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1[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kof2002_k9999_win.gif]]
2 [[caption-width-right:350:Tropers, meet K9999. ''[[SarcasmMode Totally]]'' not [[Manga/{{Akira}} Tetsuo]] in any way, right?[[note]] And yes, [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown Krohnen]] more or less follows suit, but [[YouWannaGetSued he's not as explicit]] with the ''AKIRA'' references as his predecessor. [[/note]]]]
3
4There are multiple [[ShoutOut Shout-Outs]] to various {{Anime}}, {{Manga}}, and {{Toku}} present within the series. Here's the place for every ContinuityNod, MythologyGag, NoCelebritiesWereHarmed, CaptainErsatz, {{Expy}}, and ShoutOut in ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters''.
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6%% A reminder that all examples are listed by character, who are subsequently ordered by their game of debut.
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8----
9[[foldercontrol]]
10
11[[folder:The Rugal Saga]]
12!!Characters and stuff introduced in The Rugal Saga (''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters94'')
13* The creation of the Japan Team, their elemental powers, and their personalities are based off of the heroes from ''Manga/GetterRobo''. This, in turn is a {{homage}} to a Japanese phrase of giving birth to fire (roughly translated as "lightning strikes the earth which sparks the flame").
14* Kyo's design is lifted straight from Ricky Jones, the main character of the early Platform/NeoGeo BeatEmUp ''Mutation Nation''. [[http://www.neogeoforlife.com/images/photoalbum/album_162/563060_57667_front.jpg See here.]]
15** His Striker (and [[WhatCouldHaveBeen prototype design]]), Syo Kirishima, was heavily inspired by the biker Shotaro Kaneda, the main character of ''Manga/{{Akira}}''. In fact, he's voiced by Creator/MitsuoIwata (the ''seiyuu'' of Kaneda in the AKIRA film) in his cameos in ''[='=]99 Evolution'' and ''2000''.
16** The creators have mentioned that Kyo's major character inspirations were [[Manga/{{DevilMan}} Akira Fudo]] and [[Manga/TomorrowsJoe Joe Yabuki]].
17** Cosplayer Kyoko (Shingo's striker from ''2000'') is an in-universe nod to fangirls who love to {{cosplay}} as Kyo at conventions.
18** In ''Maximum Impact 2'', he has an alternate costume that makes him resemble Yuki, the OriginalGeneration male protagonist of ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''.
19** Starting in ''Maximum Impact 2'', there exists a separate version of Kyo known as Kyo Kusanagi Classic, who is garbed in Kyo's attire from The Orochi Saga (Normal)/The NESTS Chronicles (Another). He uses all of Kyo's moves from ''[='94=]'' to ''[='98=]'', as well as his [[MegatonPunch Style 108]] from ''[='99=]'' onward. Additionally, as a nod to the earlier ''KOF'' titles, his roll is his replaced by a sidestepping dodge (a la ''[='94=]'' and ''[='95=]'') and holding down the taunt button [[PracticalTaunt allows Kyo to charge up his meter]] (a la ''[='94=]''-''[='96=]'', complete with the same charging pose).
20** One of his alternate color schemes in ''XIII'' is none other than [[VideoGame/FatalFury Rock Howard]]. The activation of his Neo MAX is similar to his intro with [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ryu]] in ''[[VideoGame/CapcomVsSNK2MarkOfTheMillennium Capcom vs. SNK 2]]''.
21** He has another color based on Rouga Zanma from ''Big Bang Age''.
22** Because of his love for motorcycles, charisma, and appearance (brown hair with bangs), some fans speculated that he was partially inspired by action star [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/TomCruise Tom Cruise]].
23* Benimaru Nikaido was modeled after [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Jean-Pierre Polnareff]], in terms of appearance and Noriaki Kakyouin in terms of personality. He is even jokingly called Polnareff by the dev team.
24** Shinkuu Katategoma, Handou Sandangeri, and Genei Hurricane moves are inspired by ''Hurricane Polymar''. ([[HilariousInHindsight Funnily enough]], Creator/KunihikoYasui, the voice actor of TheRival to Benimaru's best bud [i.e. Iori Yagami], is Polymar in ''[[VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom Tatsunoko vs. Capcom]]''.)
25** Other attacks have their namesakes in various anime and manga, including the Benimaru Collider/Corridor (''Anime/{{Gunbuster}}''), Elec-Trigger (''Super Robot Red Baron''), Flying Drill and Raijinken (''Anime/NeoHumanCasshern''), and Iai Geri (''Kako Teito: Ore wa Shubei!''). (Creator/DaisukeOno, the voice actor of Nameless, voices Casshern in ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom''. See a trend here?)
26* Heidern is an {{Expy}} of [[VideoGame/FinalFight Rolento]] and [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar the God's Army Colonel]].
27** He shares some physical characteristics with Brocken Jr. from ''Manga/{{Kinnikuman}}'' and his Moon Slasher resembles Brocken's "Red Rain of Berlin" hand-blade chopping move.
28** His character is based off of (if not an alternate version of) the commander of the VideoGame/IkariWarriors from ''Ikari III: The Rescue''.
29** His namesake is a character from ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato''.
30** In the ''XI'' backstory, Adel gives Heidern the nickname "Literature/{{Heidi}}", the eponymous protagonist of a German novel... Ironically, Adelheid is a female Dutch / German name, and it can be indeed shortened to "Heidi". The references go even further, since Heidern's daughter is named Clara, and Adel requests her sister Rose to play Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude" in her memory.
31** [[Literature/TheElricSaga Stormbringer]]. That is all.
32** His status as a legendary mercenary and military commander, along with his eyepatch and assassination techniques that have an air of stealthy maneuvers to them, calls [[VideoGame/MetalGear Big Boss]] to mind. Especially in later games where the Ikari Warriors are portrayed almost in a more familial light, just as Big Boss's own groups (MSF and Diamond Dogs, which would later become Outer Heaven) were portrayed.
33* Ralf's ''VideoGame/IkariWarriors'' appearance (used in ''XII'' with some alterations, which was originally meant to be used in ''[='94=]'') was stated to be based off of the titular hero of ''Franchise/{{Rambo}}''.
34** While Ralf's Galactica Phantom is named after a special attack in ''Manga/RingNiKakero'', it's visually patterned after Kaoru Hanayama's Hakai-ryoku / Destructive Force punch in ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler''. Other references include his aerial "Kyokuka Bakudan Punch" (named after the "Bakudan Punch" from ''Manga/ChoujinBarom1'', but loosely based on the "Rider Punch" from ''Series/KamenRiderBlack''), the "Ralf Kick" (based on the "RX Kick" corkscrew dropkick variation of ''Series/KamenRiderBlackRX''), the "Unblock" / "Rocket Punch" uppercut from ''2003''-''XI'' (Based on Kaoru Hanayama's finishing uppercut against Tommy Carbine in ''Baki the Grappler''), ''Maximum Impact'''s "Ralph Buffalo" (Based on Buffaloman's "Hurricane Mixer" in ''Manga/{{Kinnikuman}}'') and Ralf's Jet Vulcan Punch Neo MAX in XIII (identical to [[Manga/OnePiece Luffy's Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling in Gear Second]], complete with Ralf turning red and emitting steam during the punching barrage). His ''95-96'' throw is based on [[Wrestling/AllJapanProWrestling Akira Taue]]'s "Ore ga Taue" chokeslam, and one of his post-95 throws is the "Northern Lights Bomb" used by [[Wrestling/AllJapanWomensProWrestling Akira Hokuto]] and Wrestling/KensukeSasaki.
35** From ''KOF '96'' to ''[='98=]'', his intro with Clark ("CROSS CHANGER!") mimics ''Series/ChoujinSentaiJetman''.
36** One of his outfits in ''Maximum Impact 2'' is based off of Marco Rossi's from ''VideoGame/MetalSlug'', complete with the wavy forelock of light brown hair.
37* Many of Clark's moves are borrowed from ''Manga/{{Kinnikuman}}'': '96-XI's Napalm Stretch (Kinniku Ataru), '96-'02's Clark Spark (Muscle Spark, Kinnikuman), '03-XI's Clark Special (Robin Special, Robin Mask) and XIV's Climax move (Big Ben Edge, [[Anime/UltimateMuscle Kevin Mask]]). More obscurely, his Ultra Argentine Backbreaker is a nod towards the Triple Benkei Breaker from the wrestling manga "The Momotaroh." Also, his Flashing Elbow was popularized by real-life professional wrestler Keiji Mutoh (aka The Great Muta) and his Clark Lift (a follow-up to his Mount Tackle) is a direct lift from Russian wrestler-turned-politician Aleksandr Karelin's "Karelin Lift."
38** One of his alternate costumes in ''Maximum Impact 2'' was modeled in the image of Tarma Roving from ''Metal Slug''.
39* Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia have win quotes in ''KOF 2002'' against each other that reference ''Theatre/LittleShopOfHorrors''.
40-->'''Ryo:''' "Seymour, you've been fed! [[IAlwaysWantedToSayThat Been dying to say that!]]"
41-->'''Robert:''' "I hope you're not the strongest! Feed me, Seymour!"
42* Robert Garcia is SNK's AlternateCompanyEquivalent to [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ken Masters]]. Both are [[MillionairePlayboy rich-out-their-ass playboys]] who are friendly rivals to their respective best friends, although Robert dresses like he's rich. Also, both of their styles emphasize stylish kicking. Of note is that Robert was introduced that way whereas Ken had developed this '''after''' ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting'' came out.
43** He was also visually modeled after Creator/StevenSeagal and to a lesser extent to Creator/AndyGarcia, although his ''[=AoF 1-2=]'' / ''[=KoF '94-'95=]'' clothing was based on Frankie Santana from the final season of ''Series/TheATeam''.
44** In ''2000'', his alternate striker is himself, but dressed like Capcom's AlternateCompanyEquivalent, [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Dan]] "[[MemeticBadass The Man]]" [[JokeCharacter Hibiki]], who was conceived as a TakeThat to SNK. Note that their hair is already similar to begin with.
45** During the NESTS saga, two of his moves changed to look more and more like [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Guile's]] Sonic Boom and Flash Kick, to the point of being charge attacks as well.
46** Robert's ''2003'' stance is based on Shinogi Kosho's cord-cutting stance from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler''. His new Ryugekiken is similar to how Shinobu Sensui from ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' kicks his fireballs when performing his "Resshū Kō Kyū Ha" move.
47** His intro poses with Kensou in ''KOF '97'' and ''[='98=]'' are a common Kansai [[BokeAndTsukkomiRoutine shtick.]]
48-->'''Kensou:''' "Donnai de ka?" ("How's it going?")
49-->'''Robert:''' "Bochi bochi, denna." ("So-so, y'know?"/"Alright, I guess.")
50** In the Story Mode of ''XIII'', Robert replies to Joe's cock-sure belief that he'll blow away the Kyokugen karetekas with his Hurricane Upper by saying that it'll pass over the Crouching Tiger. [[Film/CrouchingTigerHiddenDragon Considering that his buddy is the Dragon of Kyokugen Karate...]]
51* Ryo is SNK's AlternateCompanyEquivalent to [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ryu and Ken]], at least [[CharacterDevelopment at first]].
52** Just as Robert is modeled after Steven Seagal, Ryo's visual model is a young Creator/PatrickSwayze.
53** His stance from ''[='96=]''-''XI'' comes one of Doppo Orochi's stances from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler''.
54** ''XIII'' gives him a color scheme indicative of [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Shin Akuma]].
55** His {{Kiai}} during the Ryuuko Ranbu takes a page from [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Jotaro Kujo]], although "[[BringIt Ora ora!]]" was something of a CatchPhrase already for Ryo.
56--> '''Ryo:''' "Kyokugenryu-ougi! ORAORAORAORAORA!!! Moratta!"
57** Ryo and Robert's taunts in ''XIII'' have them perform their charging poses from ''Art of Fighting'' and the pre-''[='99=]'' ''KOF'' games, although this does nothing to their super meter. Robert also uses this animation before the final blow of his Ryuuko Ranbu EX DM.
58* Expect Takuma to throw in the occasional [[{{Kiai}} battle cry]] of [[Series/KousokuSentaiTurboranger "CHESTO!"]]
59** Starting from 2002, he's increasingly based on Doppo Orochi from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler''. His 2002 "Mouko" chop (similar to Akuma's ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcom Capcom vs. SNK]]''-exclusive "Misogi", and upgraded with an uppercut to "Built Upper" in XII) is similar to Doppo's trademark tiger-killing chop. Likewise, his Serious Mr. Karate incarnation in ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos SVC Chaos]]'' shares his neutral pose with Doppo's Bodhisattva Fist stance. Finally, his ''XIII'' stance is also taken from Doppo.
60** Like Ryo, he too gets a Shin Akuma-themed outfit in ''XIII''.
61** Kyoukugenryu Karate in general is heavily based on Masutatsu Oyama's Kyokushin Karate.
62* Yuri's taunt in ''KOF '96'' is "Anta baka?" ([[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Asuka]]'s CatchPhrase) and one of her winposes had her saying "Service, service" (like Misato).
63** One of her alternate color schemes in ''XIII'' that restores her braid also gives her a hue resembling [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Cammy]].
64*** She also pinches various moves from the Shotoclones: in ''[='96=]'', she gains the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku; in ''[='97=]'', Sakura's Midare Zakura (multiple uppercut Super); in ''[='98=]'', the Shin Shouryuken (EX Yuri only); in ''2001'', the Shun Goku Satsu (with a 1/8 chance to inflict extra damage and copy Akuma's back-turning pose); in ''2002: Unlimited Match'', Ryu's Jodan Sokuto Geri ("Donkey Kick"); in ''2003'', the Denjin Hadoken (Ryu's chargeable electric fireball); and in ''XIII'', Akuma's Demon Flip. From ''2002''-''XI'', she also borrows Chun-Li's vertical split kick; however, she gained her normal rushing uppercut (Yuri Chou Upper) as early as ''[='95=]'', [[OlderThanTheyThink one year before Sakura made it famous]]. She also runs off with Dan Hibiki's first Ultra from Street Fighter IV, complete with thumbs-up pose after the final Shoryuken.
65*** Her intro in ''2001'' also resembles [[VideoGame/{{Darkstalkers}} Felicia's]].
66* King's androgynous fashion sense was inspired by [[Creator/GraceJones Grace Jones]].
67** Her use of high and low projectiles that encourage you to block low and make you susceptible to overhead attacks is reminiscent of another Muay Thai champion from ''Street Fighter'', Sagat.
68** Also, her fighting style and [[{{Expy}} physical appearance]] were influenced by a [[OneSceneWonder memorable]] [[EliteMook henchwoman]] in the movie ''[[https://youtu.be/QQhNHeEkbDo?t=82 China White]]'', also known as ''Deadly Sin'' or ''Gwang Tin Lung fo Wooi''. One similarity the two share is having their shirts ripped off revealing their chest and gender. This also happened in ''Art of Fighting'' and future games whenever King got kayoed with a projectile. The henchwoman was played by Dutch actress and Muay Thai world champion [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskia_van_Rijswijk Saskia Merk van Rijswijk]].
69* WordOfGod has likened Sie Kensou's powers to that of Koichi's in ''Manga/BabelII''.
70** His ''XII/XIII'' outfit is the same one he wore back in ''VideoGame/PsychoSoldier''.
71** The Psycho Soldier team's ending in ''XIII'' is a parody of ''[[Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman Gatchaman]]'', right down to the silly costumes worn by Kensou (Red), Athena (Blue), Bao (Yellow), and Momoko (Pink). The team even goes by the name of the [[Franchise/PowerRangers Psycho Rangers]] (no, [[ThePsychoRangers not]] [[Series/PowerRangersInSpace them]]), complete with fans giving them a ''Franchise/SuperSentai''-esque naming scheme for the characters (i.e. Kensou = Psycho Red).
72** In ''XIII'', his pre-fight conversation with Maxima references the [[PowerLevels Over 9000]] [[MemeticMutation meme]] from ''Anime/DragonBallZ''.
73* Athena Asamiya was inspired by Saori aka Athena from ''Manga/SaintSeiya''. She even has the same hair color and similar hairdo.
74** One of Athena's throws has her raise a finger into the air as her psychic powers toss the enemy skywards, this move is almost identical to [[Series/KamenRiderStronger Tackle's]] Electro-Wave Throw.
75** One of her edit team endings in ''KOF '97'' had her wearing the bikini from the original ''VideoGame/{{Athena}}'' game.
76** From ''KOF '98'' onward, the MAX version of her Shining Crystal Bit DM has her randomly appearing in the bikini as well.
77** One of her win poses also consists of a very ''Franchise/SailorMoon''-ish pose: a [[VSign V-for-victory sign]] and a wink.
78** The blue schoolgirl uniform she wears in ''XII'' and ''XIII'' (complete with pink hair) dates back to her origin game, ''VideoGame/PsychoSoldier''.
79** [[{{Fanon}} There have been]] [[RunningGag plenty of jokes]] of comparing Athena's powers to [[Franchise/StreetFighter M. Bison's powers]].
80* ''XIII'' [[http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110514173326/snk/images/c/c7/K15.jpg also adds a meter that keeps track of how many drinks Chin Gentsai has stomached,]] much like [[VideoGame/VirtuaFighter Shun Di]].
81* ''XIII'' gives Andy a [[CharacterCustomization color scheme]] resembling [[Manga/DragonBall Son Goku]].
82** And another similar to [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Zato-1/Eddie]].
83* Terry's [[Music/YngwieMalmsteen Rising Force]] HSDM in ''2002'' was taken from [[VideoGame/FatalFury Rock Howard]].
84** Terry's "Stand up!" finger point win pose (lifted from his older self in ''VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves'') is evocative of one of [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Jotaro Kujo's]] signature poses, which can be seen in the games based on ''[=JoJo's=]'' [[http://www.fightersgeneration.com/characters2/jotaro-wins2.gif such as]] ''[[VideoGame/JoJosBizarreAdventureHeritageForTheFuture Heritage for the Future]]''.
85** Terry's battle intro against his brother in ''[='98=]'' is based on a gesture Kenshiro and Toki from ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'' made as a promise that Kenshiro wouldn't interfere in Toki's battle against Raoh.
86** [[http://workingnews.blog117.fc2.com/blog-entry-4905.html According to]] one of the original Fatal Fury developers, Terry was at first visually based on Sebastian Bach from ''Music/SkidRow''.
87* One of Mai's color variations in ''Maximum Impact 2'' is that of [[VideoGame/SamuraiShodown Cham Cham]]. In that same game, she borrows Andy's Chou Reppa Dan for her Level 3.
88** In ''2002'', Mai's HSDM has a few random animations; in one of them she shows the opponent her nude backside at the end of the move. This may be a reference to a scene in ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureBattleTendency'', in which Lisa Lisa takes a bath and Joseph Joestar peeps her through the door's keyhole as she undresses herself, unknowingly showing her exposed back to Joseph.
89* Brian Battler is an {{Expy}} of Johnny Maximum from ''VideoGame/WorldHeroes 2'', who is ''also'' a heavy-hitting, aggressive power player. In fact, Brian's design was altered in order to differentiate him in terms of looks from Johnny, making this something of a ShoutOut as well.
90* Lucky Glauber's prototype design and fighting style were based on the character Hakim in the martial arts film, ''Film/GameOfDeath''. His later design might come from ''VideoGame/StreetSlam'', a sports game for the Platform/NeoGeo made by Data East.
91** His default color scheme is the purple and gold, the same as [[UsefulNotes/NationalBasketballAssociation the Los Angeles Lakers]] (the team that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played for). In ''KOF '98'' his alternate color schemes are references to the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs.
92* Don't confuse Heavy D! with the [[Music/HeavyD late rapper of the same name]].
93* The American Sports Team's stage in ''94'' has a cameo appearance from Film/TheBluesBrothers.
94* Chang's [=MAX2 =]in ''2002'' allows him to [[TimeStandsStill stop time for a few moments]]. Its name is "Tekkyu Dai Sekai" which translates to "Iron Ball Great [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure World]]." ''Chang'', [[DumbMuscle of]] [[TheBrute all]] [[PluckyComicRelief people]]...
95* Choi is a CaptainErsatz of [[Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet Freddy Krueger]]. [[LampshadeHanging Made funnier]] in a bonus illustration in ''KOF '98'' which involves Choi having an encounter with Freddy Krueger. In ''KOF XIV'', as well as in some concept art for ''KOF '94'', he even wears a striped green sweater similar to Freddy's.
96** His Shakushi [=MAX2=] move is identical to [[Manga/OnePiece Captain Kuro's version]], all the way down to the name and the random hitboxes. According to WordOfGod, his Maniac Striker ("Cool Choi") borrows his glasses-adjusting gesture from the same character.
97* When speaking of Rugal's [[AndIMustScream prized "trophies"]] there is one of note that is interesting. It's of a man with a [[LawyerFriendlyCameo familiar hairdo, a sleeveless shirt, with military fatigue pants and boots.]] Sadly, this man is nameless, but he does have a rather eerie resemblance to a U.S. special forces officer named [[Franchise/StreetFighter Guile]]. Apparently, the point of the resemblance was not lost since in ''[[VideoGame/SNKVsCapcom Capcom vs. SNK]]'' the two have an intro of said "trophy" is standing between them and them destroying it.
98** There are also statues clearly meant to resemble Zangief, Akuma, and Fei Long. Clearly, Rugal really likes ''Franchise/StreetFighter''.
99** Given that SNK does enjoy having fun at Creator/{{Capcom}}'s expense due to their competing fighters, this and the other tropes aboard the Blacknoah maybe part of a larger joke. Rugal is said to be attempting to become [[WorldsStrongestMan world's strongest fighter]], now look at the sub-title of the first ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII''...[[note]]''The World Warrior''[[/note]], after all of that... Look at the collection. Now do the math.
100** Rugal's pet isn't the first black panther to be named Rodem; its predecessor originated in ''Manga/BabelII''.
101** Also worth noting a few details about his Omega form: The fact that Rugal sacrificed one of his eyes in order to gain something in return brings to mind Odin from Myth/NorseMythology, though with the difference being that Odin would gain wisdom whereas Rugal gained the power of Orochi. Omega Rugal also references a far more modern figure of the popular imagination. He is frequently portrayed as having some cybernetic implants, which when combined with the red glowing energy in place of his missing eye brings to mind the [[Franchise/{{Terminator}} T-800]].
102* Joe Higashi often refers to the [[Manga/TomorrowsJoe Legend of Joe Higashi]].
103[[/folder]]
104
105[[folder:The Orochi Saga]]
106!!Characters and stuff introduced in The Orochi Saga (''[[VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters95 '95]]-[='98=]'')
107* ''[='96=]'' and ''[='97=]'' contain numerous homages to the other hot property at the time, ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion''.
108* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mckAer9wnA Iori's winquote against Chin]] in the English console localization of ''XIII'' seems to be a shout out to Website/{{Botchamania}} of all things.
109-->'''Iori:''' "[[CatchPhrase Everyone talks too much]]... at least die quietly."
110** Due to his moveset revision in ''XII'', fans called Iori an {{expy}} of ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Mark of the Wolves]]'''s Freeman. [[HilariousInHindsight Ironically]], when Freeman first made his debut, ''he'' was called an expy of ''Iori''.
111** Here's one that comes from not Iori himself, but his theme music. In the OST and AST versions of "Arashi no Saxophone" in ''KOF '95'', its rearrangement for the home port of ''XI'', and the AST version of "Cool Jam ~ Arashi no Saxophone 3" in ''[='97=]'', a female voice can be heard reciting, "221B Baker Street", the address of Franchise/SherlockHolmes. Curiously, the OST version of "Tsuchi o Hau Bass", the theme of the Women Fighters Team in ''[='95=]'', also features this voice clip.
112** Iori's character design was partially inspired by Yasuhiro Nightow's (then primarily a producer of doujinshi) own character designs, and, if anyone has read ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'' before, can definitely see the similarities between Iori and Legato Bluesummers.
113** Additionally, WordOfGod says that the overall silhouette of his head, hairstyle included, are meant to evoke the look of the helmets from [[Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman Gatchaman]].
114** The character is something of a mid-[[TheNineties '90s]] time capsule, at least in Japan. Hiei from ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' and ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing'' were a hit, so he debuted with the former's self-harming black flames and Trowa Barton's hairdo from the latter. When ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' swept the country, he got his [[UnstoppableRage Riot of the Blood]] form with the same eyes and mannerisms as the berserk Eva 01.
115* Shermie is based off of Fujiko Mine from ''Franchise/LupinIII''. Given her flirtatious tendencies and her [[StealthPun "assets,"]] it's not hard to see the similarities.
116** Her Diamond Bust is an obvious play on the Diamond Dust, a flipping stunner invented by Japanese wrestler Masato Tanaka.
117** Also, while they attitudes are the opposite, she also looks a hell of a lot to Luchs from Anime/SaberMarionetteJ, with her bangs and short-hair-with-tail hairstyle, considering the anime debut the previous year, it's an interesting parallel to draw from. Also, Shermie's Awakened Orochi form is a lot more Luchs-like attitude-wise.
118* Yashiro's, Shermie's, and Chris's Heavenly King monikers are all references to lyrics and song titles from 70s and 80s anime:
119** Yashiro of the Parched Earth gets his name from ''Kawaita Daichi'', the ending theme to Anime/{{Xabungle}}.
120** Shermie of the Insanely Violent Lightning gets her name from a line in the chorus of the lyrical version of Anime/LupinIIIPartII 's opening theme.
121** Chris of the Flames of Destiny gets his name from ''Honoo no Sadame'', the opening theme to Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS.
122* Leona's Rebel Spark Desperation Move is frame-for-frame identical to Series/KamenRiderBlackRX's Revolcrash, except that Leona uses her bare hand instead of a LaserBlade.
123** Her V-Slasher is based on [[Anime/VoltesV Voltes V's]] V-no-Jigiri. Again, she uses her bare hand instead of a sword.
124** And her jumping CD attack is Series/KamenRiderBlack's Rider Kick; she even has a red energy aura around her feet during the move.
125** Her Leona Inferno air throw is Manga/{{Kinnikuman}} Zebra's Muscle Inferno.
126** In ''[='99=]'', Leona gains two moves that reference ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure''. Her Earring Bomb 2: Heart Attack works like Kira Yoshikage's Killer Queen Stand ability, with the move's name referencing his Bomb #2: Sheer Heart Attack and her quote "Makete owari." resembling "Makete shine!" (an alternate reading of his Bomb #3: Bites the Dust quote). Her Grateful Dead (S)DM drains the opponent's life force, similarly to Prosciutto's Grateful Dead Stand.
127* According to WordOfGod, Chizuru's design was inspired by Yoko Shiraki from ''Manga/TomorrowsJoe''. Both are [[LongHairIsFeminine long-and-dark-haired]] [[{{Ojou}} high-class]] young women who handle venues related to fighting: Yoko sponsors a boxing gym with her grandfather, Chizuru organized the KOF tournament more than once.
128* Kyo's girlfriend Yuki is named after Japanese actress and ex IdolSinger [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuki_Uchida Yuki Uchida.]] She's also the same celebrity that inspired none other than [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Heero Yuy]]. She's also the inspiration behind Elena from Street Fighter III.
129* Geese Howard seems to resemble [[http://img88.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=superspy.jpg King,]] the FinalBoss of ''The Super Spy'', something made a bit more obvious with the intro to ''Fatal Fury 3''.
130** He also looks like the Aussie from Creator/JeanClaudeVanDamme's ''Film/{{Bloodsport}}''.
131** He also shares quite a few traits with Souther[=/=]Thouzer from ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'', both resembling him and sharing his ambitions of conquest.
132** Character artist Creator/{{Shinkiro}} mentions that Geese's overall aesthetic, as a Mafia boss, draws inspiration from Creator/RobertDeNiro in ''Film/TheGodfather''.
133** In terms of character, Geese is SNK's equivalent of [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Dio Brando]]. Both of them started out dirt poor, hated their own fathers for abusing them, came to know someone who became their greatest rival and killed them eventually after being cast out. Both are also noted for their charisma, allowing them to gather a group of devoted followers and obtain immense power, and also causing many women to fall for them, resulting in many illegitimate children.
134
135* Boyish, almost feminine looks? SuperSpeed? A deceptively cheerful personality? Chris is the second coming of [[Manga/RurouniKenshin Sojiro Seta]].
136* Blue Mary was visually inspired by [[Anime/DragonBallZ Android 18]]. She even had the ForeheadOfDoom in her debut; her head was shifted to more reasonable proportions by the time she entered ''KOF''.
137** Mary's Japanese win quote against Terry in ''XV'' is "All right, Mr. Loser Wolf. Perhaps I should make you my pet? Just kidding." This is most likely a reference to EX Blue Mary's ending in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special'', where she proposes the same thing, only seriously.
138* [[AxCrazy Ryuji]] [[Characters/FatalFury3 Yamazaki]] from ''Videogame/FatalFury'' has whipping ExtendableArms that serve as shout-outs to ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'' character Ryo Mashiba and his similarly long-reaching "Flicker Jabs".
139* Mature appears to have been partially modeled in the likeness of Creator/MarilynMonroe, even having a signature win pose heavily reminiscent of the MarilynManeuver.
140** With her new design from ''XII'' onward (''[='94=]'' oufit + eyepatch), Mature resembles [[Film/KillBill Elle Driver]], as played by Creator/DarylHannah.
141** Perhaps paving the way for [[ShoutOut/GuiltyGear the musical cornucopia that is]] ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'', both Mature and her partner in crime Vice derive their specials and [=DMs=] primarily from heavy/thrash metal bands and albums. [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Mature/Move_list From their]] [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Vice/Move_list first appearance alone]] do you get names like Despair, Music/{{Deicide}}, Deathrow, Metal Massacre, Outrage, Gorefest, Heaven's Gate, and Negative Gain.
142* Vice's [[AllThereInTheManual official bio]] has a direct shout-out to comic book artist Dan Brereton who she's supposedly a fan of.
143* The red shirt Billy wears under his blue jacket in ''XIV'' reads "[[Music/GreenDay Know Your]] [[Wrestling/WWESmackDown Enemy]]".
144* Shingo Yabuki's intro in 2000 & 2001 is [[Anime/Daitarn3 "If you don't fear the shine of the sun, bring it on!"]]
145** Shingo's taunt in 1999 is [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam "Ah! You hit me!! Not even my father would ever hit me!!"]]
146[[/folder]]
147
148[[folder:The NESTS Chronicles]]
149!Characters and stuff introduced in The NESTS Chronicles (''[='99=]-2002'')
150* K' is visually modeled after actor Yusaku Matsuda's role as the leather-clad criminal Tetsuya Asakura in the 1979 film ''The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf'', although similar to his buddy Maxima below, he also resembles Cool from ''VideoGame/DarakuTenshiTheFallenAngels''. His "Another" striker in ''2000'' (his prototype design, often theorized to be what K' looked like before he had Kusanagi DNA implanted into his body) makes the comparison more apparent, with the two sharing reference poses.
151** It should be noted, his bleached white hair, leather clothing, single glove, and overall aesthetics also bring to mind Music/BillyIdol's music video [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw1oM7LBbxE Flesh For Fantasy]] music video. K's [[https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/snk/images/f/f4/KOF99_Gallery_K%273.png/revision/latest?cb=20180326153102 concept art]] also support this theory.
152** K'[='s=] Chain Drive DM may very well be influenced by [[https://youtu.be/WBR9iqupiqo?t=519 this particular scene]] [[note]]the final battle caps off with the main villain throwing his shades at Toby Wong, who catches them just in time for the BigBad to attack him and reclaim his sunglasses[[/note]] from a 1998 Marc Dacascos film coincidentally named ''Drive''.
153** His HSDM in ''2002''(''UM'')? (The) [[Literature/LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes Crimson Star Road]].
154** Although not a BruceLeeClone, one of K''s command normals (also shared with Kula) is the iconic one-inch punch. His Minute Spike could be seen as analogous to Bruce Lee's equally-famous flying kicks, complete with a yell that was more of a higher-pitched {{Kiai}} [[VocalEvolution in earlier games]].
155** One of his alternate colors in ''KOF XIII'' has his outfit colored blue on one side, and red on the other, mimicking that of Series/{{Kikaider}}. It can also be seen as a nod to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII Gill]], who also has asymmetrical body coloring of blue and red whereby only his red half is capable of wielding flame. (Note that K' is only seen using flames from one of side of his body, specifically his hand with the red glove.)
156* Maxima is both an homage to the main character of the SNK BeatEmUp ''Robo Army'' and an expy of Harry Ness from the obscure fighting game ''The Fallen Angels'', whom his character designer worked on before joining SNK.
157** Maxima also has the "Maxima Revenger", a variation of "Shin Muscle Revenger", the FinishingMove of the BigBad of the final arc of Manga/{{Kinnikuman}}, Kinnikuman Super Phoenix. The ''Unlimited Match'' version is even more similar to the move, since it adds more rising headbutts and an aerial throw to make it more similar. Speaking of ''Unlimited Match'', Maxima gains a new MacrossMissileMassacre super move called "End of World": it seems to be an homage to Zolda's eponymous [[FinishingMove Final Vent]] from ''Series/KamenRiderRyuki''
158** And in ''XIII'' he alludes to the infamous [[Memes/{{Anime}} "It's over nine thousand"]] meme from ''Anime/DragonBallZ''.
159* Both K' and Maxima are remodelled humans fighting against the ones who modified them, just like ''Manga/Cyborg009'' and ''Franchise/KamenRider'' -- in fact, Maxima's story of avenging a friend by letting himself be modified by his friend's assassin is taken straight out ot ''Series/KamenRiderStronger''. Their names are taken from a ''Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS'' spin-off ''Blue Knight Beserga Story'', namely K' (a clone of main character [=Kain McDougall=]) and the mecha [=ATM-FX1 Zerberus VR-Maxima=].
160* Another possible nod to K' and Maxima's origins comes from Whip's bio in ''[='99=]'', which lists "Angels, the fallen" as one of her dislikes -- her new Climax Super Move in ''XIV'' is called "Depravity Branding: ''FA''", also another reference to ''The Fallen Angels''. Another InJoke is her dislike of "insufficient capacity" in ''2000'', which seems to be a reference on how some of her moves were cut in the game for lack of space in the game.
161** Speaking of Whippy, she is, believe it or not, something of a nod to [[Franchise/WinnieThePooh a certain honey-eating teddy bear]]. Her name, according to WordOfGod, is an anagram for Winnie the Pooh and [[TrademarkFavoriteFood she even shares Pooh's taste in foods]]: honey (or should we say "hunny") is listed as her favorite meal in Whip's bio.
162** Whip's round entry quote when entering as the second or third team member is "Kakugo wa ii? Watashi wa dekiteru." ("Are you prepared? I am."), referencing one of [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Bruno Bucciarati's]] catchphrases. Her move "Assassin Strike "Code: ''BB''"" is a reference to ''Music/TheBeachBoys'', which makes sense because a character with [[RodAndReelRepurposed a supernatural fishing rod]] named after the band was one of the enemies of the same manga. Even her phrase while doing her special move "Sonic Slaughter "Code: KW"" ("Dera dera dera... Deluxe!") is reminiscent of [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure the franchise]]'s various RapidFireFisticuffs battle cries.
163** She's also got more references to other franchises: Her "Super Blackhawk" move is a reference to the Ruger Blackhawk gun from ''Doberman Deka'' complete with a quote from the main character ("Do gedō gaaa!", reinterpreted as "Gedō gaa-tsu!"), and the "Red Whip Genocide" special from ''XI'' is a reference to Spartacus' eponymous double whip attack from ''Manga/SakigakeOtokojuku''. Another reference is her A-emblazoned belt and her thigh ring, which are themed on Astra from ''Series/UltramanLeo''. Her "Koko ga anata no deadline" ("''Your deadline is here.''") intro quote is a reference to Phoenix Ikki from ''Manga/SaintSeiya'' threatening to death whoever crosses a line that he draws on the ground. She even quotes from literary sources in her Japanese win quotes, such as Creator/JamesTiptreeJr's ''The Only Neat Thing to Do'' (''99'' win quote) and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa's ''The Spider's Thread'' ('2002'' win quote).
164* Bao's throws are named "Genei Tō Gi" (Phantom Head Technique) and "Critical Slow". These names are a homage / parody of Racdym's Platform/PlayStation fighting games ''VideoGame/GeneiTougi'' ("Phantom Fight") and ''Critical Blow''.
165* Jhun Hoon has many references to ''VideoGame/FightFever'', a 1994 Korean fighting game developed with the help of SNK: He shares name with character Kim Hoon and the technique name "Shusokyaku", and FinalBoss Karate Kenji's "Mangetsuzan" and "Haiki Geki". Kang Baedal, Jhun's Another Striker, also shares name with main character Han Baedal and the name of his technique, "Ko Netsufu".
166* Li Xiangfei's moveset is filled with name references to Osaka (SNK's former hometown) written in chinese ''kanji'', like "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryokuchi-koen_Station Ryokuchi-kōen]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadoma,_Osaka Kadoma]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namba Nanba]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tenpo Tenpōzan]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senri-Chuo_Station Senri-Chūō]]" [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansai_International_Airport Kankū]] / [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsaibashi Shinsaibachi]], "[[https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B1%9F%E5%9D%82 Esaka]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daikokucho_Station Daikokuchō]]", and "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_Commemoration_Park Bampaku kōen]]" / [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_%2770 E Ku Su Po (EXPO)]]. ''Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition'' also gives her techniques named "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intex_Osaka Intex]]", "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kita-Senri_Station Kita-Senri]]" (also the name of a SNK illustrator) and "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suita Suita]]". Her theme in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury 2'' was also called "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osakajokoen_Station Ōsakajō-kōen]] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyobashi_Station_(Osaka) Kyōbashi]]".
167** Her special moves, however, are named after giant robots: "[[Series/Daitetsujin17 Daitetsujin]], "Chō Pai Long" (''Super White Dragon'', named after "Shao Pai Long" / ''Little White Dragon'', a song from IdolSinger Lynn Minmay from ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross''), "[[Anime/MazingerZ Majinga]]" and "[[Series/DenjinZaboga Tenshin Zanhōga]]".
168* Kyo Kusanagi's clones, Kyo-1 and Kyo-2, get new super moves in ''2002 Unlimited Match'' named after Japanese deities and their swords: Kyo-1's "Shuten Barai" and "Ame-no-Habakiri" are respectively named after [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuten-doji Shuten-dōji]] (Orochi's son in one of the myths) and the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totsuka-no-Tsurugi Ame-no-Habakiri]] (sword used to slay Orochi by Susanoo), while Kyo-2's "Futsunomitama" and "Hinokagutsuchi" are named after the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totsuka-no-Tsurugi Futsunomitama-no-tsurugi]] (a sword wielded by Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder) and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagu-tsuchi Hinokagutsuchi]], the god of fire.
169* Krizalid's appearance is a mix of the main hero and villain of ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'', namely hero Vash's jacket and villain Knives' hair. His "Desperate Overdrive" super special move is an homage to Dio's memetic road roller drop from ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStardustCrusaders'', since both of them crush their enemies and punch-rush them while screaming "Butsu bure yo!" (I'll crush you!). Likewise, his new move in ''2002: Unlimited Match'', "Lightning Disaster", is taken straight out of Leo Aiolia's "Lightning Plasma" from ''Manga/SaintSeiya''.
170** Krizalid has yet another reference to ''Daraku Tenshi: The Falling Angels'', as his second theme is named "Dear Falling Angel".
171* Ramon is a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWBxrwKm_Q8 gigantic homage]] to "''Manga/TigerMask''" Wrestling/SatoruSayama, with most of his moveset being taken from the wrestler in one way or another, such as the Tiger Spin drop toe hold and the Tiger Driver (Ramon's "Tiger Neck Chancery"). "El diablo amarillo" is Spanish for "the yellow devil", one of the ''manga'' Tiger Mask's aliases.
172** Some of his move names are taken out of ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'', namely "Savage Firecat", "Birds of Paradise" and "Force of Will".
173** Ramon's backstory all but states that Ramon's mentor is Lucha Libre legend, Blue Demon.
174** Ramon in general is one to Wrestling/EddieGuerrero, as they're both Latino wrestlers with flirtatious and cocky personalities, both have a tiger motif (Eddie went under the name Black Tiger when wrestling in Japan), and Ramon makes very liberal use of Eddie's signature move, the "Frogsplash", as well as implementing "The Three Amigos' into one of his supers.
175** Ramón's design seems to reference Mexican Luchadores [[https://imgur.com/O92O1ls Shocker and Pirata Morgan.]]
176* Vanessa's Champion Puncher DM is [[Manga/HajimeNoIppo a flurry of high-speed punches, followed by a Dempsey Roll, and ending with a blistering uppercut]].
177** Vanessa in general can be considered something of an {{Expy}} of Rick Strowd from ''Real Bout VideoGame/FatalFury 2''. Not only are they both boxers, but in ''2002'' she gains a few of Rick's moves, namely his Hellion special (as "Forbidden Eagle") and Gaia Gear DM, plus her "Puncher Weaving" gains an enthusiastic "''Yahoo!''" scream like Rick does in his "Full Moon Fever" weave. And as a bonus the name "Gaia Gear" itself is a reference to [[Literature/GaiaGear the story of the same name]] by Creator/YoshiyukiTomino.
178* Lin's [[PoisonousPerson poisonous Cinnabar Palm]] martial art seems to be a reference to Eikei's poison fist from ''Manga/SakigakeOtokojuku'' for its similarity. That said, Asian martial artists with a poisonous arm seems to be a common trope in manga, as seen on ''Tatakae! [[Manga/{{Kinnikuman}} Ramenman]]'''s "Dokuro-ken" [[ParodyNames Gundam]] / [[AdaptationNameChange Gadam]], or Ryūkō Yanagi "the Poisoner" from ''[[Manga/BakiTheGrappler Baki]]''.
179** Sai, one of the Hizoku [[EliteFour Four Heavenly Kings]] from Lin's clan introduced in ''2001'', seems to be based on Ryū Zuikyō / Liu Song-qu from ''Sakigake!! Otokojuku'', due to their oddly shaped forehead and excessive reliance on headbutting attacks ([[AllThereInTheManual according to]] ''The King of Fighters 2001: Fighting Obsession mook'').
180* Seth can be considered a SpiritualSuccessor to Karman Cole from ''[[VideoGame/ArtOfFighting Art of Fighting 3]]'': the two share a penchant for [[BadassInANiceSuit dressing well]], have "self defense" as a martial art, and share counters and practical straight attacks. He also looks like [[VideoGame/RivalSchools Boman Delgado]].
181* Hinako was initially modelled after Chie Takemoto from ''Jarinko Chie''. Her "Daisharin Nodowa Otoshi" special move from ''2002: Unlimited Match'' is a reference to wrestler Akira Taue (of [[Wrestling/AllJapanProWrestling AJPW]] / [[Wrestling/ProWrestlingNOAH NOAH]] fame) 's "Nodowa Otoshi" chokeslam. Taue himself had a background in Sumo just like Hinako, and his chokeslam was inspired by the permitted ''nodowa'' throw.
182** Hinako has also a super move in 2003, "Chō zutsuki" (Super headbutt), where she throws herself headfirst. Since headbutts are not permitted in Sumo, it's very likely that this move was inspired by the E. Honda's iconic flying headbutts from ''VideoGame/StreetFighterII''.
183* Kula's moveset has a couple of references to Aquarius Camus from ''Manga/SaintSeiya'': her basic throw (renamed "Ice Coffin" in ''Maximum Impact''), where she freezes her opponent, is a reference to Camus' "Freezing Coffin" , while her "Freezing Execution" super move is based on Camus' "Aurora Execution", even sharing the same arm poses.
184** Candy, Kula's friend and striker, appears in her "Freeze Compression" super move: she's seen firing her breasts like missiles, just like Aphrodite A's Oppai Missiles from ''Anime/MazingerZ''.
185** The {{animal motif}}s associated with Kula's caretakers/maternal figures Diana and Foxy are respectively [[UsefulNotes/MuhammadAli the butterfly and the bee]].
186** Foxy herself is a tribute to Anime/CuteyHoney, possessing a similar sword, fighting style, manner of dress, and even the ability to [[InstantCostumeChange change clothes in a flash]]. Her bio even notes that Foxy owns a honey factory.
187** Kula's name may also be inspired on Cooler, the main villain of ''Anime/DragonBallZCoolersRevenge''. Most of his race's known members have cold-based names (Freezer, King Cold, Frost, Chilled and Froze).
188* Clone Zero is a living shout out to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Han the Rasho]] from the Shura saga. His infamous Zero Fart special resembles a method of how Han dispatched a mook in the series. Some of his other special moves are named after techniques used by the Shura Generals in ''Fist of the North Star''.
189** Likewise, Zero shares name and palette with Black Sword Zero from ''Manga/SpaceAdventureCobra'', even sharing a quote ("The only one who exceeds Zero is a Zero")... Ironically, while the quote was initially a BadassBoast, the retcon of ''2000'''s Zero being a rebellious clone of the original gave it a new ambiguous meaning.
190** Glaugan, Original Zero's pet lion in ''2001'', has an oddly detailed bio. His dislike is Roland Istaz, a minor character from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler'' who demonstrates his fighting prowess wrestling against a lion.
191* The sequence in ''2000''[='s=] ending where Kula flies into space and destroys the Zero Cannon references [[Manga/{{Akira}} Tetsuo Shima]] doing the same thing with SOL. In both instances, the KillSat in question manages to fire once and decimate the target area before the aforementioned character dismantles it, though Kula [[spoiler:loses her RobotBuddy, not her right arm]] and the damage to Southtown is far more widespread than that of Neo-Tokyo.
192* K9999 is pretty much [[Manga/{{Akira}} Tetsuo]] with some Kusanagi DNA thrown in. He goes as far has having the same voice actor, Creator/NozomuSasaki. This came full circle at a point, when Tetsuo's rival was [[Manga/{{Akira}} Kusanagi]], voiced by [[Creator/MitsuoIwata Kaneda's VA]], followed by them yelling at each other in their shared intro. Bear in mind [[Manga/{{Akira}} where the quotes for this intro came]]. He indeed seems to have gone too far, as in ''[[UpdatedReRelease The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match]]'' he has been [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute replaced]] by a very similar character called "Nameless."
193** K9999 was originally going to be modelled after Chirico Cuvie, the main character of ''Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS''. The only remains of it are his blue hair and orange clothing.
194* May Lee's design mixes Hiroshi's shades and shirt from ''[[Manga/DokonjoGaeru Dokonjō Gaeru]]'' and Jiro / Kikaider's belt from [[Series/{{Kikaider}} Android Kikaider]].
195** She can change into a scarf and glove-equipped Hero Mode heavily inspired by ''Series/KamenRider'' -- in fact, many of her moves are inspired by {{toku}}: her "May Lee Kick" and "May Lee Break" are inspired by ''Kamen Rider''[='s=] "Rider Kick" and ''[[Series/KamenRiderSkyrider Skyrider]]''[='s=] "Rider Break", her "Key of Victory" super move is an homage to ''Kamen Rider''[='s=] "Double Rider Kick", the "May The End" is an homage to ''Kikaider''[='s=] "Denji End" technique (where she strikes a ''Kamen Rider'' pose, complete with explosion), and "May Lee Dynamic!"'s name is a reference to Gavan's "Gavan Dynamic".
196** Her "Disposition Frog" Super Desperation Move ends with her striking Sailor Moon's iconic InTheNameOfTheMoon pose. She also shares other ''{{anime}}'' references, like her "Shining Thunder Blow" (which is probably a reference to Shaina's "Thunder Claw" from ''Manga/SaintSeiya'') and some references to ''Franchise/DragonBall''.
197** Since ''2002'', May Lee gets new references to {{Doujinshi}} titles: Her "Gauze Tail Tinkerbell" is a literal translation of Misuzu Kamio's name from ''VisualNovel/{{Air}}'', and "Disposition Frog", if read as "This Position Frog", may be a reference to Nayuki Minase from ''{{VisualNovel/Kanon}}''[='s=] quote "Keroppi goes here!"... Or a mistranslation of ''Dokonjō Gaeru'', likely intended to be "dispositioned frog".
198* Angel uses [[Wrestling/DwayneJohnson the Rock Bottom and People's Elbow]] in ''2002''. One of her win quotes is "Can you taste The Angel's extraordinary skill?", a play on The Rock's "If you smell what The Rock is cooking!"
199** The names of all of her moves are song titles from left-wing Japanese band ''Soul Flower Union'' and its predecessors, ''Mescaline Drive'' and ''Newest Model''.
200* Igniz's prideful personality, {{Bishounen}} looks, choice of clothing and [[spoiler: treason against his superior]] are based on Oskar von Reuenthal from ''Literature/LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes'', even [[Creator/NorioWakamoto sharing the same voice actor]] -- in addition, he has a penchant for screaming "Feuer!" (German for "Fire!", although technically ''Galactic Heroes'' uses the mispelled "Faieru") when shooting lasers, just like the German-speaking Imperial army commanders do. His "Galient Sword" wrist-mounted [[WhipSword whip blades]] are based on the Galient Blade from ''Anime/PanzerWorldGalient'', and his "Irys Lance" [[ClothingCombat coattails]] are based on the CombatTentacles of Irys from ''Film/Gamera3AwakeningOfIrys''.
201** His new super move in ''2002: Unlimited Match'', "Disintegrational Universe", is copied from Gemini Saga's super move in ''Manga/SaintSeiya'', "Galaxian Explosion". Likewise, his tactic after being defeated is [[ColonyDrop letting his satellite fall to earth]], ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' style.
202** Whether it was intentional or not, Igniz seems like an expy of [[Franchise/StarWars Palpatine]] ([[{{Bishonen}} minus his facial appearance]]). The similarities are especially enforced by the fact that the battle against him occurs on a space station... Oh and did we mention that NESTS has [[Film/AttackOfTheClones an army of clones at its disposal]], [[HilariousInHindsight a few years before it appeared as a plot element in another film]]?
203** Not just only that, but there is also another parallel with Star Wars. While Original Zero [[LukeIAmYourFather is not the protagonist's father]], but [[{{Expy}} he is like]] Darth Vader in that he is also a black clad, BadassCape wearing NobleDemon AntiVillain who serves as the {{Big Bad}}'s (Igniz in Zero's case) [[TheDragon chief operative]].
204* As mentioned above, Kusanagi's voice actor was Creator/MitsuoIwata, best known for portraying Shotaro Kaneda in ''Manga/{{Akira}}''. This was taken advantage of by the developers, since he's played both as an homage to both Kaneda in some of his win qoutes and Tetsuo (K9999)'s rivalry, and a reference to Kyo Kusanagi's origins as Syo Kirishima... In fact, Kusanagi's new ''2002: Unlimited Match'' super move uses redrawn sprites and quotes from Kirishima's striker motions in ''[='=]99 Evolution'' and ''2000'' -- which quote Domon Kasshu from ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam'' ("Ore no Kobushi wa Makka ni Moero!" = "This fist of mine is burning red!").
205[[/folder]]
206
207[[folder:The Tales of Ash]]
208!!Characters and stuff introduced in The Tales of Ash (''2003-XIII'')
209* Compare this [[http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/File:KofXI_poster.jpg promotional poster]] for ''XII'' to that of [[http://capcomdatabase.wikia.com/wiki/File:SFA3Group.png promotional artwork]] for ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha 3''. Specifically, notice the positions of [[VideoGame/FatalFury Terry]][=/=][[VideoGame/ArtOfFighting Ryo]] and [[VideoGame/StreetFighterI Ryu]][=/=][[VideoGame/FinalFight Cody]].
210* Ash has an intro with Kyo in ''Maximum Impact Regulation A'' that directly mimics Orochi Chris' intro.
211** Moveset-wise, he takes more than a few cues from [[VideoGame/FatalFury Kain R. Heinlein]].
212** He also shares a lot with [[Videogame/StreetFighterIII Remy]], what with being French {{Bishonen}}s with red pants and similar moves.
213** Ash's moves are named after concepts from UsefulNotes/TheFrenchRevolution, like the Revolutionary Calendar (the twelve months + sansculottides holidays, like the ''fête des récompenses'' or ''fête du génie''), the sans-culottes, or the "liberté, égalité, fraternité" motto.
214* Duo Lon is physically based on the main character from ''Literature/VampireHunterD'', and his fighting style and some of his moves are based on Shishiwakamaru from ''Manga/YuYuHakusho''.
215** Should Duo Lon find himself up against Mr. Karate in ''XIII'', the Hizoku assassin coolly tells the karateka that he's not terrified in the slightest because [[Music/BlueOysterCult he doesn't fear the reaper]].
216* Shen Woo seems to be a mix of Kaoru Hanayama from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler'' (gangster who heavily relies on [[UnskilledButStrong unrefined fistfighting]]) and Shenlong from ''VideoGame/BloodyRoar'' (chinese criminal with a purple open jacket). He's also vaguely similar to Sagara Sanosuke from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''. His "Bakushin" super move power-ups him after making a shockwave and leaves him with a gold color, similar to the Super Saiyans from ''Franchise/DragonBall''.
217* '''Gato''' from ''VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves'' is based on Retsu Kaioh from ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler''. His "Reiga" / "Zero Fang" is identical to Retsu's "Tenrenge" / "Spinning Lotus" neckbreaker. According to the developers, Gato's name is taken from Anavel Gato from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam0083StardustMemory''.
218* Mukai's physical appearance and clothing are similar to Bryan Hawk from ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'', although they are [[AffablyEvil complete]] [[HateSink opposites]] in terms of personality. He also shares name with one of the final villains fom ''Manga/RikiOh''.
219* Oswald is based on [[DeathDealer card master]] Tubalcain Alhambra, one of the first notable villains of ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}''. His name is probably based on [[WhoShotJFK Lee Harvey Oswald]].
220* Elisabeth Blanctorche is rumored to be heavily inspired on Mei Karuma / Franziska von Karma from ''Franchise/AceAttorney'', although the developers haven't confirmed anything yet.
221** Her new Climax special in ''XV'' is very similar to [[VideoGame/{{SoulSeries}} Ivy Valentine]] and [[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Claudio Serafino's]] EnergyBow attacks from their respective series.
222* Momoko is based on Namie Odama's short-lived manga ''Shōnen Esper Nejime'' and has references to it, like her fascination with big breasted characters, taunts and grabs, and her "[[KamehameHadoken Esper!]]" super move.
223* Bonne Jenet is a {{pirate}}, there's the ''Bonne'', and stalks a main character (Rock Howard in ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Mark of the Wolves]]'' and the ''Maximum Impact'' series). Yep, she seems to be SNK's matured version of [[VideoGame/MegaManLegends Tron Bonne]]. Considering the time of her ''[=MotW=]'' debut (1999), she could also be a nod towards ''Manga/OnePiece''.
224* Tung Fu Rue from ''VideoGame/FatalFury'' is a bald, bearded, {{Miniature Senior Citizen|s}} martial arts master who serves as a mentor to major characters in the series and makes use of moves that cause what appears like a TemporaryBulkChange. In essence, he's [[Franchise/DragonBall Master Roshi]], sans the perversion.
225* Gai Tendo and Ryo have a special intro pose in ''XI''. This is because in ''Buriki One'', Gai's debut game, an older Ryo appeared under the moniker of [[LegacyCharacter Mr. Karate II]], which is also referenced in a special piece of artwork viewable upon beating the game with a team consisting of Ryo/Gai/Silber.
226* Gai himself is a mix between famed famed Japanese MMA fighter and wrestler, Wrestling/KazushiSakuraba ([[http://www.noe-v.com/images/articles/sf/sakuraba_gai.jpg See here]]), [[Manga/BakiTheGrappler Baki Hanma]] and [[Manga/GreatTeacherOnizuka Eikichi Onizuka]].
227* Shion has various references to ''Tatakae!! [[Manga/{{Kinnikuman}} Ramenman]]'': his "[[RapidFireFisticuffs Mukade Taihōken]]" (Centipede Cannon Fist) is one of the techniques of the main character, and his "Ryūsei Hekirekika" (where he [[ImprovisedScattershot splits a falling rock]] with a flying kick) is based on Ryūsei-ken Hōgan's "Sandan Ryūseikyaku".
228* Magaki's screen-filling super move "Universe Distortion" is yet another reference to Gemini Saga's "Galaxian Explosion" from ''Manga/SaintSeiya'', sharing pose and psychedelic background effects.
229* When Billy Kane faces Saiki in ''XIII'', he thinks his opponent looks like some kind of monster, and wonders what would happen if he could [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} catch 'em all]], even wondering if he'll be considered an Elite Trainer, too.
230* One of Raiden's [=DMs=] in ''XIII'' is named [[Music/OzzyOsbourne Crazy Train]].
231** Speaking of Raiden, he's an {{Expy}} of Wrestling/{{Vader}}.
232** In ''XIII'' one of his unmasked outfits is a replica of [[Manga/{{Kinnikuman}} Terryman's]]. He even has the stars on the shoulders.
233** Raiden's Neo MAX in ''XIII'' is a super powerful Axe Bomber, which was Wrestling/HulkHogan's FinishingMove in Japan.
234* Beat ''XIII'' in Arcade Mode with Elisabeth, Mai and King. You'll get an illustration with a blatant shout-out to ''Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles''.
235* Malin shouts "[[ComicBook/SpiderMan MAXIMUM]] [[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom MALIN]]!" as she performs her aerial Queen Bee DM.
236[[/folder]]
237
238[[folder:The Shun'ei Saga]]
239!!Characters and stuff introduced in ''XIV''
240* Sylvie Paula Paula is based on real life idol Music/KyaryPamyuPamyu.
241** Meanwhile, her sadistic nature hidden behind her rather goofy appearance and fight conduct brings [[VideoGame/StreetFighterV F.A.N.G]] to mind.
242* Luong's personality, Tae Kwan Do, color motif and stances make her an AlternateCompanyEquivalent to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Juri Han]], a character who ironically enough was joked about as being an SNK-style design.
243** One of her [[DesperationAttack DMs]] (especially its SDM version) has her do multiple kicks, then steps onto her opponent's head and stomps their head three times. It's pretty much [[Videogame/StreetFighterEX Vulcano Rosso's]] Accellerando and Tameiki no Hashi Super Combos combined.
244* Nelson's use of a cybernetic arm may be a nod towards [[VideoGame/KillerInstinct TJ Combo]]. Unlike Combo, who resorted to titanium implants to keep his title and was banned from the professional boxing circuit when they were discovered, Nelson was forced to use his to be able to box at all.
245* Kukri's usage of bandages in addition to his hood make him a dead ringer for [[Franchise/MortalKombat Ermac]]. His sand manipulation and silent tone are based on [[Manga/{{Naruto}} Gaara]], while his moveset is similar to [[VideoGame/KillerInstinct Kan-Ra]]. Some have even compared him to [[VideoGame/BlazBlue Terumi]], especially for his hooded appearance and usage of vulgar language.
246* Hein is pretty much what happens when you combine [[Manga/BlackButler Claude Faustus]] and [[Manga/HaventYouHeardImSakamoto Sakamoto]]. He has Sakamoto's appearance and constant air of coolness and mystery surrounding him, with Claude's status as a BattleButler for an evil blond and dark powers.
247* Several of King of Dinosaurs's command throws are copies of moves used by Alex the Velociraptor and Lizardman, of the ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' and ''[[VideoGame/SoulSeries Soul Calibur]]'' games, respectively.
248* Shun'ei, the fourth protagonist of the series, has his Climax being a RapidFireFisticuffs by another being[=/=]supernatural power accompanied with ''[[{{Kiai}} "DORARARARARARA!!!"]]'', similar to the ''fourth'' protagonist of ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'', Josuke Higashikata. His other DM is also similar to [[Anime/GaoGaiGar Hell and Heaven]] in appearance.
249** Well, speaking of [=JoJo=] shout outs, one of Mian's 'Ranbu'-style DM had her using another character's (Bruno Bucciarati) {{Kiai}} from that series: "ARIARIARIARIARIARIARIARI!!!" (Though being Chinese, she doesn't finish with "Arrivederci")
250* [[spoiler: Verse looks like a boss straight out of ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'', and also resembles Inferno from ''[[VideoGame/SoulSeries Soul Calibur]]''. In-universe, he is a walking ShoutOut to several dead characters within the franchise, and even speaks to certain characters as if he were a dead character related to his defeated opponent. His appearance, coincidentally, bears a fashionable tailcoat reminiscent of Rugal, who is confirmed to be one of the souls within his body in his winquote to Mature and Vice.]]
251* The intro sound bit for Team Psycho Soldier's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPpvntmPv84 tachi bou ke]], is the original boot-up sound from the classic ''VideoGame/PsychoSoldier'' game.
252* [[VideoGame/FatalFury Rock Howard]] is a CaptainErsatz of [[VideoGame/TheLastBlade Kaede]]. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]] in ''Maximum Impact'', where Kaede is his alternate costume. Also, if going by Geese's comparison to Dio, this would make Rock an equivalent to Giorno Giovanna in turn, as both of them are sons of a notable villain in their respective series who have distanced themselves as far as possible from their fathers' legacy.
253* Mui Mui resembles the girl on the neon casino sign in Kim Dong Hwan's stage in ''VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves''. This might explain why her origins lie in a pachislot game that came out five years after ''Garou''.
254
255!!Characters and stuff introduced in ''XV''
256* This game's rendition of the Esaka stage borrows from the "Muscle Power" stage from ''[[VideoGame/WorldHeroes World Heroes 2]].''
257* The remake of King's stage from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2'', Southtown Park, contains several references to various horror games. From the revamped environment resembling something out of ''VideoGame/SilentHill'', to an added haunted house attraction on the right side of the stage featuring a creepy animatronic bear on top of the entrance, referencing ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys''.
258* Isla's overall design is essentially an homage to ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'' and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' rolled into one. For bonus points, her {{Leitmotif}}, "Time for revolution It's our generation", and home stage wouldn't be too out of place in either game.
259** Her home stage also resembles Alex's/Ken's home stage from ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII Street Fighter III: Third Strike]]''.
260** The tip of the cake is that her Climax is essentially her doing a [[Franchise/KamenRider Rider Kick]] with one of the paint spray cans.
261* Dolores's design resembles a cross between [[ComicBook/XMen Storm]] and [[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Master Raven]], with abilities that call the [[Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay T-1000]] and [[Literature/FateZero Volumen Hydragram]] to mind.
262* While Krohnen maintains the shout-outs to ''AKIRA'' that K9999 had, he also has an armband with the word "Silber" on it, as a minor MythologyGag to the character of the same name from ''VideoGame/BurikiOne'' (who also appeared as a playable character back in ''XI'').
263** Furthermore, his name doubles as a nod to Creator/DavidCronenberg, who is the TropeCodifier of BodyHorror (as K9999, like Tetsuo, had this extensively, especially with his HSDM in ''2001'' and ''2002''). Seems like SNK are WickedCultured.
264** Finally, Krohnen's Climax Super, Calamity Overdrive, bears a striking resemblance to one of Doc Ock's tentacles as they appeared in Creator/SamRaimi's ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy''.
265* [[spoiler:Re Verse, while taking Isla's form, is a mix of [[VideoGame/StreetFighterV Necalli]] in terms of its feral demeanor and wild hair, [[ComicBook/{{Batman}} Bane]] because of its mouthpiece (which is derived from Isla's respirator), and finally its form is a result of Amanda breaking free from Isla, much like what [[VideoGame/StreetFighterV Kage is to Ryu]].]]
266* [[spoiler:Otoma=Raga's design on the other hand bears some striking similarities to Azazel, the BigBad and FinalBoss of ''[[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Tekken 6]]''. The way in which she makes her appearance can also call to mind ComicBook/KangTheConqueror, too. This of which is interesting in light of ''XV'' confirming that TheMultiverse all but exists in ''KOF'' canon.]]
267* When chosen first, each character's pre-match intro is accompanied by a short narration of the announcer waxing poetic about him/her, in a manner similar to intros in the ''VideoGame/SoulSeries''.
268* Some of the color palettes are a mix of {{Shout Out}}s and {{Mythology Gag}}s.
269** Kyo's Color 2 is a nod to his NESTS-era jacket, Color 3 references his AscendedFanboy Shingo, Color 4 is a nod to both his cousin Aoi from his spin-off and [[Characters/GuiltyGearSolBadguy Sol]] [[TheHero Badguy]], Color 7 is his Orochi-era outfit, and Color 8 is a reference to Syo Kirishima.
270** Iori's color 5 is a nod to [[VideoGame/ArtOfFighting Mr. Big]] and color 8 references none other than [[Characters/LikeADragonKazumaKiryu Kazuma Kiryu]] of ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}}'' fame, specifically [[VideoGame/Yakuza0 his]] [[TheEighties 80's]] appearance.
271** Terry has a color palette (eighth one) that flat-out makes him look like [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Mario]]. Considering his appearance in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'', that's no coincidence.
272** Chris' Color 8 makes him look an awful lot like [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Bart Simpson]].
273** Two of Mai's color palettes (numbers 5 and 7) are a reference to ''VideoGame/DeadOrAlive's'' leading lady, Kasumi.
274** K' has a color palette (no.8) that channels his inner [[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureGoldenWind Giorno]] [[Characters/JojosBizarreAdventureGiornoGiovanna Giovanna]].
275** Rugal's Color 3 makes him look a lot like ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}.
276** Color 2 for all three members of Team Awakened Orochi is based on Goenitz's outfit.
277** Kim's Color 5 is a nod to May Lee, his former teammate who [[ChuckCunninghamSyndrome hasn't been seen since]] ''2002 Unlimited Match''.
278[[/folder]]
279
280[[folder:Others]]
281!!Characters and stuff introduced in other games (''Maximum Impact'', ''Neowave'', etc.)
282* [[VideoGame/FightersHistory Makoto Mizoguchi]] is an Expy of Momotaro Tsurugi, the main protagonist of ''Manga/SakigakeOtokojuku''.
283* Duke is a ShoutOut to [[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama]], specifically their Devil forms. You can give him devil wings and devil horns in ''Maximum Impact''.
284** Duke's Swivel Gun special is a modified version of Rugal's Genocide Cutter, complete with the AudibleSharpness.
285** During his Volanic Bomb Level 3, Duke shouts, [[ComicBook/{{Superman}} "Up, up, and away!"]]
286* Does anyone else get an [[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Eddy Gordo]] vibe from Soiree Meira's "Another" outfit? If the colors were to be inverted, you even get the same color scheme as Eddy's default colors.
287* [[VideoGame/MetalSlug Fio]]'s namesake, as well as that of her teddy bear, is taken from the anime ''Anime/ThreeThousandLeaguesInSearchOfMother''.
288** Her alternate outfit in ''Maximum Impact 2'' is that of Ai, the OriginalGeneration female lead of ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''.
289* In ''Maximum Impact Regulation A'', Hyena has a new super that originally belonged to Oswald. It's his Joker LDM where he pins you in the corner and throws 52 razor sharp cards at you.
290* Jivatma is one to Krizalid in ''Maximum Impact Regulation A''. He has a new super move where he shoots his arms out with blades on them and repeatedly stabs the opponent in the air. It looks similar to Krizalid's Desperate Overdrive SDM.
291* Lilly Kane's "Another" costume [[RuleSixtyThree is modeled]] [[GenderedOutfit after]] Billy's original outfit from ''Fatal Fury'' and ''KOF '95''.
292** One of her color variations for her default outfit is that of Hotaru Futaba from ''VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves''. She also has an outfit homaging [[WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs Snow White]].
293* One of Nagase's desperation attacks is based on one of [[VideoGame/SamuraiShodown Hanzo Hattori's]] [[SpinningPiledriver special grabs]]. Doubly funny since Hanzo himself is unlockable (in fact, [[MovesetClone Nagase's moveset is heavily lifted from Hanzo's]]).
294* Two members of the Sons of Fate (the gang Alba and Soiree belong to) are named [[Music/{{Oasis}} Noel and Gallagher]].
295* Xiao Lon is a rather blatant copy of [[VideoGame/{{Darkstalkers}} Hsien-Ko/Lei-Lei]] in appearance and fighting style. Even developers acknowledged that she was based on a jiang-shi.
296[[/folder]]

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