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The King of Fighters '97
King Strategy guide
by Yu Lew
Well, this guide will try to explain how to use King to her full
potential. This is my first strategy guide and I hope to get some
feedback on it.
Contents:
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0.0 Preface
1.0 Introduction
1.1 About the Author
1.2 How to Use this Guide
1.3 Where to Get More Information
1.4 Character Background
1.5 Revisions
2.0 The Moves
2.1 Special Moves
2.2 Desperation Moves
2.3 Normal Moves
2.4 Command Moves
2.5 Combinations
2.6 Taunts
3.0 General Strategy
3.1 Overview and Example
3.2 Ranges and Zoning
3.3 Mind Games
3.4 Meter Management
3.5 Punishing Mistakes
4.0 Acknowledgments
4.1 Credits
4.2 Version History
4.3 Copyright Information
1.0: Introduction
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1.1: About the Author
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The author(Me, who else?) of this guide has been playing KOF ever since
it came out in 94. He's played '97 since the first day New York got it. He
usually plays every character (except Choi!!!!). But most of the time he
takes his time to learn weak characters to make them stronger. He went to 1
small tournerment in Philly and made it to the Semifinals with most of the
characters he plays. A strong Vice,Mature,King,Kasumi player in 96, in
97 he plays almost every character(but Choi).
1.2: How to Use this Guide
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Well since this is the first time I'm writing a Guide on a character,
please be patient with me. I have included a table of contents to be
sure you're not missing anything. When you get to the strategies, I will
use the names of the moves King does, so you must be familiar with her
attacks to understand them.
1.3: Where to Get More Information
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This guide is designed for middle to advanced-level King of Fighters '97
players; in other words, if you're reading this, then this guide is for
you. If, however, any of the terminology in this guide is confusing to you,
please refer to Andrew Seyoon Park's comprehensive The King of Fighters '97
Beginner's Reference v.0.10 which may be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Alley/4810/
Therein you will an extensive glossary of terms in addition to all the
basic rules of the game.
1.4: Character Background
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NAME: King "The Beautiful Kickboxing Lady"
FIGHTING STYLE: Mui Thai
NATIONALITY: France
BIRTHDAY: April 8, 1973
AGE: 24
HEIGHT: 175cm
WEIGHT: 58kg
3-SIZE: B-86 W-55 H-85
BLOODTYPE: A
HOBBIES: Collecting Wine Glasses
FAVORITE FOOD: Vegetables
FAVORITE SPORT: Billiards
MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION: "Jean (I think)"
THING SHE HATES THE MOST: Gross People (like Jack)
King originally intended to decline this year's entry to spend some time
with her younger brother Jean (pronounced Zhahn) overseas. However,
Chizuru agrees to have Jean come with them as an escort (airfare payed by the
KOF committee treasury, of course!), and King loses an excuse to decline. For
the sake of her recovering brother (from an illness), King will fight once
again.
1.5: Revisions
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v1.0 My first attempt for making a guide
v1.1 thanks to the help of Andrew Seyoon Park, and Tony Wedd I
revised this faq in 2 days time.
2.0: The Moves
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(Note: The following assume King is facing right. Mirror the motion if
facing left.)
2.1: Special Moves
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Different Character's each has their own special moves. That's what
makes each one unique. The joystick motions and the button combinations each
make up a special move is shown here
1.Tornado Kick
-O \ | / O- + B/D
O O O
Description:
B version-a 4 hit aerial kick
D version-a 6 hit aerial kick
Purpose:
A great attack if it hits. A stupid mistake if she misses.
It's a great move if you anticipate your opponent jumping.
but it leaves you very open if you miss.
Notes:
It is a great counter if you know your opponent is going to jump at you.
You should avoid using it if your opponent is grounded (there is an
exception to rules like this when playing certain characters. in this case it
doesn't mean that you should not use this move when the opponent is grounded,
but if you anticipate the opponent is off-guard for a few seconds, then use it
to your liking)
2. Surprise Rose
-O | \ + A/C
O O
Description:
An anti-air 4 hitter. King goes up for 2 hits, and then she goes down at
you for 2 hits.
Purpose:
basically one of King's best moves. if you hit the opponent on the ground
it might lead to you crossing up. or if the first knee hits, it knocks
your opponent up for the full 4 hits. it is an average anti-air priority.
The A-button surprise rose leaves you on the ground a little before the
opponent hits the ground (thus if you're in the corner, a tornado kick is
the best follow-up).
the C-button version leaves you on the ground before the opponent, but
the recovery time is increased by a few split seconds (thus, trying to
do the tornado kick right afterwards will miss most of the time unless
you get the timing right).
Notes:
a very unique anti-air move that is very weak in comparision to most
moves but it is very effective when you learn its timing.
3. Venom Strike
| \ -O + B/D
O O
Description:
A Fireball (It travels like Kensou's Fireball, not like Iori's)
the B version doesn't go too far the D version goes almost full screen
Purpose:
What else? (Hey!! If you don't know what or how to use a fireball by
now, I don't see a use for this guide anymore)
4. Double Strike
| \ -O | \ -O + B/D
O O O O
Description:
A double Fireball
the B version doesn't go too far
the D version goes almost full screen
Purpose:
What else? Keep away. And it's also good for combo's.
Notes:
try mixing up this move with the venom strike. sometimes people will
mistake one for another and get hit twice. if you expect the opponent to
jump after this use the tornado kick. it's a great move to knock the opponent
back if you don't want to have them at close range.
5. Mirage Kick
O- / | \ -O + B/D
O O O
Description:
King runs up to you and hits you for a 4 hit combo
Purpose:
Kinda useless unless you want to drain a character. it leaves you at a safe
distance from a lot of characters' low sweeps, and has a good recovery
time.
Notes:
use it only when you expect the opponent to block (or if you anticipate
him/her getting hit by it). mainly because her startup is soo predictable, you
will have trouble using the Mirage kick from a distance. This move is very
comboable!
6. Trap Shot
-O | \ + B/D
O O
Description:
a grounded creasant kick ending in a combo of kicks if it hit's your opponent
(blocking or non blocking). Otherwise, it's just a creasant kick.
Purpose:
The Trap Shot is great for combo's and draining. You can use it to
drain your opponent's energy and fill up your POW bar quickly.
Notes:
This move has been revamped from the '96 version (which really stunk!!)
and is now a very usefull move indeed
2.2: Desperation Moves
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I don't know why I'm even writing about this. King's Desperation Moves
are "Almost" useless. (take the notice that I said "Almost")
1. Illusion Dance
| \ -O \ | / O- + B/D
O O O O O
Description:
A rush of attacks ending in a trapshot to a tornado kick
Purpose:
the only time to use this move is when you're on the ground from an
opponent's attack. if the opponent is agressive, use it right when you get up
for a real surprise (the b version only, the D version has a really bad start
time)
Notes:
this move has been weakened from it's 96 counterpart. in 96 there was no
startup for the b version, and the d version was faster. right now, only
the B version is recommended as the only one you use.
2. Silent Flash
| / O- | / O- + B/D
O O O O
Description:
A very Powerful Trap Shot ending in a slicing upwards kick.
Purpose:
basically useless unless you use it as an anti-air attack (even then you
will miss the 2nd attack(s) altogether). This move is very comboable
if you hit your opponent with it
Notes:
Use this only as a last resort anti air attack.
(I've tried to combo this from a standing D, but afterwards the rush
counter only registered the (S)DM. I've hit my opponent every time with this
attack (comboed of course). can anyone conform this as a comboable?)
2.3: Effective Normal Moves
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Crotching C
a good attack that attacks upward.
Standing D (2-hitter)
King's Best Move. it is cancelable into almost every special move she has
(except the (S)DM's) for best use of this move, you should cancel from the
first hit (meaning, DO NOT LET THE SECOND KICK HIT!!!!) and your opponent
will be in trouble
2.4: Command Moves
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Slide Kick
\ + D
O
A Low slide kick.
goes under fireballs.
2.5: Combinations
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King relies more on mind games and combos. King also has enough
special-case and corner combos to give expert players something to work
toward. What follows is a mostly comprehensive list of what she can do.
(the following combos can begin from the ground without the initial
jump-in attack)
Jump C/D, stand D, A/C venom strike
Jump C/D, stand D, A/C Double Strike
Jump C/D, stand D, Step Side Kick
Jump C/D, stand A/B/C/D, Tornado Kick
Jump C/D, crouch B, Trap Shot
Jump C/D, stand D, Surprise rose
Jump C/D, stand B/D, Mirage Kick
Silent Flash (SDM version), Tornado Kick
Jump C/D, stand B/D(cancel first hit), Silent Flash(SDM version),
Tornado Kick
(the following are possible only under special circumstances, specified in
parenthesis)
Jump C/D, stand D(cancel first hit), Surprise rose(A version), Tornado Kick
(note this one only works in the corner)
Stand D(cancel first hit), Surprise rose(A version), Tornado Kick
(note this one only works in the corner)
Jump C/D, stand B/D(cancel second hit), Silent Flash(SDM version),
Tornado Kick (only been used on huge charaters... can someone conform
this on other charaters?)
(confirmed!!! King's Infinite Juggle!!!) Surprise rose(a version),
down a (make sure not to hit your enemy with this), cancel into
another Surprise Rose (a version)
Jump C/D Stand D (cancel first hit), Surprise rose(C version), Tornado Kick
(note this one only works "NEAR" the corner!!!) TOD!!!!!
(if you find out more combos send them to me*]
2.8: Taunts
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Press the start button to taunt the opponent.
Taunt: She holds one arm up while
beckoning her opponent with the other hand
and says "Honki de oide yo!" ("Try for real!")
3.0: General Strategy
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The following is a suggestion as to how to think about a match as a King
player; I stress that being unpredictable is the key to consistent victory not
just with King but with any character (but this mostly applies to King).
3.1: Overview and Example
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Most things considered, King still ranks one of the lowest contenders in
the KOF series. Mainly because there aren't many people who could get
used to all the changes of her moves and timing(look at how worthless her
trap shot is now!). I started playing her mainly because I never really
saw anyone play her. (for some reason, I try to turn the worst fighters into
contenders...although Dan is another story...*I can play good with him
too!*) In 96 she used to be ranked as low as Vice and Mature in fighting.
With King, you will have to get used to her timing, and trying to
anticipate your opponent's moves.
3.2: Ranges and Zoning
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With the venom strike and double strike, King can zone her opponent away. And
if the opponent jumps to try to avoid it, he/she can fall into a coming
tornado kick, or the second half of the venom strike. at close range, her
mirage kick can drain some energy off a foe (and leave king far enough
away most of the time to be safe). and the double strike can knock the
opponent a safe distance away from King.
3.3: Mind Games
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Mind games are Essential with King. Ever since KOF96 she had been forced to
resort to mind games and Anticipation. By mixing up tornado kicks,
mirage kicks, surprise roses, venom strikes and double strikes, you'll
have your opponent trying to guess what you're throwing next. And the
surpise advantage by doing the Illusion Dance (S)DM when she gets up from
a knockdown to an airborne opponent (or an attacking one) makes her
deadly. if you have played King is 96, take notice that her Illusion Dance
timing is different now. her Hard kick version is slower while her New
Light kick version is like the same speed as her 96 counterpart.
3.4: Meter Management
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King really doesn't need to charge up her meter, since both of her DM's
kinda stink. But It always helps with that power boost you get from Extra.
Another reason to charge her meter is that you have the suprise advantage
of her Illusion dance (S)DM(light kick version) if you ever get knocked down
and your opponent jumps to attack you.
Advanced mode is the mode I suggest you use with King. Keep attacking with her
and stock up your meters. King's Illusion dance (S)DM(light kick Version) is
perfect if you get knocked down by your opponent... see above for tips on
this another reason for having advanced mode for king is that she will have
air superiority. If you know that you will not be able to anticipate your
opponent and attack with the tornado kick, you can use the next best
thing, the Silent Flash DM ( I know it's kinda bad because it will only
hit your oppoent with the first attack and miss with the second, but it
does give her the advantage there) if you want to you can use up 1 bar to
power King up. What you'll have to do is keep attacking with her then,
most of the time you'll be able to regain that bar (and a half) in no time.
4.0: Closing Acknowledgments
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4.1: Credits
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This guide would not have been possible without the following:
- The King of Fighters Mailing List:
[email protected]
Without it I wouldn't be playing KOF97 as well as I do now
- Andrew Seyoon Park, aka EX Andy:
[email protected]
the idea and moves for this guide. (thanks for the taunt translation
and reminding me some of the other combos that King has, see Matt
Hall/Moonrun)
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Alley/4810/
- Greg A. Kasavin:
[email protected]
the idea for this guide. (Your Yashiro Guide inspired me for this
guide, Thanks!!!)
http://www.slip.net/~shrike
- Chikako Jennifer Ishikawa:
[email protected]
Back story, character profile, some speech transcription and
translation. (Arigato!!)
http://members.aol.com/iorin/chika/index.html
- Tony Wedd:
[email protected]
Grammer, Text info. (BTW: please cut down on my capitalization on
things this was all done on Notepad, so I had no help with grammer)
(a special thanks to you for putting your time in to fully check on my
Guide)
- Matt Hall @ m00nrun:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Combos!!!!!!!! (a special thanks for the Silent Flash, Tornado Kick
combo)
http://home.pacific.net.sg/~moonrun/index.html
- Neo Geo Freak Magazine
Official special moves, some combos.
- SNK Corporation of Japan
For creating the best 2D fighting game in years.
THANKS FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS READ THIS GUIDE!!
If you took your time to read this guide, you have showed me that I am
not a fool for writing a guide no one would read. Please send your
criticism to me so I know if you liked it or not. THANKS
4.2: Copyright Information
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This guide is intended for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction in
whole or in part in any form or in any medium without express permission
of the author is prohibited. (ahhh %#%$# it!!! if you want to make a copy
of this go ahead!!!! you took your time to read it, so please do!!)
Thanks for reading and enjoy the game.
Yu Lew
[email protected]
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Guide v1.1 Copyright 1997 Yu Lew
All rights reserved. The King of Fighters '97, King, Neo-Geo, Neo-Freak
etc. are all trademarks of SNK Corporation, Copyright 1997
