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THE KING OF FIGHTERS GENERAL INFORMATION FAQ v5.0
by : Joe Palanca (
[email protected]) & the Cool Creations Crew
============================================================================
Any comments or replies, send to address above.
This file can be found at ->
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/9673
This FAQ is strictly PUBLIC DOMAIN - it's FREE and no one should profit from
selling any part of this FAQ. If you use any part of this FAQ in another
publication, please acknowledge your source of information.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why a General Information FAQ? Well, it seems that many people don't
know the stories behind the characters, and a lot of questions have arisen
about the two games. So, since I pretty much play the game for the story and
stuff, I figured that I should write out a FAQ to answer all those questions
out there that pertain to the story of the game. This is not a game FAQ such
that it contains move lists or codes or anything of that sort. If you want
that FAQ, look for my KING OF FIGHTERS '95 FAQ or KING OF FIGHTERS '96 FAQ
which is available through me or most other sites that have video game FAQs.
This is a true FAQ for those who are curious about the story of the King of
Fighters Tournament...
Note : The stories are pieced together from various sources which include :
SNK workers, Gamest Magazines, NeoGeo Promotions, Fatal Fury Anime series,
Art of Fighting Anime, KoF Mangas, Fatal Fury Mangas, Game manuals, Magazine
Reviews, Strategy Guides, discussions on mailing list, & various other
sources. Some stories needed a bit of filling in, but any fiction was kept
to a minimum.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CONTENTS :
Acknowledgements
Version History
The King of Fighters Tournament
Characters
Fighting Styles
Other FAQs
Info Lacking/Needed
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS :
SNK
For making such cool games
Cool Creations (
[email protected])
Lots of help in edits, spelling, research, etc.
Galen Komatsu (
[email protected])
Some information taken from his KoF'94 FAQ; as well as some other
info he sent me
NeoGeo Mailing List (
[email protected])
Some discussions there enlightened me to more information
King of Fighters Mailing List (
[email protected])
Some discussions there gave me more info
Mark Steven Nunez (
[email protected])
Some great info and criticism
Scott Fujimoto (
[email protected])
KoF'95 mook and guide info
Raymond Leung (
[email protected])
Some origin info
Greg Kasavin (
[email protected])
Ikari Warriors game info
Mousse (
[email protected])
Info on Geese and King
Luis Boix (
[email protected])
KoF'96 Stories
Derek Eung (
[email protected])
Background info on Kasumi Todo
Y. Choe (
[email protected])
Origin of Heidern
Sephiroth (
[email protected])
Lancer (
[email protected])
Moonrun (
[email protected])
Some info from their KoF'97 FAQ
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
VERSION HISTORY :
0.5 - Unreleased; stories of the characters from '94 only
0.7 - Unreleased; stories of new characters from '95 and old characters
updated
1.0 - Initial released version; stories fixed and other FAQs added
1.5 - Stories updated; new information added; technical errors fixed
1.7 - Minor updates; Land of Origin Section added
2.0 - Lots of revisions; more details added due to popular demand :)
2.5 - Final revision (since KoF'95 that is...)
3.0 - KoF'96 has been released...
3.2 - Revisions based on KoF'96 info
3.3 - Fighting Styles section added
3.5 - Some missing info added; slight revisions
3.7 - Updated stories...filled in missing info
3.8 - Minor fill-ins
3.9 - More Minor Fill-ins
4.0 - KoF'96 team stories!!!
5.0 - Long needed update correcting stories, finished '96 stories and adding
'97 stories
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE KING OF FIGHTERS TOURNAMENT :
The King of Fighters tournament started in Southtown, a city ruled by
crimelords, especially one in particular. A man named Geese Howard held the
power and money to introduce such an illegal event. He himself was a master
of the art of Hakyokusaken. The tournament brought in large amounts of money
which helped him gain his high status in the city. City officials and police
officers turned the other way, thanks to large donations from Geese.
In one of the earliest tournaments (AoF2), Geese had hired a man by
the name of Mr. Big to handle it. However, a certain family, by the name of
Sakazaki, was looking for some payback for past troubles (AoF). But their
interference did little to affect Geese's tournaments.
Everything was working smoothly, until two brothers came looking for
revenge. Terry and Andy Bogard showed up with their friend Joe Higashi, and
demanded revenge. Geese had been so greedy for power, he had killed Jeff
Bogard after Jeff had been chosen to learn the secrets of Hakyokusaken over
Geese. Now the two brothers wanted retribution for their father's murder.
In the end, Geese was presumably dead and the tournament ended.
However, the next year, a man named Wolfgang Krauser reinstated the
tournament in hopes to find the man who defeated Geese Howard. Krauser was
Geese's half-brother, and he was a formidable and tough opponent. None could
beat him. Lone Wolf Terry Bogard was able to take his skills to the next
level and beat Krauser in the end. Thus, the tournament ended once again.
In 1994, invitations went out to all the best fighters in the world.
It seemed the King of Fighters tournament would continue under a new sponser,
the mysterious [R]. A new rule was adopted, allowing for three on three
competition. It was discovered that a man named Rugal B was behind this, and
he had sinister plans for the fighters. But he was defeated, and presumed
dead after attempting a last ditch suicide attack.
1995. Invitations were once again sent out, and old faces returned,
along with some new ones...a familiar one in particular who stayed at the
sidelines, watching and waiting for his time when he would return. Once
again, it was Rugal, more evil and powerful than ever. But, like '94, he was
defeated and overwhelmed by his newfound power. King of Fighters '95 ended.
With the end of KoF'95, Geese's reappearance brought about a new
twist to the plot of the KoF storyline. The secret scrolls which contain the
secret to immortality are up for grabs, and the Fatal Fury cast, along with
some new appearances fight for this esteemed treasure. This introduces
Yamazaki, Chon Su, and Chon Rei. Fatal Fury 3 : The Road to Final Victory
takes place between King of Fighters '95 and Real Bout...
The next King of Fighters tournament returns with the original
sponser. Geese Howard is back, for the last time. In his last appearance,
he holds the tournament one last time, with a slightly different setup, where
each fighter fights three opponents per match. Terry and Andy Bogard finish
this tournament once again, as Geese falls to his death (but somehow survives
again).
The newest tournament, King of Fighters '96 brings some new faces
onto the scene, along with some old ones making surprise appearances...A new
force has arisen, possessing the power of Orochi Yamatano...Iori is back,
determined to have his final battle with Kyo...Geese Howard and Wolfgang
Krauser show that they are very much alive...The sponser, Kagura, held the
tournament to test the fighters strength. For only the worthy would be able
to defeat the wielders of the Orochi power and seal off the evil that had
been set free. The fighters proved their worth and were victorious, but in
the process, a secret had awakened within several fighters.
The year is 1997. The power of the Orochi is at hand. Will this be
the final battle?
Chronological Order of the KoF tournament and related games :
Art of Fighting 1
Art of Fighting 2
Fatal Fury 1
Fatal Fury 2
King of Fighters '94
Fatal Fury 3
King of Fighters '95
Real Bout Fatal Fury
Art of Fighting 3
King of Fighters '96
King of Fighters '97
Fatal Fury Special is not involved in any way with the KoF storyline, or any
storyline for that matter. It's basically just a pure fighter to satisfy the
fans who wanted more from the series.
I think the same goes for Real Bout Fatal Fury Special, but am unsure.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CHARACTERS :
Note : I've divided the characters up into their respective teams. The
format is as follows : Name, Original Game character appeared in, Other Games
character appeared in, Place of Birth, Heritage, Fighting Style, Age, Height,
Weight, Background Info
* Age, Height, and Weight are during the KoF'95 tournment; Height is in
centimeters and Weight is in kilograms *
Magatama/Orochi note : See explanation after character info for more about
Kyo, Iori, Saishu, Goenitz, Chris, Yashiro, Shermie, and Rugal, Vice,
Leona, and Mature's powers.
---JAPAN'S STRONGEST FIGHTERS-----------------------------------------------
KYO KUSANAGI
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF Series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Magatama
Age : 20
Height : 181 cm
Weight : 75 kg
Background Info : Kyo was raised in the Kusanagi Clan, a clan that taught the
deadly burning martial arts of Magatama. Their techniques required a focused
chi to generate awesome fire-based attacks. He joined the King of Fighters
Tournament in search of his father who was rumored to have been defeated by
the sponser. Learning about his father's death at the hands of Rugal, he
exacted revenge. But in '95 his father and Rugal resurfaced, and Kyo was put
to the test once again. But a new challenge arose as well. A face from his
past had returned. The rival Yagami Clan had entered its own fighter in the
tournament. A childhood rival named Iori was out for Kusanagi blood. In
1996, Kyo is badly defeated by an unknown fighter. He is so badly beaten,
that he can barely even perform any of his special techniques. Returning to
the place of his defeat, he performs a new technique before Benimaru and
Goro...one that wields massive power. With this technique, they enter the
tournament to find the one who humiliated Kyo. Kyo's power is that of the
Sun.
BENIMARU NIKKAIDO
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF Series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing)
Age : 21
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 70 kg
Background Info : Benimaru was trained in the art of Muay Thai. His quick
and precise style made him one of the best. His electric powers are a
mystery, even to his team mates. It is rumored that he may be an indirect
descendant of one of the four main bosses...the master of lightning. He is a
vain man who seems to care more about his looks than his fighter's pride. He
is a classmate of Kyo, who discovered that he is one of the best fighters in
Japan, using his skills to charm the ladies, and recruited him to join the
King of Fighters Tournament in '94. They were reunited in '95 when the
learned of Rugal's return.
GORO DAIMON
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF Series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Judo
Age : 29
Height : 204 cm
Weight : 103 kg
Background Info : Daimon is Japan's powerhouse. His Judo style makes him
invincible in grappling matches. He cares about nothing but training and
bowling. Kyo and the big man have been friends since childhood. Very little
is known about his past.
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KOF'96 STORY :
One day, Kyo received a challenge from a mystery man. He asked that
Kyo go alone. Kyo goes and fights, but is defeated. But before he loses
conciousness, the mystery man tells Kyo, "You are too weak. I hope that in
the tournament you will be stronger and then we can fight again." When Kyo
awakens, Benimaru and Goro are there. He tells them what had occurred, and
they give him the invitation. They enter the tournament to find out who the
mystery man is and what's his relationship to Iori.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Kyo continues to have nightmares of suffering defeat at the hands of
a mysterious foe. Benimaru has lately been questioning his existance. And
Goro has decided to return to the world of judo. Together, they enter the
'97 tournament to each find their own answers.
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---ALL-FEMALE FIGHTING TEAM-------------------------------------------------
YURI SAKAZAKI
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting Series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese-American
Fighting Style : Kyokugenryu Karate
Age : 20
Height : 168 cm
Weight : 50 kg
Background Info : She is the younger sister of Ryo Sakazaki. In Art of
Fighting, she was kidnapped and Ryo and Robert went to her rescue only to
find that her abductor was their father, Takuma. In Art of Fighting 2, she
joined the battle with Ryo, Robert and her father. But when Ryo, Robert, and
Takuma formed their own team for the King of Fighters '94 tournament, Yuri
felt left out. She wanted to prove that she was a good fighter, and hooked
up with King and Mai. She's out to prove to her big brother and father that
she's no pushover. Actually, she's out for the prize money like the other
two, which is why she hooked up again with her partners in '95. She has a
crush on Robert Garcia and is currently dating him. (See Kyokugenryu Karate
Team for more...)
MAI SHIRANUI
Original Game : Fatal Fury 2
Other Games : Fatal Fury Series after FF2, KoF series, Samurai Shodown
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Shiranui-Ryu Ninjitsu
Age : 20
Height : 164 cm
Weight : 50 kg
Background Info : She trained under Jubei Yamada with Andy for a while,
learning the art of Shiranui-Ryu Ninjitsu. Her grandfather, Hanzo Shiranui
was Andy's sensei. She believes that Andy is her fiance, but Andy is
reluctant to show his feelings for her. Like Yuri, Mai felt left out when
Terry, Andy, and Joe formed their team. She feels that Andy left her out on
purpose, and is going to prove that she can fight as well as any man.
KING
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting 2, KoF series
Place of Birth : France or England
Heritage : American (spent her childhood in Thailand)
Fighting Style : Muay Thai (Thai Kick-boxing)
Age : 24
Height : 175 cm
Weight : 58 kg
Background Info : She was a bouncer in Art of Fighting, her Muay Thai style,
which she learned in Thailand as a child, combined with her speed made her a
very tough one at that. During a fight with Robert, she was exposed as a
woman. Later, she opened her own club with Duck King (which is their stage
in '95). She was approached by Yuri and Mai to join them in winning the
prize money for both tournaments. At first she declined, but was eventually
convinced by her younger brother (who is her inspiration). But after hanging
out with them for two years, she thinks that in '96 she'll get new partners
..unfortunately, she's still stuck with a pair of airheads...
KASUMI TODO
Original Game : AoF 3
Other Games : KoF'96
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Aikido
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : She's the daughter of Todo from Art of Fighting. During
one time, Todo had disappeared. Knowing he had fought with Ryo, she joined
with him to find her father. King had seen her fight and knew her father, so
she invited her to join the team after Yuri was forced to join her brother
and boyfriend.
CHIZURU KAGURA
Original Game : KoF'96
Other Games : KoF'97
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : The Ancient Art of Kagura
Age : 22
Height : 169 cm
Weight : 52 kg
Background Info : (See below for more info.) With a mysterious atmosphere
looming over this year's tournament, Chizuru decides to join King and Mai in
an attempt to seal off the Orochi once more.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
Mai had been very preoccupied because Yuri had been forced to join
the Kyokugenryu Karate team, King was taking care of her brother, and Andy
already had a team. She refused to miss this year's tournament. Suddenly,
she felt the presence of someone approaching her from behind. She evaded a
sudden attack, and realized that it was a very young a powerful girl who was
behind it. "Ha! Just what I expected. You are very strong and quick (but
not as good as me). Joining forces, we three can win the tournament very
easy. Yes, we are three. King sent me to join you. Her brother is better
and she will meet us at the tournament."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
All contacts with Kasumi were lost and Yuri is still teamed with Ryo
and Robert to hold up the Kyokugenryu Karate school's name. Thus, King and
Mai had decided not to enter this year's tournament. But Chizuru needs their
help and offers to be their third member. Thus, Team Gorgeous is back again.
---YAGAMI AND HIS TEAMS-----------------------------------------------------
IORI YAGAMI
Original Game : KoF'95
Other Games : KoF Series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Magatama
Age : 20
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 79 kg
Background Info : He is a man who appeared out of no where with a personal
agenda. Iori is from Kyo's rival clan, the Yagami's. He has one goal in
mind, to kill Kyo. Their families have battled for years, and he feels that
this will be the last battle. His chi is focused in his purple flames, the
flames of revenge! Most of his past is shrouded in mystery. Along with his
quest for vengeance, Iori has discovered that the power of the Orochi is up
for grabs, and he will make it his at any cost. Iori's power is that of the
Moon. Because of their nature, the Yagami's are easily influenced by the
power of the Orochi. Thus, it is more likely that the power of Orochi will
flow within Iori than in Kyo.
BILLY CANE
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury series, KoF'95
Place of Birth : England
Heritage : British
Fighting Style : Bo/Staff Fighting
Age : 28
Height : 179 cm
Weight : 77 kg
Background Info : Billy is Geese's right-hand man. Geese sent him to join
Iori in hopes that he would defeat Terry once and for all. Even Billy has
his own reasons for revenge. Before Terry showed up, Billy was the champion,
only giving way to Geese, at the King of Fighters Tournament. However, he
fails to beat Terry, and even gets beaten up by Iori in the end. Geese
decides that in '96 he'll be in charge. Billy, surviving the beating from
Iori, lets his boss handle the '96 tournament. (See below for more info.)
EIJI KISARAGI
Original Game : Art of Fighting 2
Other Games : KoF'95
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Ninjitsu
Age : 28
Height : 172 cm
Weight : 70 kg
Background Info : Eiji joins the team for one purpose. He is the sworn
enemy of the Kyokugen School of Karate. He has his own goals, and Iori and
Billy are just pawns he's using to get to Ryo and his friends. It is implied
in AoF2 that he has a thing for Mai, but cannot seem to get anywhere with
her. However, if a relationship ever developed, there could be some serious
complications since their ninja clans are rivals. And Eiji believes that the
Kisaragi School of Ninjitsu is invincible (and he's not too bad either).
After his severe beating at the hands of Iori, he dissappeared, and his
whereabouts and status are unknown.
VICE
Original Game : KoF'95
Other Games : KoF'96
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Combination of Magatama and Orochi
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : Rugal had somehow siphoned some of the Orochi power. So
she was sent by the Orochi clan to watch him and see what was to happen. In
the process, she discovered Iori through the tournament and her mission was
to now awaken the Orochi powers within him. Unfortunately, the process made
him loose control and he turned on her and Mature.
MATURE
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF'96
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Combination of Magatama and Orochi
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : The Orochi was surprised that Rugal had been able to
survive a fight with him. Therefore, he sent Mature to keep an eye on him
and discover how this was possible. Through the tournament, she discovered
Kyo and his father Saisyu. Both would be valuable to the Orochi. But she
was only able to get Saisyu. To get Kyo, she turned to his rival Iori for
help (unknown to him of course).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
Iori is visited by two mysterious women, who, without warning, attack
him. While fighting one, the other says that he is a good fighter and that
they know of his rivalry with Kyo. "We can do each other a favor. We'll
help you finish Kyo and you help us win the tournament this year. How about
it?" Iori, who is only seeking revenge [I sense a Genjuro wannabe], tells
them that the tournament is of no interest to him, but he will help them.
"But Kyo is mine!" Now Iori has a new team...the real objectives of his
partners are unknown...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
In the last KoF tournament, the Orochi power was awakened within Iori
causing him to lose self control. He himself did not choose to enter this
year, but rather Chizuru who entered him in the tournament. His hatred for
Kyo is his main reason for agreeing to enter...he is determined to finish
this battle...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---THE LEGENDARY TRIO OF GAROU----------------------------------------------
TERRY BOGARD
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Southtown, USA
Heritage : American
Fighting Style : Hakyokusaken
Age : 24
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 77 kg
Background Info : Terry was one of two boys living on the streets picked up
by a great fighter named Jeff Bogard. He adopted Terry and another boy,
named Andy. (It is unclear whether or not Terry and Andy truly are brothers,
or just two unrelated kids Jeff picked up.) He intended to pass on his
knowledge of the Hakyokusaken fighting style to the two boys, but was
murdered under the order of Geese Howard, a rival pupil, before he could do
so. (In the Anime, it is Geese himself who murders Jeff, but the in the AoF
game, it is Takuma.) But his sensei, Tung Fu Rue was still alive. He
ordered Terry and Andy, at the time still young boys, to perfect their own
style of martial arts, then he would teach the better in order to get revenge
on Geese for the death of their father. Terry returned, proving to be the
better suited to learn the ways of Hakyokusaken, and eventually killed Geese.
But in the process, Tung Fu Rue died while teaching Terry the secret
techniques. The next year, Terry was faced with his strongest opponent yet.
Geese's half-brother, Wolfgang Krauser, was bent on destroying the man who
would be champion. Terry proved his worth, and Krauser commited suicide, not
allowed to live with the shame of defeat. Now Terry fights to increase his
skill level. He is the best there is, and joins Andy and Joe yet again in
the annual King of Fighters Tournament. He's glad that he's partners with
them now, rather than having to fight them in the tournament. (Incidentally,
Terry has adopted a kid in the Fatal Fury series, because Jeff did the same
for him. Terry's gloves are Jeff Bogard's, which is why he treasures them so
much.) Terry's involvement in the KoF'94 tournament was mainly brought about
through a woman. She was somehow connected to Rugal, and was being chased by
some of his men. Terry saved her, and entered to the tournament to find out
just what Rugal was after.
ANDY BOGARD
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury Series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Southtown, USA
Heritage : American (but spent much of his life in Japan)
Fighting Style : Kopoken
Age : 23
Height : 171 cm
Weight : 69 kg
Background Info : Andy was the other boy picked up off the streets and
adopted by Jeff Bogard. He went to Japan to train under the great Hanzo
Shirunui in the ways of Kapoken, a deadly close-in technique. There he met
Mai, Hanzo's granddaughter. They trained together as kids, but after ten
years, he left without a word. He was unsuited to learn the techniques of
Hakyokusaken because he could not learn to control his emotions. Rather he
was ruled by them, driven by his hatred for Geese. He developed a rivalry
with his older brother, always being second to him. Andy joins Terry and his
friend, Joe to prove that he is the better fighter. His rivalry with Terry
is a friendly one. He's also coping with his feelings for Mai. Although he
tries to deny that he loves her, he easily shows emotions of jealousy and
concern for her. In the latest Fatal Fury (Real Bout), they finally get to-
gether.
JOE HIGASHI
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese (but spent much of his life in Thailand)
Fighting Style : Muay Thai (Thai Kick-boxing)
Age : 23
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 72 kg
Background Info : Joe's the fun loving kickboxer who knows how to have a
good time. He's a showman, and is determined to show his audience how a real
fighter fights! He met Andy during a tournament while Andy was training.
Andy was the only one to beat the champion kickboxer. A legend in his time,
he's out to prove he's the hero and the best of the best. He is still the
current Kick-boxing champion. After a fight with Axel Hawk, he announced his
partners for the KoF'94 tournament to be Andy and Mai...unfortunately, Mai
didn't agree with his reasons for her being on the team, so Terry ended up in
her place...;)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
Terry at last arrives at the port where he will meet Andy and Joe for
the tournament. Far away, he sees two people waiting for him. But they are
not who he expected. Instead, they are Geese and Billy. "Very well, Terry.
This time I will be in the tournament and nothing will save you from your
destruction. Warn your brother and that Muay Thai exhibitionist!" After his
warning, Geese and Billy leave. Terry relates the incident to Andy and Joe,
and they agree that they will finish Geese once and for all. [The only
explanation I can give is a comic I saw relating to Geese surviving his fall
in Real Bout. This is not official, but funny nonetheless. As he drops, he
sommersaults and throws his air fireball, slowing his fall (and killing a
guy on the street), and lands safely on the roof of a car as Billy watches.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Learning from Blue Mary that Geese is still around and somehow
connected to this year's tournament, Terry joins with the eager Joe Higashi
and his not-so-enthusiastic brother, Andy once more.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---THE KYOKUGENRYU KARATE TEAM----------------------------------------------
RYO SAKAZAKI
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting series, KoF series, Fatal Fury Special
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese-American
Fighting Style : Kyokugenryu Karate
Age : 24
Height : 179 cm
Weight : 68 kg
Background Info : While he was still a child, his father suddenly
disappeared, leaving him in the care of Robert Garcia. His little knowledge
that his father did teach him in the ways of Kyoku-Gen Karate was enough of a
foundation for Robert to continue his training. But his sister, Yuri was
suddenly abducted, and he and Robert set out to rescue her. In the end, they
learned that it was Ryo's father, Takuma, who was behind it all. He was
working for Geese Howard, and had been the one to murder Jeff Bogard. He now
trains with Robert and Yuri under his father, and is determined that training
is the only way to be the best. But his father's training techniques leave a
lot to be desired. Takuma has decided that the tournament will be good for
his training. Unfortunately, Ryo doesn't think so. But, father knows best!
His symbol is a tiger.
ROBERT GARCIA
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Spain (although Mr. Big thought he was Italian)
Heritage : Spanish (but spent a lot of time in Italy)
Fighting Style : Kyokugenryu Karate
Age : 24
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 85 kg
Background Info : A son of a rich man, he was sent at an early age to learn
discipline through the martial arts. Takuma trained Robert in the ways of
Kyokugen Karate. But he suddenly disappeared, leaving Ryo and Yuri in his
care. The rest of his story is that of Ryo's. Dragged along with his friend
Ryo, Robert has a bad feeling about this training stuff. His symbol is a
dragon. He's currently going out with Yuri. Although in the latest Art of
Fighting (Gaiden), his relationship becomes questionable when a face from his
past (a woman's to be precise) shows up to interrupt a date he's having with
Yuri.
TAKUMA SAKAZAKI
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting 2, KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Kyokugenryu Karate
Age : 50
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 70 kg
Background Info : To motivate his two students, Mr. Karate joins them in the
tournament to prove that Kyokugen Karate cannot lose. (His story can be
pieced together from Ryo, Robert, and Yuri's.) In '96, he is tired, and
forces Yuri to join the team, so that they will prove once and for all that
Kyokugenryu Karate rules.
YURI SAKAZAKI
Original Game : Art of Fighting
Other Games : Art of Fighting Series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese-American
Fighting Style : Kyokugenryu Karate
Age : 20
Height : 168 cm
Weight : 50 kg
Background Info : (See All Female Fighting Team as well.) After Takuma's
attempts to further train Robert and Ryo, the two students have decided to
finally accept Yuri as their third team member. However, the questions that
arise are -- Can brother and sister stand each other long enough to gain
victory? And can Robert and Yuri keep their feelings from affecting their
fighting abilities?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
"Very well, Robert and Ryo. As I told you before, I am too tired to
join the tournament this year, but I have found someone to take my place,"
says Takuma to his students. "And that person is your sister, Ryo."
"What?!? I don't want to team up with her!" Ryo exclaims. "Don't worry,"
replies Takuma. "She didn't want to either, but I forced her. You two and
Robert must prove that Kyokugenryu Karate is the best in the world. When you
have finished with the tournament, you can solve your problems."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
A mysterous man attacks the Kyokugenryu Dojo, defeating everyone.
Takuma decides to go after this mysterious man, but before doing so, he
orders Ryo, Robert, and Yuri to uphold the Kyokugenryu Karate school's name
and win the tournament this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---THE PSYCHO SOLDIER TEAM--------------------------------------------------
ATHENA ASAMIYA
Original Game : Athena
Other Games : Psycho Soldier, KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese (but spent some of her life in China)
Fighting Style : Wu Shu
Age : 18
Height : 163 cm
Weight : 50 kg
Background Info : During a journey through China, Athena came across a fight
involving Kensou and an odd-looking fighter (so odd, that Kensou couldn't
stop laughing). Using this distraction, the other fighter began to easily
beat Kensou, at which point, Athena stepped in and showed her stuff. She was
introduced to Kensou's master, Chin. Later, she recieved an invitation to a
fight tournament. However, it required teams of three. Immediately she
thought of Kensou and Chin and the three began their quest to bring justice
to the world. She was Kyo's classmate in high school by the way.
SIE KENSOU
Original Game : Psycho Soldier
Other Games : KoF series
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese (but spent some of his life in China)
Fighting Style : Combination Kung Fu and Wu Shu
Age : 19
Height : 172 cm
Weight : 61 kg
Background Info : Claiming to be Athena's boyfriend (she doesn't agree), he
joins with her and Chin in their quest for justice. An orphan, he was raised
by Chin, and taught to focus his chi into psychic forces. Meeting Athena by
chance at a tournament, he has since fallen for her. After meeting her, he
began going to the same school as her and Kyo.
CHIN GENZAI
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF'95
Place of Birth : China
Heritage : Chinese
Fighting Style : Kung Fu
Age : 89
Height : 164 cm
Weight : 53 kg
Background Info : Athena and Sie's sensei, this drunk old man hopes to
defeat evil in time to eat dinner with his wife. His chi is focused through
his sake jug!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
While Athena and Sie are training for the '96 tournament, Chin is in
a nearby bar...training his own way. There he overhears a conversation of
some people. "This year the tournament is going to be very popular. There
are more people and all fights are going to be televised. Everyone says that
all the best fighters in the world are going to show up." After hearing all
this, Chin wonders who the sponser of this year's tournament is, since Rugal
destroyed himself. "I better go train with the kids...something tells me
that this year something bad is going to happen..."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
The trio had no plans of joining this years competition. However,
Athena recieved a letter from a fan who moved deeply, making her realize that
her efforts brought courage to other people. With (an easily convinced)
Kensou, they go to their master, Chin, to pursuade him in taking part in this
year's tournament.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---THE LEGENDARY WARRIORS OF IKARI------------------------------------------
HEIDERN
Original Game : Ikari Warriors III (appears briefly to give Ralf and Clark
their mission)
Other Games : KoF'94, KoF'95
Place of Birth : Hell...er...Germany
Heritage : Unknown (he has no accent, and where he spent his life training
and who he owes allegiance to is undocumented)
Fighting Style : Green Beret Training
Age : 43
Height : 192 cm
Weight 90 kg
Background Info : Heidern had been fighting Rugal, when Rugal sliced out his
eye. Trying to stop the fight, Heidern's wife, Sandra, and daughter, Clara,
stepped between them. Heidern watched in horror, as Rugal slaughtered them.
After learning of the KoF tournament, being held under the sponsorship of
Rugal, he went in search of two former mercenaries who had worked for him,
and asked them to join his battle. With the death of Rugal, there is no
longer a reason for him to be in the tournament, so he assigns Leona in his
place.
RALF
Original Game : Ikari Warriors
Other Games : Ikari Warriors series, KoF series
Place of Birth : Brazil or Argentina
Heritage : Brazilian or Argentinian
Fighting Style : Armed Forces Training & Native American Wrestling
Age : 39
Height : 188 cm
Weight : 90 kg
Background Info : Ralf and Clark had been on a mission in Brazil, when their
helicopter when down (their stage in '94). While they were working their way
out of the jungle (and after a brief incident with Clark revealing Ralf's
distaste for snakes), a leopard attacked them, but was stopped by Heidern.
He gave them an invitation to join him in the KoF tournament. The Brazilian
soldier of fortune agreed to join up with Heidern and his partner Clark on
their toughest mission yet. He has learned to focus his chi into fists of
flame. He owes allegiance to no country, but rather works as a mercenary for
hire.
CLARK
Original Game : Ikari Warriors
Other Games : Ikari Warriors series, KoF series
Place of Birth : America
Heritage : American (but may have spent time in Brazil or Argentina)
Fighting Style : Armed Forces Training & Native American Wrestling
Age : 34
Height : 187 cm
Weight : 89 kg
Background Info : He goes along with his partner Ralf in helping Heidern get
revenge. The combination of his Armed Forces Training and Native American
Wrestling Style make him a formidable opponent. "Hey!" Like Ralf, he owes
allegiance to no country, and works as a mercenary for hire.
LEONA
Original Game : KoF'96
Other Games : KoF'97
Place of Birth : Brazil (?)
Heritage : Amazonian
Fighting Style : Combination of Green Beret Training and Amazonian styles
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : At the age a young age, her Orochi blood was awakened, and
she wiped out her entire family. Later, she was found in the jungle by
Heidern who took it upon himself to train and raise her. Now, she undertakes
the role as the third team member, replacing her mentor, in the latest King
of Fighters tournament. The blood of the Orochi flows in her veins.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
With the new invitations to the KoF tournament, and the imminent
participation of Geese Howard, the Legendary Warriors of Ikari prepare them-
selves to go to the competition and see why Geese is there. But Heidern
tells them, "I'm sorry, boys, but with Rugal's destruction, I have no reason
for joining the tournament. Yes, I know the tournament requires teams of
three, so I have called a trusted friend. Her name is Leona, and I have
trained her personnally." The idea of a woman in the team does not sit well
with Ralf or Clark. But Heidern says, "Don't underestimate her 'till you
see what she can do..."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
During a mission, Leona comes across a child which awakens memories
within her. This leads to the failure of her mission and she gets
temporarily suspended. Ralf tries to get her mind off it by entering them
into this year's tournament.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---KOREA'S STRANGEST TEAM---------------------------------------------------
KIM KAP HWAN
Original Game : Fatal Fury 2
Other Games : Fatal Fury Special, Real Bout, KoF series, Samurai Shodown 2
Place of Birth : Korea
Heritage : Korean
Fighting Style : Tae Kwon Do
Age : 30
Height : 176 cm
Weight : 78 kg
Background Info : Out to show the world justice, the Korean way, Kim
recruits two former convicts and trains them for the tournaments. After his
sons received the invitation for the KoF'94 tournament, he was stunned to
learn that it required a team of three members. However, his sons had been
watching television at the time, and reports of a Korean, "Jack the Ripper"
and a ball and chain bearing convict had just escaped from prison. Of course
his first thoughts were to improve their much lacking skills and train them
on his quest for Korean justice! Much to their reluctance, Kim (ever so
forcefully) recruited them and brought them into his home...much to the
dismay of his wife and kids. His championship Tae Kwon Do skills are
unmatched. He is a good friend of Terry Bogard, and looks forward to
fighting him in the tournament. Of course Joe Higashi believes that he's the
champ, and he has to be defeated first!!! He's looking to show his sons that
his father can fight the best. In the '95 tournament, he further improved
his teammates' skills. And after they almost ran away, they have now earned
their uniforms in the '96 tournament.
CHANG KOEHAN
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF series
Place of Birth : Korea
Heritage : Korean
Fighting Style : Variation of Tae Kwon Do
Age : 39
Height : 227 cm
Weight : 203 kg
Background Info : After escaping from prison, he was invited into Kim's home
to join him as a teammate in the KoF'94 tournament. After a brief flick of
nasal blockage on the part of Chang followed by a sound beating from Kim,
Chang was conviced, unhappily, to join the team.
CHOI BOUNGE
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF series
Place of Birth : Korea
Heritage : Korean
Fighting Style : Variation of Tae Kwon Do
Age : 36
Height : 153 cm
Weight : 44 kg
Background Info : Terrorizing the streets of Korea as their version of "Jack
the Ripper," Kim found him and (after a quick bonk on the head) brought him
into his home to train along with Chang. Unconvinced of Kim's abilities, he
challenged the Tae Kwon Do master and received a painful proof (as did Chang
who has no idea why he was beat up for Choi's defiance). Now he (unwilling-
ly) joins Kim's crusade...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
Chang and Choi have suffered like no one in the last two years. Both
prefer to be in prison rather than continue training with Kim. "That lunatic
never lets us rest. Day after day, we do nothing but train. I hope that
this will be over soon." Suddenly, Kim arrives and tells them about the
invitation to the tournament and says, "This will be our last tournament
together. We have been training very hard and this year, we will show them
the power of Tae Kwon Do. I hope that doesn't make you feel bad to know that
when the tournament is over, we will seperate." (Of course not! That news
makes them very happy...and makes Kim wonder.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Kim, still unconvinced that his two students are cleansed, continues
to train them. However, a TV station comes and asks to do a documentary on
them. Kim decides that the upcoming KoF tournament would be a perfect place
to demonstrate his success with the two.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---THE SPORTS HEROES TEAM---------------------------------------------------
HEAVY D
Original Game : KoF'94 (supposedly an SNK boxing game, but I haven't seen it)
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : Bronx, USA
Heritage : American
Fighting Style : Boxing
Age, Height, Weight : '95 Stats. unknown
Background Info : Heavy D was approached by Lucky to join him in the King of
Fighters '94 tournament. His boxing career was heading no where, and the
streets weren't enough of a challenge for him. He agreed and joined the
team.
LUCKY GLAUBER
Original Game : KoF'94 (he's from an early SNK basketball game, but I can't
remember the name)
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : Harlem, USA
Heritage : American
Fighting Style : Karate/Basketball
Age, Height, Weight : '95 Stats. unknown
Background Info : A great basketball player, he trained himself in karate,
and took up street fighting in his spare time. Recieving an invitation for
the tournament, he called up his two friends to join him.
BRIAN BATTLER
Original Game : Football Frenzy (he wears the uniform of one of the teams)
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : USA
Heritage : American
Fighting Style : Street Fighting/Football
Age, Height, Weight : '95 Stats. unknown
Background Info : His football skills are unmatched. And from them, he
learned to fight. However, his love was still in football, and after the
KoF'94 tournament, he went back to football. Unfortunately for the team, his
team was in the Superbowl and was unable to take part in the KoF'95
tournament, preventing the other two from entering for lack of a third
member.
Note : These three don't really come from a previous game, but rather are
representatives of some of SNK's sports games. The original game listed is
the game which they represent.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Note :
The team makes a surprise appearance in one of the backgrounds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---HISTORY'S MOST EVIL TRIO-------------------------------------------------
GEESE HOWARD
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury Special, 3, Real Bout, KoF series, AoF series
Place of Birth : Unknown
Heritage : American
Fighting Style : Hakyokusaken
Age : 43 (KoF'96 info)
Height : 183 cm (KoF'96 info)
Weight : 82 kg (KoF'96 info)
Background Info : Geese makes his first real appearance (FFSpecial does not
tie into the stories) since his supposed death in Fatal Fury. In KoF'94 his
brief appearance acknowledges the fact that he's back and wants revenge on
Terry and Andy. In '95, he sends Billy to do the dirty work, but Billy fails
leaving Geese to clean up. Geese implies that he will be in charge, and
does take charge as sponser in Real Bout, and as part of the new team in KoF
'96. Secretly, Geese is just using Mr. Big and Krauser to find out the
secrets of the power of Orochi.
MR. BIG
Original Game : AoF
Other Games : AoF series, KoF'96
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : ?
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : He works as one of Geese's main men. An underworld boss,
yet still under Geese's power. He is known for the many women who serve him.
WOLFGANG KRAUSER
Original Game : Fatal Fury 2
Other Games : Fatal Fury Special, KoF series
Place of Birth : Germany
Heritage : German
Fighting Style : House of Stroheilm (sp?)
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : One of the most ruthless men to ever sit at the head of his
family, Krauser is the half-brother of Geese. He killed his own father at
the age of 15 and took over the family. Nearly killing Terry Bogard and Joe
Higashi, he became known as one of the strongest fighters. But Terry fought
back, and unable to live with the disgrace of losing, Krauser supposedly
commited suicide. But his cameo appearance in KoF'94 showed him to be very
much alive and hungry for revenge. He now joins his half-brother and Mr. Big
in the latest tournament.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOF'96 STORY :
Billy Cane wasn't very happy that his boss, Geese, decided to take
part in this tournament with Mr. Big and Krauser. "You know that I want to
avenge myself from that @$$ Iori, boss." Geese tells Billy not to worry, he
will have time for revenge, after he has achieved his plans. Once united,
the three most feared fighters agree. "Okay," says Mr. Big. "We will help
you finish off the Bogards, but I hope you will at least give me the pleasure
of finishing off the Sakazakis." Geese smiles, "With pleasure." He laughs,
but not because he will be free of the Bogards, but because he is using Big
and Krauser to achieve an even more perverse goal...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---OROCHI'S POWER TEAM------------------------------------------------------
NANSAKE YASHIRO
Original Game : KoF'97
Other Games : None
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Orochi - Power of Earth
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : A descendant of the Orochi user of Earth.
SHERMIE
Original Game : KoF'97
Other Games : None
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Orochi - Power of Lightning
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : A descendant of the Orochi user of Lightning.
CHRIS
Original Game : KoF'97
Other Games : None
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Orochi - Power of Flame
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : A descendant of the Orochi user of Flame. It is unknown
whether he has the power of the moon or sun. It is rumored that he has both
and is the most powerful in the bloodline of the Orochi (which may explain
why he is the one to become Orochi in the final battle).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Their concert was cancelled as a result of a red-haired man in a
rival band. As they were discussing this, a commercial for the KoF
tournament came on and showed a picture of the same red-haired man entering
the tournament. Stealing entries for the KoF tournament, they enter with
revenge on their minds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---'97 TEAM SPECIAL---------------------------------------------------------
BILLY KANE
Original Game : Fatal Fury
Other Games : Fatal Fury Series, KoF'95, KoF'97
Place of Birth : England
Heritage : British
Fighting Style : Bo Fighting
Age : 28
Height : 179 cm
Weight : 77 kg
Background Info : With Geese's interest in the power of Orochi ressurected,
he sends Billy once again to observe Iori. But this time, he sends him with
Yamazaki and Blue Mary. Billy, however, is none too thrilled about this.
RYUJI YAMAZAKI
Original Game : Fatal Fury 3
Other Games : Real Bout Fatal Fury, Real Bout Fatal Fury Special, KoF'97
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Ware-Ryu Kenka Karate (Self-styled Fighting Karate)
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : A bodyguard for the Chon Shu twins, he helped them try to
acquire the secret scrolls. They were unsuccessful. Later, striking out on
his own this time, he once again made the attempt to gain the knowledge held
in the secret scrolls. He failed again. He has a slight hatred for Geese,
because both times it had been Geese Howard who stood in his way. At first
reluctant to join a team under Geese's "dog," he changed his mind with plans
of his own.
BLUE MARY
Original Game : Fatal Fury 3
Other Games : Real Bout Fatal Fury, Real Bout Fatal Fury Special, KoF'97
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Sanbo
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : On a mission of her own, she joins Billy's team to discover
what Yamazaki is up to. Within the tournament, there is another target she
must contact. She has some interests in Terry Bogard.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Geese, still intrigued by Iori's powers, sends Billy to enter the
tournament again. This time, he sends him to join Ryuji Yamazaki and Blue
Mary.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---KYO'S PUPIL--------------------------------------------------------------
SHINGO YABUKI
Original Game : KoF'97
Other Games : None
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Magatama (unperfected)
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : As a second year high school student, Shingo witnessed an
awesome display of power from an elder student. Asking to become his pupil,
he was at first rejected, but later, that senior changed his mind. The
senior decided it would be a good way to kill time and to have someone run
his errands for him. Months later, Shingo witnessed another display of moves
which he jotted all down in his notebook. He vows to someday become as
powerful as his his senior, learning all the techniques. His main goal is to
be able to throw the same powerful flames used my his senior, Kyo Kusanagi.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KoF'97 Story :
Hoping to put what he's learned to use and to hopefully come one step
closer to Kyo, he is able to gain entry into the KoF'97 tournament as a
single entry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---KOF'S FINAL CHALLENGERS--------------------------------------------------
RUGAL B
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : Unknown
Heritage : Unknown
Age, Height, Weight : See Omega Rugal
Fighting Style : Combination of Geese (Hakyokusaken), Krauser, and Orochi
Background Info : Rugal claims to be the best fighter, making trophies out
of those that he defeats. However, he is defeated by a mysterious foe. He
is somehow able to survive with but the lost of one eye. Trying to regain
face, he holds a tournament, inviting the best fighters in the world. He
tries to make trophies out of those that enter the KoF Tournament. But fails
and tries to kill his foes by commiting suicide (blowing up his ship).
SAISHU KUSANAGI
Original Game : KoF'94
Other Games : KoF'95
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : Magatama
Age : 50
Height : 177 cm
Weight : 68 kg
Background Info : Saishu is Kyo's father, and the current head of the
Kusanagi clan. He challenges Rugal, but is defeated and supposedly killed.
He comes back in '95 under Rugal's control. After being defeated, he
disappears, still alive and back to himself. He leaves Kyo to find his own
destiny, for their greatest battle is still to come.
OMEGA RUGAL
Original Game : KoF'95
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : depths of revenge
Heritage : Unknown (possibly demonic)
Fighting Style : Same as Rugal B
Age : ?
Height : 197 cm
Weight : 103 kg
Background Info : With his approaching death, the Orochi power within him is
awakened, and allows him to survive his suicide attempt. It turns out that
he was only able to survive his fight with the mysterious man because he was
able to siphon some of the power. With this new found power, he looks to
vengeance and once again holds the KoF tournament. However, he is unable to
control his new power and is overwhelmed and destroyed by it.
CHIZURU KAGURA
Original Game : KoF'96
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : Japan
Heritage : Japanese
Fighting Style : The Ancient Art of Kagura (see below)
Age : 22
Height : 169 cm
Weight : 52 kg
Background Info : She and her twin sister were the guardians of the seal of
Orochi. However, a man named Goenitz killed her sister and the seal was
broken, freeing the power of the Orochi. Now, eight years later, the power
has grown and must be sealed off once more. Kagura decides to hold a
tournament to find the most powerful fighters to aid her in sealing off the
Orochi once more. Her fighting style, the Ancient Art of Kagura, finds its
origins in the Ancient Art of Yata, protector of the Mirror of Yata.
GOENITZ
Original Game : KoF'96
Other Games : none
Place of Birth : Unknown
Heritage : most likely Japanese
Fighting Style : Power of Orochi - User of Wind
Age : 41
Height : 193 cm
Weight : 88 kg
Background Info : At the age of 18, he killed Kagura's twin sister in order
to free the power of the Orochi and use it himself. However, Rugal was able
to steal some of the power as it was released. Goenitz was curious to see
what the power would do to a normal human. So he let him live with only the
loss of an eye. To keep an eye on him, he sent Mature and Vice as spies.
Now his time has come to show the world what the power of the Orochi truly
is...
OROCHI
Original Game : KoF'97
Other Games : Mentioned throughout the KoF series
Place of Birth : ?
Heritage : ?
Fighting Style : Orochi
Age : ?
Height : ?
Weight : ?
Background Info : A powerful being, he looks to speed up the desire of the
human race...their self-destruction. Every ten years (a hundred to him), he
comes to the physical plane of the Earth to fulfill this duty. However, the
greatest fighters have always been there to stop him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---GENERAL INFORMATION------------------------------------------------------
Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting are two of SNK's popular fighting game
series. Currently there are five FF games and three AoF games. Athena
(described below) is an early SNK shooter (before NeoGeo) as is Psycho
Soldier which is a sidescroller. Ikari Warriors games are described below as
well.
Athena : This is a side scrolling platform game (translated to the
NES) where you control the goddess Athena. She has grown tired of her life
on Olympus and decides to do some adventuring in the "Fantasy World." In
this realm she can pick up various weapons (bows and arrows, swords, morning
stars, etc.) and armor, and special items (that give her wings or turn her
into a mermaid) and she fights mythological creatures. She looks nothing
like her KoF counterpart, nor does she act like it, but if you have seen some
of the load up screens for the NeoGeo CD Special, some of the pictures are of
her from the Athena game.
Ikari Warriors : There were three parts released..the first was a
long game, lasting several hours of intense shooting. Hop into tanks, toss
grenades, nail frogmen under water...and the game might have been the first
to implement a twist-top controller, allowing the player character to swivel
independently of his movements. The sequel was called Victory Road. In the
third installment, the game was changed to a side scroller, with big
character graphics, and an emphasis on close-combat punching and kicking.
Incidentally, the true Japanese translation of the names of the two warriors
were Vince and Paul. But were changed to Ralf and Clark in the American re-
lease. Also, both looked like Ralf, but for the KoF game, the second players
appearance was changed, to give Clark a better seperate identity from Ralf.
Magatama/Orochi powers : The style of fighting used by Kyo, Iori, Saishu, and
Goenitz is an ancient art with secret techniques, all numbered. Within these
styles, are four basic styles, which are further broken up into more styles.
Goenitz and Saishu are two of the four masters. Goenitz is the master of the
Wind, while Saishu is the master of Fire. Kyo and Iori are both students of
Fire. Their powers are derived from the contrasting Sun and Moon. Kyo's
basis is the Sun, while Iori's, the Moon. The other two techniques are Earth
and Lightning.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FIGHTING STYLES :
Some of you are probably curious as to know a little bit more about the style
of fighting each character uses, so here's a brief description of these
styles.
* Kung Fu : There are many styles of Kung Fu, from monkey to tiger to preying
mantis to eagle. Developed by Shaolin monks in a secluded monastery, this
fighting form borrows much from the wisdom of animals and human sages. Kung
Fu draws philosophies and styles from the vast panorama of Chinese history
and myth.
* Muay Thai : The power of this art is in the legs, and kickboxers develop
powerful legs indeed. While this style is not very mobile, it has blindingly
fast combinations.
* Native American Wrestling : This art was developed as a wrestling game
among Native American tribes. It relies on physical prowess and a spirit
attuned to nature.
* Shotokan Karate/Kyokugenryu Karate : A style involving hard blows and
kicks, they are deadly fighting arts developed in Japan. Their moves are
straightfoward and deceptively simple. Most practitioners wear a gi, a sort
of loose jacket and pants.
* Special (Armed) Forces Training : This is commando training, designed to
incapacitate an opponent quickly. It evolved from a hodgepodge of arts,
including boxing, jiu-jitsu, karate, etc. It involves many surprise blows.
* Wu Shu : A wild, acrobatic and showy art developed in China. There are
many substyles of Wu Shu, and many practitioners enter the Chinese Olympics
to compete.
* Ninjitsu : Unlike Karate, Ninjitsu does not train a fighter to take down an
opponent with one powerful punch. Ninjas work their opponents into fatigue,
and expose them to telling blows. Using techniques to baffle and confuse
their targets, fighters often lose sight of their ninjitsu opponents. Weapon
training is also a large part of ninjitsu skills.
* Tae Kwon Do : This art involves powerful kicks above all else. Power,
grace and speed are all combined to make this art both deadly and beautiful.
Aerial displays are often the trademark of a style born in Korea.
* Judo : This style of fighting involves many throws and holds. Often the
practitioner will use the opponent's momentum against them. Tumbles and
rolling strikes are also common techniques.
* Boxing : Classic heavyweight boxing is a favorite American sport. It
relies on devastating punches to knock an opponent into submission. Boxers
have very fast hands and can deliver punishing blows. They've also learned
how to protect themselves from similar injury.
* Bo/Staff Fighting : A combination of Karate with the use of a Bo or staff,
this style is great for long range attacks. Keeping distance between the
practitioner and opponent is to the advantage of the practitioner.
* Kopoken : A deadly close-in technique that requires quick, forceful move-
ments. The users of this art must be fast, often using multiple open palm or
ridge-hand strikes at close range. Quick KO's are a trademark of this style.
* Hakyokusaken/House of Strolheim : This technique requires the user to be in
perfect harmony with his surroundings. The focus of the user's chi is an
essential part of the fighting style. Powerful energy attacks are part of
art's usage.
* Magatama : A mysterious form developed by the Kusanagis and Yagamis. This
art combines elements from Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and the use of
dark chi. It has many techniques, each numbered. No single fighter has
mastered them all. The fiery chi produced from the attacks are its
signature. A very deadly form.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OTHER FAQS :
* Which characters come from another game, and which game?
See the above descriptions of each character.
* Did Rugal die at the end of KoF'94?
Technically, yes, he did. He tried to kill his opponents by
commiting suicide by blowing up his carrier. But in KoF'95 he is ressurected
with cybernetic parts. He is also possessed by the Orochi power he was able
to siphon, but he could not control the power, being overwhelmed by it and
eventually destroyed by it.
* Did Rugal kill Saishu in KoF'94?
Yes, he did. In the intermission before the fight with Rugal for
Japan's team, Kyo finds his dad utterly defeated by Rugal. But Rugal
ressurects Saishu in '95 and uses some form of mind control to control him.
He is still alive, but his whereabouts are unknown.
* What's the Kyo/Iori story?
1800 years ago, the evil Orochi Yamatano was silenced by the fists of
Kusanagi, Hasshaku and the power of Magatama. In a bitter dispute, the
Hasshaku family broke legion with the Kusanagi clan. 660 years of battle
followed.
The Hasshakus, seeking domination and a life of earthly pleasure,
allied with the Orochi family in a blood contract, rising in terror under the
name of Yagami.
Behind the scenes, the dreaded Yagami clan manipulated the power
holders of time, buffeting all good souls with winds of chaos. In the
shadows of history, the Yagamis collided with the Kusanagis continuously.
And now, the final battle is set to take place......
1995 Kyo and Iori meet to battle it out!
Japan's legendary myth of the Yamata no Orochi is a story where an
eight-headed dragon trys to destroy the country. But the true fact is, it
was not an eight-headed dragon that was endangering all of Japan, but eight
fierce warriors. Thank god for the country, the power of the demonic
warriors were entrapped by three brave clans, the Yagami, Kusanagi, and Yata
(Kagura). The Orochi power was then sealed into the bodies of the Yata clan,
whom from then on were always born as twins.
Even up to the modern day, the seal has been guarded by the three
clans, or so everyone thought. Eight years before the KoF'96 tournament,
Kagura Chizuru's twin sister was killed, and in the process, the power of the
Orochi was released. The killer was an 18 year old named Goenitz, one of the
decendants of the four fiercest bosses of the eight Orochi warriors.
Unfortunately for Goenitz, a 25 year old by the name of Rugal stole
some of the Orochi power as it was freed. Goenitz, being a cool man, even at
his age, decided to see what would happen if a normal human being possessed
the Orochi power. So he let Rugal live with but the loss of an eye. In
order to keep an eye on him, he sent two other decendants of the Orochi clan
to spy on him. Their names were Vice and Mature.
Around the same time, a green haired little girl who also carried the
Orochi blood suddenly went ballistic and wiped out her entire family. She
was later adopted by a tall, one-eyed soldier named Heidern.
Eight years after the massacre, Chizuru opens a tournament to find
the fiercest fighters of the world in order to stop Goenitz and the rest of
the Orochi clan. After a bloody fight, Goenitz returns to the skies. But
this is not the end, only a new beginning. There is more to come as three of
the Orochi bosses carry on their ambition to rid the world of the sinful
mankind...
* Which characters have air specials in '95?
Only two are confirmed, Ryo and Kim. But in the All-About King of
Fighters '95 Book, they have Robert, Mai, and Sie doing theirs as well. This
has yet to be confirmed. I have actually done Robert's barely off the ground
but have been unable to do the other two's. Check out my game FAQ to find
out how to do theirs. Ryo's and Kim's POW specials are done the same way in
the air as on the ground.
* What's in the gamest mooks?
KoF'94 Mook -> 206 pages; gives character info, art, background,
stats, moves (damage levels, execution time, scoring), voice transcriptions,
dialogue, strategy, tricks (i.e. abbreviated motions), planning info (reject-
ed team designs, character design ideas, intro storyboards), fan art, poster.
KoF'95 Graphic Manual -> 144 pages; stats, stories, photos of every
possible move, play system, relationship chart.
KoF'95 Mook -> 352 pages; fan art, play system, stats, stories,
design art, demo storyboards, voice transcriptions, text, attack levels,
scoring, execution, movement speeds, distances, info on just about every form
of movement and attack.
* What's in the All-About King of Fighters '95 Book?
I don't know since I don't have it.
* What's in the Guide to King of Fighters '95 book?
Screenshots of special moves, lots more info than the gamest mook,
stats on every special move (damage, speed, etc.), stats on characters, lots
of tips, sketches of characters laid out during design, and interviews.
* Is there an anime out?
It is rumored that one is in the works, but isn't officially
confirmed. It would be nice if it was done by Masami Oobari (Fatal Fury
animes; Gowcaizer game and anime).
* Are there any mangas?
There are a lot, but I hear that most have only average artwork and
terrible stories. I have the King of Fighters '94 mangas which were put out
by Kadokawa Comics. It's decent art...don't know about the story, but it
seems pretty entertaining from the pics. There are also some doujinshi's
(which are unofficial, humorous stories based on the characters) out in
collected volumes labelled KoF'94, '95, '96 Anthology.
* What happened to King of Fighters Remix?
I haven't got a clue...
* What other FAQs are out?
I have a FAQ out for KoF'95, which should be found at most of the
usual sites or through me. The KoF'94 FAQ is in multiple parts, done by
Galen Komatsu (
[email protected]). There's this FAQ, which you're reading.
A combo list and Team China FAQ from BBH (
[email protected] or
[email protected]).
And I have seen at least two other game FAQs floating out there...but I'm
sure there are a lot more. I also did a speech translation list with all the
start, taunt, win, and lose character speeches. Currently, I'm working on
the KoF'96 FAQ. There's also a KoF'96 combo FAQ. I've got a KoF'97 FAQ and
there are quite a number of other KoF'97 FAQs out as well.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRIVIA QUESTIONS :
1. Which five fighters all attended the same school at one time?
2. How many people in the game have or are rumored to have Orochi blood in
them?
3. The legendary myth of the Yamata no Orochi is also used as a basis for
another popular SNK series. However, they are eight devils rather
than warriors. Which game is this?
4. What kind of outfit does Kyo wear?
5. Which characters have been in all but one King of Fighters tournament?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INFO LACKING/NEEDED :
- Anything you care to contribute will be helpful.
- Anything missing or that you think is necessary.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRIVIA ANSWERS :
I'll give them with the next update, or you can e-mail me for them.
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END OF KING OF FIGHTERS GENERAL INFORMATION FAQ (C)1996, 1997 JGPALANCA
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