story arc that begins with ''The King of Fighters XIV'' and continues in ''XV'', introducing Shun'ei, a student of [[VideoGame/FatalFury Tung Fu Rue]] as the new protagonist, as well as finally the official addition of another one of SNK's fighting game juggernaut titles, ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown'', via their mascot/heroine Nakoruru. The game itself uses 3D graphics while still retaining its roots as a two-dimensional playing field, similar to games such as ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'' or ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9''.

The games were initially released on the (ridiculously expensive) UsefulNotes/NeoGeo home arcade system, so they had a hard time catching on with North American home gamers, but remained very popular in Japan, as well as with arcade gamers worldwide. It released new editions of the game every year with [[VideoGame/MaddenNFL Madden-like regularity]], introducing new characters and rosters into the storyline, while the old characters have seemingly retained their basic sets of special moves throughout the series, probably to dodge the problem of the older games being SoLastSeason.

* CallingYourAttacks: Almost everyone ("Ko-oh Ken!", "Psycho Ball!", "Shingo Kick!", etc.). Very often subverted when the characters yell something other than the move's name (like Iori, whose voice samples translate to things like "What's wrong?!" and "Die!"); averted by the less talkative characters (Daimon, Leona) and Orochi, whose moves didn't even had actual names until ''[='98=]: [[UpdatedRerelease Ultimate Match]]''.

* An as of yet unnamed new story arc that begins with ''The King of Fighters XIV'' and introduces Shun'ei, a student of [[VideoGame/FatalFury Tung Fu Rue]] as the new protagonist, as well as finally the official addition of another one of SNK's fighting game juggernaut titles, ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown'', via their mascot/heroine Nakoruru. The game itself uses 3D graphics while still retaining its roots as a two-dimensional playing field, similar to games such as ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'' or ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9''.

These include ''Maximum Impact'', a 3D fighting game series which takes place in an AlternateContinuity, right down to having characters not featured in the main ''KOF'' storylines; ''The King of Fighters: KYO'', an RPG that ties the events of ''[='96=]'' with ''[='97=]'' and indulges in Kyo and the background of his clan; a BulletHell spinoff called ''KOF Sky Stage'' for the Xbox Live Arcade; ''The King of Fighters-i 002'', an iPhone game that ties into ''XIII''; ''The Rhythm of Fighters'', a RhythmGame spinoff for iOS; and ''The King of Fighters All Stars'', a beat-em up mobile gacha game spinoff.

** This is the result of [[spoiler: Verse's defeat in ''XIV'']], which brings many formerly dead characters back to life, including [[spoiler: Ash as well as various DeathByOriginStory characters like Jeff Bogard and Gaidel. (Terry and Leona's fathers respectively.) Any other characters like the New Face team are still up purely to speculation by this point[[note]]Though Shermie does appear in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'', which WordOfGod has confirmed is indeed canon to the ''KOF'' series, meaning that she has most likely been revived[[/note]]]].

* SuperpoweredEvilSide: Anyone who is subject to the power of Orochi's blood. When awakened, they gain amazing strength and power, although Orochi hybrids are also subject to [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity insane bloodlust]]. Leona (and seemingly Iori, since getting his Yasakani powers back at the end of ''XIII'') has been able to tap into her Orochi power without losing her mind, as indicated by some of her desperation attacks turning her hair red.

* SuperpoweredEvilSide: Anyone who is subject to the power of Orochi's blood. When awakened, they gain amazing strength and power, although Orochi hybrids are also subject to [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity insane bloodlust]].

* ''The King of Fighters XV'' (TBA)

* The '''Tales of Ash''' arc ('03, XI and XIII. XII is more a dream match and test run for the new engine they were developing) , which introduces androgynous French pretty boy Ash Crimson as the new main character. The story involves a sinister plot to capture the powers of the Kusanagi, Yagami, and Kagura clans and use them to [[SealedEvilInACan seize the sealed power of Orochi]], as well as the question of [[EnigmaticMinion just whose side Ash is on]]. The main enemy of this arc is a band of enigmatic people named "Those from the Past". It had [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]], [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Falcoon Falcoon]], Shinkiro's unnoficial "successor" [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Hiroaki Hiroaki]] and [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Eisuke_Ogura Eisuke Ogura]] as artists. It also experienced a change of hardware platforms multiple times, the first in-game ArtShift ever, and turmoil in the parent company, but managed to get on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} in the end. This is also where the series drops the yearly naming convention in favor of numbered sequels starting with IX.

* The original '''King of Fighters''' arc (known alternatively as the '''Rugal Saga'''), which focuses on notorious crime lord Rugal Bernstein and his attempt to establish himself as the world's strongest fighter by staging a [[TournamentArc grand tournament]] and inviting contenders from all across the globe. It is strongly associated with the artist [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Shinkiro Shinkiro]], as were most of SNK's franchises of the time.
* The '''Orochi Saga''' arc, which concerns Kyo Kusanagi (the winner of the first King of Fighters tournament) and a thousand-year blood feud with the Yagami family, who have gained demonic power thanks to a pact with a being known as "Orochi." [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Shinkiro Shinkiro]] continued to be the lead artist.
* The '''NESTS Chronicles''' arc, about the eponymous organization and their conspiracy to [[CloningBlues create weaponized clones]] of the most powerful warriors in the world. As Kyo is absent for the majority of this arc (he doesn't show until the end of ''[='99=]'' and remains a supporting character for the remainder of the saga), the main protagonist is a new character called K' (pronounced "Kay Dash"). It is strongly linked with the artist [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Styleos Styleos]], although Shinkiro handled art in the ''[='99=]'' and ''2000'' versions before SNK went under and he left the company; [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]] took over as official artist for ''2001'' and ''2002'', both by Korean developer Eolith.
* The '''Tales of Ash''' arc, which introduces androgynous French pretty boy Ash Crimson as the new main character. The story involves a sinister plot to capture the powers of the Kusanagi, Yagami, and Kagura clans and use them to [[SealedEvilInACan seize the sealed power of Orochi]], as well as the question of [[EnigmaticMinion just whose side Ash is on]]. The main enemy of this arc is a band of enigmatic people named "Those from the Past". It had [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Nona Nona]], [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Falcoon Falcoon]], Shinkiro's unnoficial "successor" [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Hiroaki Hiroaki]] and [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Eisuke_Ogura Eisuke Ogura]] as artists. It also experienced a change of hardware platforms multiple times, the first in-game ArtShift ever, and turmoil in the parent company, but managed to get on UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} in the end.

''VideoGame/KOFAllStars'', a mobile game for smartphones was released worldwide in October 22th 2019.

* SimilarSquad: Teams that are close relationship-wise to Team Japan will have an equivalent for Kyo (the fire user), Benimaru (the "pretty") and Daimon (the tough brawler), such as Team Yagami (Iori, Mature, Vice), Orochi Team (Chris, Shermie, Yashiro), Team K' (K', Whip/Kula, Maxima), Team Ash (Ash, Duo Lon, Shen) and Team China (Shun'ei[[note]]although his is more of a fiery fist than anything[[/note]], Meitenkun, Tung).