The King of Fighters 2002 (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ2002) is an entry in the The King of Fighters series that was originally released on the Neo Geo arcade hardware by SNK. It is the second of two King of Fighters games to be developed by the Korean company Eolith in conjunction with former SNK employees at BrezzaSoft following the closure of the original SNK. The Sega Dreamcast version of the game was released exclusively in Japan on June 2003. It was the last game in the series to be officially released for a Sega console.
The game is a team fighting game. It is the ninth installment in The King of Fighters series. Like the earlier The King of Fighters '98, the game is a non-canonical "Dream Match" entry with no story. Though it is the last game in the NESTS Chronicles era of the series, it discards the defining elements of the previous three games, most notably the Striker system and the four-character teams, and returns to the three-on-three battles of the Orochi Saga games. It regains the "Max mode" last seen in King of Fighters '98, though it provides different benefits, and adds Max2 Super Special moves, a higher level of super moves that are usually more elaborate.
As before, the playable characters are divided into multiple teams of three, though players can form a custom team consisting of any combination of characters (but not the same character more than once). Before each match, players arrange the team members in any order. For the first round of the match, the first member of each team fights. When a character is defeated, the following member of the team takes his or her place in the next round, while the character on the opposing team continues to fight and has a small portion of health restored (more health is restored if the round is completed faster). The match ends when all three members of either team are defeated.
Characters move with and and crouch with . They backstep or run with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . They can perform short hops by pressing , , or , followed by quickly. They can "super jump" (a faster and farther jump, trailed by afterimages) by pressing , then or quickly. Characters can perform a weak punch with , a strong punch with , a weak kick with , or a strong kick with . Each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves that can be performed by the player with a specific series of button inputs. Characters have knockdown attacks, which knock the opponent over, that are performed with +. This can be done while standing or jumping.
Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. They can perform an evasive slide with + to slide forwards or ++ to slide backwards (or ++ when facing left). They are invulnerable during the slide and can move through opponents when they are close. Pressing any punch or kick button during a slide causes the character to perform a quick, short-ranged counterattack when coming out of the slide.
Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent. Low attacks must be blocked crouching, while high attacks (including most jumping attacks) must be blocked standing. Special moves still do partial damage when blocked. Characters can also block special moves and aerial attacks (but not grounded normal moves or Super Special moves) in midair from a neutral or backwards jump (but not a forwards jump). If characters block too much, they become guard crushed and their guard breaks for a moment; a red border flashes around the health gauge before this happens. While blocking, characters can guard cancel into a slide by pressing + or guard cancel into a counterattack by pressing +. Guard cancels cost a stock of the power gauge. Throws can be performed by holding or and pressing a strong punch or kick button when next to the opponent. Different characters have different throws available to them. Throws cannot be blocked, but they can be escaped by pressing + at the start of the grab. Characters can also recover from a knockdown and roll away quickly by pressing + upon landing.
The power gauge is filled by attacking the opponent with normal attacks (but not throws) or by performing special moves (regardless of whether they connect with the opponent). When the gauge is filled, it is kept in stock and reset, up to three times. Characters can use one stock of the gauge to perform a guard cancel or a Super Special move or two stocks to perform a Max Super Special move. Some special moves can be canceled into Super Special moves (and some Super Special moves can only be performed if they are canceled from another move). Characters can also use a stock of the gauge to enter "Max mode" by pressing + (or ). This causes the character to glow for a duration and do reduced damage, but special moves can be canceled into other moves (at the cost of reducing the time remaining in Max mode), allowing for longer and more damaging combos. While in Max mode, Super Special moves can be done without costing an additional stock of the gauge, Max Super Special moves can be done for one additional stock of the gauge, and Max2 Super Special moves can be done for one additional stock of the gauge but can only be done when the character's health is low and flashing. Performing any Super Special move ends Max mode.
Characters can taunt with , which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack.
Modes
Continue service
Gallery
The game has the following modes:
Team Play: A single-player mode where the player forms a team of any three characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against five randomly selected teams, then a mid-boss fight against a single member of the NESTS Team and a final boss fight against Omega Rugal, for a total of 7 matches. Before each match, the player can choose the order in which team members appear and choose between two different teams to face as opponents (except when facing the bosses). This is the main mode.
Team Vs.: A two-player mode where each player forms a team of any three characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match.
Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against six individual opponents, then a mid-boss fight against a single member of the NESTS Team and a final boss fight against Omega Rugal, for a total of 7 matches. Before each match, the player can choose between two different opponents (except when facing the bosses). Matches are fought to the best of three rounds.
Single Vs.: A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match.
Practice: A training mode where the player can choose any character, any opponent, and any stage. There are several options to adjust the opponent's stance (standing, crouching, jumping, jumping forward, or moving automatically) and behavior (guarding, countering, or attacking). There is no time limit, and there are options for each player to keep the life or power gauges full. Taunting can show a movelist, cause the opponent to walk forward, or restart the match.
Challenge: A single-player challenge mode with three sub-modes. The Team Attack mode is unlocked after completing the Team Play mode, the Single Attack mode is unlocked after completing the Single Play mode, and the Time Attack mode is unlocked after completing the Team Attack and Single Attack modes. Team Attack and Single Attack are both survival modes where the player fights a series of opponents in one-round matches and only recovers partial health after each match. The game ends if the player loses a match. The player chooses a single character to play in Single Attack and a team of three characters in Team Attack. The Time Attack mode has 40 missions in which the player chooses a character and must defeat a certain number of opponents within a time limit.
Gallery: A gallery of artwork for the game. A character's artwork is unlocked after defeating him or her in the Single Attack mode.
"Roulette" team members can be chosen by holding START on the character select screen and pressing , , , or . Team slots that are selected this way are given random characters on every match.
In the Team Play or Single Play modes, a second player can enter the game for a challenge match by pressing START on a second control pad. There are eight difficulty levels (Beginner, Easy, Normal, MVS, Hard, Very Hard, Hardest, Expert), and there is an option to set the number of rounds needed to win in the single play modes (1, 2, or 3). The game ends if the player loses a match but can be continued an unlimited number of times. When continuing a game, the player can optionally choose a bonus to help with the current match, such as starting with a full power gauge or reducing the health of the opponent.
Characters
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
P
Any punch button
LP
Light punch
HP
Hard punch
K
Any kick button
LK
Light kick
HK
Hard kick
The game returns to the three-character teams of the Orochi Saga games, dropping several of the new characters from the NESTS Chronicles games. Each King of Fighters entry from The King of Fighters '96 to The King of Fighters 2001 has its own team to represent it.
The King of Fighters '99 Team
A team representing the protagonists of the NESTS Chronicles, who debuted in The King of Fighters '99.
K'
The protagonist of the NESTS Chronicles. K' (pronounced "K Dash") is a young man who was captured and experimented on by the shadowy criminal organization NESTS and injected with Kyo Kusanagi's DNA to give him similar pyrokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ein Trigger
P
K' swings his arm and forms in a ring of fire in front of him. Before it dissipates, he can kick the fire across the screen as a projectile (Second Shoot) by pressing + LK or diagonally upwards (Second Shell) by pressing + HK . The projectile moves faster when the initial move is performed with HP .
Crow Bite
P
K' rises into the air with a spiraling uppercut while trailed by a streak of fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HP , he ascends higher and leaps forward in an arc, covering much more horizontal distance, and he can follow up with a flaming kick (Secondary Crow Bite) by pressing +K before the apex of the leap.
Minute Spike
K
K' leaps forward with an inward kick that knocks his opponent down on impact. When the move is performed with HK , he leaps farther, and he can follow up with a slide across the ground that knocks the opponent over (Narrow Spike) by pressing K again. This move can be performed in midair (but not the follow-up move).
Blackout
K
K' slips into the shadows and slides across the ground, passing through attacks as well as his opponent. He slides further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One Inch Punch
+ LP
K' reaches forward and clenches his fist, delivering a concentrated strike that knocks his opponent over.
Knee Assault
+ LK
K' hops up with a knee strike. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chain Drive
P
K' throws his sunglasses at his opponent. If they hit, he disappears and reappears before his opponent, then performs a series of punches and kicks, finishing with a One Inch Punch.
Heat Drive
, then hold P
K' holds a flame in his gloved hand while P is held. When the button is released, he rushes forward with a flaming punch. The move does more damage when it is charged for longer, and it is unblockable when fully charged.
Max: Chain Drive
LP + HP
K' throws his sunglasses at his opponent. If they hit, he disappears and reappears before his opponent, then performs a series of punches and kicks that set the opponent ablaze, finishing with a One Inch Punch.
Max2: Crimson Star Road
HP , LP (very quickly)
K' slips into the shadows and reappears behind his opponent. Then he gives a thumbs down as his opponent is knocked into the air. This move is unblockable. The button combination for the move has to be performed in such a way to cancel the HP (such as inputting it in the middle of performing another move).
Maxima
Maxima is a cybernetically enhanced Canadian special agent and the partner of K'. His previous partner was killed at the hands of NESTS, and Maxima abandoned his ordinary life and transformed himself into a cyborg in order to seek revenge.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
M4 Kata Vapor Cannon
P
Maxima swings forward with a high-powered punch that knocks his opponent back.
M19 Blitz Cannon
K
Maxima leaps into the air with an arm extended and tries to catch an airborne opponent. If he succeeds, he grabs them and punches them back to the ground with his other fist. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
System 1-2: Maxima Scramble
P (up to 3 times)
Maxima hits with an open-handed palm thrust. He can follow up with a turnaround elbow strike and a punch (Double Bomber) by pressing P again, then finish by lifting his opponent by the neck and slamming them to the ground (Bulldog Press) by pressing P a final time.
System 3: Maxima Lift
K
Maxima slides forward, then grabs his opponent and performs a powerbomb (Skull Crush). He can follow up by rolling over his knocked down opponent (Centaur Press) by pressing +K.
M11 Kata Dangerous Arch
K (close)
Maxima grabs his opponent in a bear hug, then performs a suplex.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Mongolian
+ LP
Maxima lunges forward with a two-handed chop. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
M9 Kata Maxima Missile (Shisaku)
+ HP
Maxima punches diagonally upwards while crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bunker Buster
P
Maxima launches himself into the air, then crashes back down in a glowing ball like a meteor. He falls halfway across the screen when the move is performed with LP or across the entire screen when the move is performed with HP .
M2 Maxima Beam
P
Maxima fires a short-ranged energy beam from his chest that knocks the opponent over.
Maxima Revenger
K (close)
Maxima lifts his opponent by the neck, then slams them into the ground, powerbombs them into his knee, and tosses them into the air. He leans over as the opponent then falls onto his back, then he stands up straight and flings the opponent into the air again.
Max: Maxima Revenger
LK + HK (close)
Maxima lifts his opponent by the neck, then slams them into the ground, powerbombs them into his knee, and tosses them into the air. He leans over as the opponent then falls onto his back, then he stands up straight and flings the opponent into the air three times.
Max2: Ark Enemy
LK HP HP
Maxima slides forward. If he reaches his opponent, he grabs and slams them into the ground, then grabs his grounded opponent by the head and shocks them before launching into the air and crashing back down to the opponent in a glowing ball like a meteor.
Whip
Whip is an assassin who fights using a long whip.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Desert Eagle
PPPPP
Whip pulls out her Desert Eagle pistol and fires it at the ground in front of her, which knocks the opponent back on impact. She fires repeatedly if the player continues to press P. The gun holds seven rounds, and she reloads it when it runs out (leaving her vulnerable to attack); the game remembers how many rounds are left in the gun between different uses of the move. She fires at a wider angle when the move is performed with HP . The bullet only hits at the point of impact on the ground and not along its path of travel. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Assassin Strike Code~BB
P or K
Whip flings her whip into the air, then drops back down at a different location. She drops about a quarter of the screen across with LP , halfway across the screen with LK , three quarters of the screen across with HP , or fully across the screen with HK . She damages and knocks over the opponent if she lands on them.
Boomerang Shot Code~SC
P
Whip crouches and swings her whip at an upwards angle. If it hits her opponent, the opponent is caught by the whip and tossed behind her.
Hook Shot Code~Kaze
P in midair
Whip attaches her whip to the ceiling and uses it to swings across while kicking, knocking down her opponent on impact.
String Shot TypeA Code~Yuuetsu
, then hold LP
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she cracks her whip and attaches it to her opponent, swings around on it, and stomps her opponent to the ground. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold LP or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
String Shot TypeA Code~Shouri
, then hold HP
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she lassos it around the opponent, dragging them toward her and stomping on them repeatedly when they are near. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold HP or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it.
String Shot TypeA Code~Chikara
, then hold LK
Whip holds her whip above her head, then she swings her whip forward, grabbing and pulling her opponent toward her. The move can be delayed by continuing to hold LK or canceled by pressing HK while delaying it. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Whip Shot
+ LP LP LP LP LP
Whip flails her whip back and forth, which can be repeated up to five times by continuing to press LP .
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Sonic Slaughter Code~KW
P
Whip slashes her whip around her repeatedly, kicking up a cloud of dust and knocking the opponent back and forth, then she throws the opponent across the screen.
Max: Sonic Slaughter Code~KW
LP + HP
Whip slashes her whip around her repeatedly, kicking up a cloud of dust and knocking the opponent back and forth, then she throws the opponent across the screen.
Max2: Super Black Hawk
LK HP HP
Whip pulls out her pistol and shoots a single explosive round. This move is unblockable.
Japan Team
A team representing the protagonists of the Orochi Saga, who debuted in The King of Fighters '94.
Kyo Kusanagi
The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. Kyo is a Japanese high school student and heir to the Kusanagi clan, thought to have died sealing away the snake demon Orochi. He was captured by the NESTS organization, which created thousands of clones using his DNA.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
114 Shiki: Aragami
LP
Kyo lunges forward with an explosive hook punch using his following arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a fiery uppercut (128 Shiki: Kono Kizu) by pressing P, then an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) that knocks the opponent to the ground by pressing P or a spinning kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) by pressing K. Or the initial move can be followed up by an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) that knocks the opponent to the ground by pressing P, then a downward punch (Ge Shiki: Migiri Ugachi) by pressing P or a spinning kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) by pressing K.
115 Shiki: Dokugami
HP
Kyo steps forward with an explosive hook punch using his leading arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a low lariat (124 Shiki: Munotsuchi) by pressing P, then a jumping back attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) by pressing +P, and finally a twirling fire attack (100 Shiki: Oni Yaki) by pressing P.
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki
P
Kyo twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
75 Shiki: Kai
K
Kyo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. He slides before hopping when the move is performed with HK . It can be followed up with another kick by pressing K again.
707 Shiki: Kooma Ho Furi (R.E.D. Kick)
K
Kyo rolls through the air with a kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
427 Shiki: Hikigane
K
Kyo hits with a fiery uppercut that launches his opponent into the air. He hops forward first when the move is performed with LK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi
+ HP in midair
Kyo clasps his hands together and swings them down like a hammer. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu You
+ LK
Kyo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
88 Shiki
+ HK
Kyo kicks twice while crouched.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
, then hold P
Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max: Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
, then hold LP + HP
Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while LP + HP is held. When the buttons are released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max2: 524 Shiki: Kamukura
LP + HP (close)
Kyo tries to grab his opponent. If he succeeds, he causes an explosion with his hands, then he rushes the opponent with a barrage of punches and kicks, finishing with a twirling fire attack.
Benimaru Nikaido
Benimaru is a professional shootboxing fighter and model who can create electricity.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raijin Ken
P
Benimaru jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist, which hits up to three times. He punches straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP . This move can be performed in midair (which is done at a downward angle regardless of the button used).
Iai Geri
K
Benimaru does a rapid knee strike. He can follow up with a hopping side kick and electrically charged backflip kick (Handou Sandan Geri) that knocks his opponent over by pressing +K.
Shinkuu Kakate Goma
P
Benimaru stands on one hand and spins his body around, kicking with both legs. He spins for longer when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Spinning Knee Drop
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP in midair (close)
Benimaru grabs and knees his opponent to the ground.
Flying Drill
+ HK in midair
Benimaru dive kicks diagonally downwards while spinning like a drill.
Jackknife Kick
+ LK
Benimaru skips forward with a front kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Raikou Ken
P
Benimaru pulls his fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times. He punches straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Gen'ei Hurricane
K
Benimaru strikes a pose and creates afterimages of himself that strike his opponent repeatedly, then finishes with a flying kick.
Max: Raikou Ken
LP + HP
Benimaru pulls his fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times.
Max2: Raijinten
P or K
Benimaru generates a ball of electricity that hovers beside him. It hovers in front of him high with LP , behind him high with HP , in front of him low with LK , and behind him low with HK .
Goro Daimon
Daimon is a Japanese judoka master who has gotten married and had a child named Kogoro since he last fought alongside Kyo.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jirai Shin
LP HP (fake)
Daimon lifts his hands above his head, then claps them down, shaking the ground and knocking over opponents not in the air.
Tenchi Gaeshi
P (close)
Daimon picks up and slams his opponent against the ground, then picks them back up and throws them through the air.
Uru Nage
K (close)
Daimon runs to the other side of his opponent, then grabs the opponent and falls backward with a slam.
Kumo Tsukami Nage
LP (close)
Daimon grabs an airborne opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Kiri Kabu Gaeshi
HP (close)
Daimon grabs a grounded opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Chou Ousoto Gari
K (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent.
Chou Ukemi
K
Daimon rolls forwards. He rolls farther when the move is performed with HK .
Nekko Gaeshi
K
Daimon holds a defensive posture. If he is attacked while doing this, he grabs his opponent, turns around, and rolls into the ground with them.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Zuju Barai
+ HP
Daimon punches into the air with his back hand.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
P (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent, then picks up and slams them back and forth three times before throwing them high into the air, finishing by clapping the ground as the opponent hits it.
Arashi Noyama: Nekko Meki
K (close)
Daimon grabs his opponent, then jumps backward toward the ground with a slam. This can be followed up by another slam (Arashi Noyama: Zuko Kiri Kabu Gaeshi) by pressing K (in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around) near the end of the move. This can be followed by a final explosive slam (Arashi Noyama: Bukko Meki Ura Nage) by pressing K (again in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around again) near the end of the follow-up move.
Max: Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
LP + HP (close)
Daimon grabs and trips his opponent, then picks up and slams them back and forth seven times before throwing them high into the air, finishing by clapping the ground as the opponent hits it.
Max: Arashi Noyama: Nekko Meki
LK + HK (close)
Daimon grabs his opponent, then jumps backward toward the ground with a slam. This can be followed up by another slam (Arashi Noyama: Zuko Kiri Kabu Gaeshi) by pressing K (in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around) near the end of the move. This can be followed by slamming the opponent back and forth three times, throwing them into the air, catching them, then slamming them (Arashi Noyama: Bukko Meki Ura Nage) by pressing K (again in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around again) near the end of the follow-up move.
Max2: Fu Rin Ka Zan
LK + HP (close)
Daimon lifts his hands into the air and roars. If the opponent is close, he claps the ground with his fists, then grabs and slams the opponent with a back suplex, bashes the grounded opponent repeatedly, and finishes with an explosive stomp.
Garou Densetsu Team
A team representing characters from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games.
Terry Bogard
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series. Terry, nicknamed "The Legendary Wolf," is an American fighter who grew up on the streets of South Town after his father was murdered by the gangster Geese Howard.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Burn Knuckle
P
Terry leaps forward with a burning fist, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Power Wave
LP
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to roll across the floor.
Round Wave
HP
Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to burst from the ground in front of him.
Power Dunk
K
Terry rises into the air with a knee strike, knocking his opponent over, then smashes downward with a burning fist at the peak of the jump. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Rising Tackle
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Terry spins into the air while upside down and holding an arm out, which knocks his opponent over on impact. The move ascends higher and hits more times when it is performed with HP .
Crack Shoot
K
Terry jumps forward while kicking in a circle. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Rising Upper
+ HP
Terry does an uppercut.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Power Geyser
P
Terry punches the ground, causing a geyser of energy to erupt from the ground in front of him.
High Angle Geyser
K
Terry charges forward with a shoulder ram, then rises into the air with an uppercut and smashes the ground with a burning fist, causing an eruption of fire.
Max: Triple Geyser
LP + HP
Terry punches the ground three times, causing an energy geyser to erupt from the ground with each hit, which can juggle the opponent from one into the next.
Max2: Rising Force
LP + HP
Terry turns away, then charges forward with a supersonic punch that leaves an exploding trail and finishes by spinning into the air while upside down and holding an arm out.
Andy Bogard
Andy, nicknamed "The Whole Body Weapon," is the younger brother of Terry and the fiancé of Mai. While Terry developed a scrappy style from fighting in the streets, Andy was trained in formal martial arts, including Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu that he learned from the master Hanzo Shiranui.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hishou Ken
LP
Andy flicks a quick spark of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact.
Geki Hishou Ken
HP
Andy strikes in front of him with his hand, then uses the other hand to create a powerful sphere of ki that can hit multiple times.
Shouryuu Dan
P
Andy jumps into the air while fanning his arms around him, which can hit multiple times before knocking the opponent to the ground. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zan'ei Ken
P
Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee. He can follow up with a shove (Shippuu Yokoken) that knocks the opponent back by pressing P.
Kuuhaa Dan
K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
Gen'ei Shiranui
K in midair
Andy falls to the ground with an elbow strike. He can be follow up with a sweep kick (Shimo Agito) by pressing P or a rolling kick (Uwa Agito) by pressing K.
Yami Abise Geri
K
Andy cartwheels backward, kicking in a circle, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Geki Heki Haisui Shou
P (close)
Andy slides forward with an elbow strike, then does palm strikes with each hand, ending with a double-handed palm thrust that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Age Omote
+ LP
Andy thrusts upward with a palm, hitting up to two times.
Uwa Agito
+ LK
Andy crouches and stands on a hand, then rolls forward with a kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Reppa Dan
K
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Zan'ei Ryuusei Ken
P
Andy rushes forward with multiple strikes, then swings his hands around and channels his ki into a concentrated burst.
Max: Chou Reppa Dan
LK + HK
Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Max2: Zan'ei Shitou Reppa Dan
LP + HP
Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee. He can follow up by launching off the ground and flying feet-first (Kuuhaa Dan) by pressing LK + HK + HP .
Joe Higashi
Joe is a Japanese Muay Thai expert and a loyal ally of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hurricane Upper
P
Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves a short distance across the ground. He steps forward and generates a second cyclone that knocks the opponent over when the move is performed with HP .
Baku Retsu Ken
PPPPP
Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. He can follow up with a downward elbow strike by pressing LP or a jumping kick that knocks his opponent over by pressing HP during the move.
Slash Kick
K
Joe turns and launches himself forward with a flying kick that knocks his opponent over. He flies farther when the move is performed with HK .
Tiger Kick
K
Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Ougon no Kakato
K
Joe jumps forward while doing a rolling kick that can hit multiple times. He jumps further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Slide Kick
+ LK
Joe does a slide kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Low Kick
+ LK
Joe does a low roundhouse kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Screw Upper
P
Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone, then jumps into the air with an uppercut while generating a tall cyclone that covers the full height of the screen.
Baku Retsu Hurricane Tiger Kakato
P
Joe slides forward with salvo of punches, then does two uppercuts that send cyclones flying and a rising knee strike, finishing with a kick in the air.
Ougon no Tiger Kick
K
Joe leaps across the screen with a flying knee strike while his body is engulfed in flames.
Max: Cross Giganticness
LK + HK
Joe holds both fists in the air, generating two tall cyclones that sweep the screen from each side of him.
Ryuuko no Ken Team
A team representing characters from the Art of Fighting series of fighting games.
Ryo Sakazaki
Ryo, nicknamed "The Invincible Dragon," is a dedicated martial artist in the family style of Kyokugen-ryuu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken
LP
Ryo thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact.
Kohou
P
Ryo jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Zanransetsu
P
Ryo pummels his opponent with a blur of rapid punches, then uppercuts the opponent away.
Mouko Raijin Setsu
K
Ryo leaps forward with a hand chop that knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps further when the move is performed with HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku
K
Ryo leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hyouchuu Wari
+ LP
Ryo draws his hand back, then steps forward with an hand chop. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Joudan Uke
+ LK
Ryo holds his arm in a high block. This move does no damage, but if timed correctly, it parries a high attack.
Gedan Uke
+ LK
Ryo holds his arm in a low block. This move does no damage, but if timed correctly, it parries a low or mid attack.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P
Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou.
Max: Geki Ryuuko Ranbu
HP , LP (very quickly)
Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a low Kohou and a high Kohou. The button combination for the move has to be performed in such a way to cancel the HP (such as inputting it in the middle of performing another move).
Max2: Tenchi Haoh Ken
LP + HP
Ryo performs a straight punch that sends his opponent flying away.
Robert Garcia
Robert, nicknamed "The Raging Tiger," is a friend to the Sakazaki family and a student of Kyokugen-ryuu. He is more stylish and charismatic in contrast to the sensible and serious Ryo.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuu Geki Ken
P
Robert swings his arm and throws a fireball across the screen. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Ga
P
Robert jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Gen'ei Kyaku
K
Robert pummels his opponent with a blur of rapid kicks, then roundhouse kicks the opponent away.
Hien Ryuu Jin Kyaku
K in midair
Robert dive kicks diagonally downwards. He travels a longer distance when the move is performed with HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Kyaku
K (close)
Robert does a combo of four quick kicks that knock his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ura Kobushi
+ LP
Robert turns around with a backfist, which knocks his opponent into the air.
Kou Ryuu Go Kya Geri
+ LP
Robert jumps forward with a spinning back kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ryuu Han Shuu
+ LK or + LK
Robert does a high side kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken
P
Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuuko Ranbu
P (close)
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Zan Shou.
Haiga Ryuu
P
Robert turns around with a backfist. If it connects, he does a standing uppercut into a spiraling Ryuu Ga.
Max: Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP (close)
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a low Ryuu Ga and a high Ryuu Ga.
Max2: Zetsu: Ryuuko Ranbu
LK + HK (close)
Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes by kicking the opponent into the air, catching them with a backfist, and jumping into the air with a spiraling uppercut.
Takuma Sakazaki
Takuma is the grandmaster of Kyokugen-ryuu, a deadly style of karate he devised. He is the father of Ryo and Yuri.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken
P
Takuma hurls a fireball from his palm. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Mouko Murai Gan
P
Takuma does a straight punch that knocks his opponent into the air.
Hien Shippu Kyaku
K
Takuma spins around in midair while kicking multiple times, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He flies forward a short distance when the move is performed with HK .
Haoh Shikou Ken
P
Takuma spreads his open palms in front of him in a concentrated strike that knocks the opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kawara Wari
+ LK
Takuma does an overhead elbow strike. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ryuuko Ranbu
P
Takuma rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then hops back and performs a Haoh Shikou Ken.
Shin Kishin Geki
P (close)
Takuma performs a hard-hitting hook, cross, and straight punch, sending the opponent flying away.
Max: Ryuuko Ranbu
LP + HP
Takuma rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then hops back and launches three successive Haoh Shoukou Kens.
Max2: Kosatsujin
LP + HP
Takuma holds a defensive stance. If he is hit while doing this, he counters by knocking the opponent to the ground with a chop.
Ikari Warriors Team
A team representing characters from the Ikari Warriors series of run-and-gun games.
Leona
Leona is the adoptive daughter of Heidern. She fights with similar techniques and slashes her hands like knives.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Baltic Launcher
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Leona throws her hands back and generates a large energy sphere in front of her that can hit her opponent multiple times. She leaps ahead and the sphere moves forward a short distance when the move is performed with HP .
Moon Slasher
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Leona slashes the air around her in a circle, which knocks down her opponent on impact.
Grand Saber
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Leona runs forward while low to the ground, then slashes with her hand when she reaches her opponent, knocking the opponent over on impact. When the move is performed with HK , she runs farther, and the move can be followed up by a somersault kick (Gliding Buster) by pressing + HK .
X-Calibur
P in midair
Leona slashes her hands in an X pattern in the air, shooting a projectile diagonally downwards that knocks her opponent over on impact.
Earring Bakudan
K
Leona removes one of her earrings and throws it, which explodes when it hits the ground or her opponent. She throws it further when the move is performed with HK .
Heart Attack
K (close)
Leona removes one of her earrings and attaches it to her opponent if nearby. It explodes after a short duration or can be manually detonated by pressing K.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Heidern Inferno
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Leona catches her opponent between her legs, then flips over and kicks them down.
Strike Arc
+ LK or + LK
Leona swings her leg down in a circle, knocking down her opponent on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Awakening
LP + HK
Leona transforms into her Orochi Leona form for the rest of the round, at the cost of half of her remaining health. Orochi Leona has the same moves but moves much faster.
V-Slasher
P in midair
Leona dives down with a hand chop, then cuts back into the air, forming a V-shaped explosion.
Rebel Spark
K
Leona runs to her opponent and stabs them, causing sparks to fly out and then explode.
Max: V-Slasher
LP + HP in midair
Leona dives down with a hand chop, then cuts back into the air, forming a V-shaped explosion.
Max2: Rebel Spark
LK + HK after Awakening
Leona, under the effects of the Riot of the Blood, runs to her opponent and penetrates them with an explosive, which detonates after she rolls away and roars.
Ralf Jones
Ralf is a mercenary who fights with explosive punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Vulcan Punch
PPPPP
Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with while doing this.
Gatling Attack
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over. He slides further when the move is performed with HP .
Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Chijou)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Ralf jumps in the air with a knee strike, then drops down with an explosive dive punch, which knocks his opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Kuuchuu)
P in midair
Ralf drops down with an explosive dive punch that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Ralf Kick
LK
Ralf leaps through the air with a dropkick that knocks his opponent back.
Ralf Tackle
HK
Ralf charges forward with a tackle that launches his opponent into the air.
Super Argentine Back Breaker
K (close)
Ralf tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Galactica Phantom
P
Ralf pulls his arm back and winds up for a powerful, unblockable punch.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
P
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and a series of rapid explosive punches, then finishes with an uppercut.
Unamori Vulcan Punch
K
Ralf runs forward and pushes down his opponent, then pummels them with a series of explosive punches. He runs farther when the move is performed with HK .
Max: Bari Bari Vulcan Punch
LP + HP
Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike and spinning backhand, then another elbow strike and spinning backhand, a series of rapid explosive punches, and multiple uppercuts, finally finishing with a jumping uppercut.
Max2: Umanori Galactica Phantom
LP + HK
Ralf runs forward and tackles his opponent, then hits with a powerful punch that sends the opponent flying into the air.
Clark Still
Clark is a mercenary who fights with grappling moves.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gatling Attack
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Clark slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over. He slides further when the move is performed with HP . He can follow up the move by grabbing the opponent and rolling into the air (Gatling Attack Full Force) by pressing P, then he can finish with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he slams the opponent.
Napalm Stretch
P
Clark jumps into the air and tries to catch an airborne opponent. If he succeeds, he grabs them and rolls to the ground with a slam. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing P after he hits the ground with the opponent.
Mount Tackle
P
Clark runs forward and pushes his opponent down to the ground. He can follow up with a powerbomb (Clark Lift) by pressing LP , a DDT (Sleeper Lift) by pressing HP , or by grabbing the opponent, rolling backward, and finishing with a slam (Rolling Cradler) by pressing K. He can follow up any of the slams with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he slams the opponent.
Shining Wizard
P against crouching opponent
Clark runs forward. If he reaches a crouching opponent, he runs up the opponent with stomps, which knocks the opponent over.
Frankensteiner
K (close)
Clark grabs his opponent by the neck with his legs and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Super Argentine Back Breaker
K (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop (Flashing Elbow) by pressing P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Death Lake Driver
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Clark grabs and throws his opponent to the ground.
Stomp Kick
+ LK
Clark stomps his leg forward.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
P (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker three times, then slams the opponent into the ground.
Running Three
K (close)
Clark grabs his opponent, turns around, points ahead, and runs to the end of the stage while carrying and then slamming the opponent.
Max: Ultra Argentine Back Breaker
LP + HP (close)
Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker twice, then throws them high into the air again and jumps up to catch them between his legs, riding them down for a final slam.
Max2: Running Pirates
LK + HK
Clark grabs his opponent, runs to one end of the screen and slams his opponent into it, runs to the other end of the screen and slams his opponent into it, then slams the opponent into the ground.
Psycho Soldier Team
A team representing characters from the Psycho Soldier series of platforming games.
Athena Asamiya
Athena is a famous J-Pop idol and a powerful psychic. She fights using a combination of kung fu and her psychic powers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Psycho Ball
P
Athena generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Phoenix Arrow
K in midair
Athena curls into a ball and dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor. She finishes with a sweep kick after landing when the move is performed with HK .
Psycho Sword
P
Athena rises upward while her hand slices the air with psychic power, knocking her opponent over on impact. She ascends higher when the move is performed with HP . This move can be performed in midair.
Psycho Reflector
LK
Athena holds her palms out and generates a shield of psychic power. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
Psycho Teleport
K
Athena runs forward at high speed. She can be hit while doing this but can pass through opponents. She teleports half the width of the screen with LK or the full width of the screen with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Athena can jump off the edges of the screen.
Psychic Shoot
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Athena grabs and throws her opponent in midair.
Phoenix Bomb
+ LK in midair
Athena drops back-first at her opponent. She bounces off her opponent if she hits. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Renkan Tai
+ LK
Athena hops forward with a high kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shining Crystal Bit
P
Athena hovers in the air and channels psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. This move can be performed in midair. The move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK . She can follow up by pointing forward and shooting an energy orb across the screen (Crystal Shoot) by pressing P. She throws the orb straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Phoenix Fang Arrow
K in midair
Athena curls into a ball and repeatedly dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor.
Max: Shining Crystal Bit
LP + HP
Athena hovers in the air and glows with psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. This move can be performed in midair. The move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK . If the player presses P during the move, Athena points forward and shoots an energy orb across the screen (Crystal Shoot). She throws the orb straight ahead with LP or at an upward angle with HP .
Max: Psychic 9
LP + HP
Athena rushes to her opponent. When she reaches her opponent, she can do a combo by pressing LP LK HP LP LK HP HK , during which she changes into her outfits from the previous King of Fighters games. She falls over if the player messes up the timing of the combo. Otherwise, after the combo, she can follow up by rising upward while her hand slices the air with psychic power (Psycho Sword Finish) by pressing P, changing into her warrior armor and swinging a flaming sword (Fire Sword Finish) by pressing K, or changing into her sailor fuku and thrusting her palms out with a psychic blast (Sailor Finish) by pressing P.
Max2: Psycho Medley
LP + HP + LK + HK
Athena rushes to her opponent. When she reaches her opponent, she can do a combo by pressing HK HP LK HK HP LK HP , during which she changes into her outfits from the previous King of Fighters games. She falls over if the player messes up the timing of the combo. Otherwise, after the combo, she can follow up with two finishers, both of which begin with another short combo in which she changes into her warrior armor, sailor fuku, and a bikini. She can finish with the three different Athenas dropping on the opponent with an explosion (Cute Idols Finish) by pressing LK + HP or by rising into the air with a final goddess form and recovering some of her health (Healing Athena Finish) by pressing LP + LK .
Sie Kensou
Kensou is Athena's friend (and secret admirer) who fights with similar kung fu techniques.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kyuu Dan
P
Kensou generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Renga Chiryuu
LP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike, then follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving forward, knocking over the opponent on impact.
Ryuu Renga Tenryuu
HP
Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike, then follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving diagonally up into the air, knocking over the opponent on impact.
Ryuu Sougeki
P in midair
Kensou dives diagonally downwards with a palm strike that hits multiple times. He falls at a wider angle when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu Gakusai
K
Kensou stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick that knocks the opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HK .
Senkyuutai
K
Kensou leans back and stands on one hand while kicking upward with each leg, which launches the opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kobokushu
+ LP
Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Kousentai
+ LK
Kensou hops forward with a turning kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shinryuu Seioh Rekkyaku
LK
Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick, then stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Shinryuu Tenbu Kyaku
HK
Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick while juggling the opponent into the air, then stands on his hands after landing and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Nikuman Respect
P
Kensou pulls out and eats a large meat bun, then either cries and gains no health back or dances and gains up to a quarter of his lost health back. He is vulnerable while doing this and can be interrupted if attacked. There is a small chance that he fully recovers all of his lost health.
Max: Sen Ki Hakkei
LP + HP (close)
Kensou thrusts his palms out and hits his opponent with an orb of psychic energy that sends them flying away.
Max2: Seigan Rairyuu
LK + HK
Kensou generates and throws a ball of psychic energy, which knocks down his opponent on impact. After a moment, a smaller ball of psychic energy will return to Kensou. If it hits him, it causes him to glow orange, increasing his attack power for the rest of the round. This move cannot be used again in the same round after Kensou has powered up.
Chin Gentsai
Chin is a Chinese martial arts master who trained Athena, Kensou, and Bao. He fights in the Drunken Fist style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hyoutan Geki Jaku
LP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him.
Hyoutan Geki Kyou
HP
Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him twice, once high and once low.
Suihai Kou
P
Chin takes a drink of sake from a gourd. After doing this, he can spit the sake diagonally upwards (Fun'en Kou) by pressing P, roll forward with an upward hand strike that knocks his opponent over (Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken) by pressing K, stumble drunkenly forward (Gouen Shourai Kai) by pressing P, or stumble drunkenly forward while exploding with fire (Gouen Shourai) by pressing K. The second move does not have to be done immediately after the first.
Bugetsu Sui
K
Chin falls back, flat on the ground, for a duration before standing back up again. While he is in this state, he can fly forward with a kick (Ryuu Ja Hanhou) with + LK , cartwheel backward (Rigyo Hanhou) with + HK , or roll forward with an upward hand strike (Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken) with +K. Or he can move with or or stand back up by pressing LP + HP + LK + HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Suiho Hyoutan Shuu
+ LP
Chin falls on his back while swinging a gourd. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gouran Enpou
P
Chin takes a drink from a gourd, then breathes a stream of fire. He breathes the stream diagonally upwards with LP or straight ahead with HP .
Gouen Shourai
P
Chin takes a drink from a gourd and explodes with fire, then stumbles drunkenly forward.
Max: Gouran Enpou
LP + HP
Chin takes a drink from a gourd, then breathes a throng of fireballs in a wide fan pattern.
Max2: Suisou Enbu
LK + HK
Chin blows out a tiny fireball that can be moved in any direction using the D-Pad. If the fireball touches the opponent (or an enemy projectile) or if the player presses any attack button, it expands into multiple large fireballs.
Women Fighters Team
A team consisting of female characters.
Mai Shiranui
Mai is the last heiress to the Shiranui ninja clan.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ka Chou Sen
P
Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Ryuu En Bu
P
Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. This move can negate projectiles. She steps forward slightly and the move can hit two times when it is performed with HP .
Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi
K
Mai performs a cartwheel, then drops to the ground with an elbow strike that knocks her opponent over. The move travels more distance when it is performed with HK .
Musasabi no Mai (Chijou)
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Mai jumps to the back edge of the screen, then repels off. She can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing instead of . If the player continues to hold P after performing the move or presses P while in midair, Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out, knocking her opponent over on impact. Or she can follow up by attacking with her rear (Ukiha) by pressing +P or attacking with a knee drop (Yurazaume) by pressing +K while in midair. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
Musasabi no Mai (Kuuchuu)
P in midair
Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out, knocking her opponent over on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
Sayo Chidori
K
Mai swipes her folding fan downward in a large circle around her.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Mai can jump off the edges of the screen.
Yume Zakura
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Mai grabs and stomps her opponent to the ground.
Daiwa Fuusha Otoshi
+ LP in midair
Mai clasps her hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Yurazaume
+ LK in midair
Mai floats downward and attacks with a knee drop that knocks her opponent to the ground. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ukiha
+ HK in midair
Mai drops diagonally downward while attacking with her rear, then sweeps her opponent with a fan upon hitting the ground. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Tsubakuro no Mai
+ LK
Mai hops forward with a step kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Benitsuru no Mai
+ LK
Mai slides forward with a low kick, then rolls back with a high kick that knocks the opponent back. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hana Arashi
P
Mai runs to her opponent, then spirals upward while holding her fans to her side.
Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi
K
Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
Max: Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi
LK + HK
Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
Max2: Shiranui-ryuu: Kyuubi no Kitsune
HK LK HP HP
Mai jumps into the air and dives at her opponent four times from different angles, leaving a flame on the opponent each time. She poses, then the flames explode.
Yuri Sakazaki
Yuri is the youngest practitioner of Kyokugen-ryuu, who has adapted the style to fit herself.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ko'ou Ken
P
Yuri thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from her hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. The projectile travels further when the move is performed with HP .
Sai Ha
P
Yuri holds her hands out and shields herself in a circle of ki. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also dissipates projectiles.
Kuu Ga
P
Yuri runs forward with a jumping uppercut that knocks down her opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HP , she gets a running start and jumps farther, and the move can be followed up by a second jumping uppercut (Ura Kuu Ga) by pressing P again.
Hyaku Retsu Binta
K
Yuri rushes forward and grabs her opponent, then slaps them repeatedly. She runs slightly further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Tsubame Otoshi
+ HP / HK , + HP / HK , or + HP / HK in midair (close)
Yuri grabs and slams her opponent to the ground.
En Yoku
+ LP
Yuri throws herself forward while striking with her rear. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Shien
+ LK
Yuri does a low heel kick along the ground.
Shouyoku
+ HK
Yuri does a high kick that launches her opponent into the air.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps.
Max: Shin! Chou Upper
LK + HK
Yuri hits her opponent with an uppercut from each hand (if her opponent is in close range), then ascends into the air with a jumping uppercut. This move is a parody of Ryu's Shin Shouryuuken from Street Fighter III.
Max2: Ee! Hien Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps.
May Lee Jinju
May Lee is an energetic young student of Kim Kaphwan who is perhaps even more enthusiastic about justice than he is. She fights with her own unique style of taekwondo, and she can switch between a Normal stance and a Hero stance, in which she wears a red scarf like a cape (influenced by tokusatsu heroes such as Kamen Rider), at any time.
In her Normal stance, May Lee has a special kick that can be linked into several other kicks.
Move list (Special moves (Normal))
Name
Command
Description
Posture Shift
LP + HP + LK
May Lee changes to her Hero stance.
Waga Utan Kasane
K or +K after Ryuubi Kyaku or Kazaguruma Kyaku
May Lee lifts her knee in front of her. If she is hit by a mid attack while doing this, she counterattacks with a high kick that knocks the opponent into the air, then skips forward with a kick from each leg when the opponent comes back down.
Ryuubi Kyaku
K
May Lee does a roundhouse kick that hits twice, mid then high.
Kazaguruma Kyaku
K after Ryuubi Kyaku
May Lee does a front kick. She can follow up with a stomp kick that knocks the opponent into the air (Shintotsu Kyaku) by pressing K again.
Taiyou Kyaku
+K after Ryuubi Kyaku or Kazaguruma Kyaku
May Lee does a jumping kick. She can follow up by falling with a double heel kick (Rakuyou Kyaku) that drops the opponent to the ground by pressing +K.
Kobi Kyaku
+K after Ryuubi Kyaku or Kazaguruma Kyaku
May Lee does a sweep kick that knocks down the opponent. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Toukotsu Kyaku
+K after Ryuubi Kyaku or Kazaguruma Kyaku
May Lee does an axe kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Sousei Kyaku
+K after Ryuubi Kyaku or Kazaguruma Kyaku
May Lee skips forward with a kick from each leg, which launches the opponent into the air.
Move list (Super Special moves (Normal))
Name
Command
Description
Shinjuu Kyaku
K
May Lee flips forward, dropping her heels as she unrolls. If it hits, she holds the opponent in place with her leg, then kicks them away.
Max: Disposition Frog
LP + HP , LK + HK , LP + HP + LK
May Lee does a high kick. If it hits her opponent, she follows up with a flying kick, then a swinging kick that knocks the opponent to the ground. She changes to her Hero stance, punches the opponent into the air, then hovers above the opponent and barrages them with energy from her hands, finishing with a spin and a pose as the opponent explodes.
In her Hero stance, May Lee cannot block or use evasive rolls, but she has a parry that can be used to deflect attacks. She also does not have a jumping knockdown attack in this stance. She returns to her Normal stance if she is hit in this stance without parrying it.
Move list (Special moves (Hero))
Name
Command
Description
Posture Shift
LP + HP + LK
May Lee changes to her Normal stance.
Full Swing Chop
P
May Lee slides forward while chopping with both open hands, which knocks her opponent back.
May Lee: Chop!
P
May Lee leaps forward with an open-handed chop. When the move is performed with LK , the chop is high enough to hit standing opponents but not crouching. When the move is performed with HP , the chop is high enough that it can only hit jumping opponents.
Shining Thunder Blow
K
May Lee flies forward with a punch that momentarily stuns the opponent. When the move is performed with LK , it knocks down the opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HK , May Lee flies past to the other side of the opponent after punching.
May Lee: Break!
P (close)
May Lee tries to grab her opponent. If he succeeds, she kicks the opponent away.
Move list (Command normals (Hero))
Name
Command
Description
Hero Counter
+ LP
May Lee holds her arms apart. If she is attacked while doing this, she parries the attack (regardless of whether it is low, mid, or high, including jumping attacks, overheads, sweeps, and even unblockable attacks, but not grabs or throws).
Sliding
+ LK
May Lee slides along the ground with a sweep kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super Special moves (Hero))
Name
Command
Description
May Lee: Dynamic!
P in midair
May Lee flies forward and hits her opponent with several kicks while suspended in midair, then several more kicks after landing, finishing by shoving the opponent with both open palms.
Max: May Lee: The End
LP + HP (close)
May Lee slaps her opponent. If it hits, she leaps back and into the air, then drops with a dive kick that sets off a timed explosion (similar to Leona's Rebel Spark).
Max2: Key of Victory
LK HP HP
May Lee slaps her opponent. If it hits, she creates a duplicate of herself that slides under and sweeps the opponent, then both May Lees hit the opponent with flying kicks, setting off a timed explosion (similar to Leona's Rebel Spark).
Korea Justice Team
A Korean team consisting of Kim Kaphwan (from Fatal Fury) and two criminals that he is attempting to rehabilitate.
Kim Kaphwan
Kim is a Korean taekwondo master who fights for justice. He is trying to rehabilitate the two criminals on his team, Chang and Choi.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Han Getsu Zan
K
Kim flips forward with a semicircular split-leg kick, which can hit with the heel of each leg. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with HK .
Hien Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Kim flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with HK , he ascends higher and hits additional times, and the move can be followed up with another kick (Tenshou Zan) by pressing + HK .
Hishou Kyaku
K in midair
Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.
Haki Kyaku
K
Kim stomps the ground, hitting opponents in front of him. This move can neutralize ground projectiles. When the move is performed with HK , it knocks the opponent to the ground.
Sanren Geki
P (up to 3 times)
Kim does a roundhouse kick. He can follow up with a side kick by pressing K again, then either an axe kick (Neri Chagi) by pressing LP or an upward spinning kick (Kuusa Jin) that knocks the opponent into the air by pressing HP . Or he can follow up the first hit with a diagonal jumping kick (Sankuu Geki) that knocks the opponent over by pressing +K, then a falling kick (Tenshou Zan) by pressing +K.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Neri Chagi
+ LK
Kim lifts his leg high and comes down with an axe kick, which hits up to two times. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes by kicking the opponent into the air.
Hou'ou Hiten Kyaku
K
Kim hits with a high back kick that knocks his opponent into the air.
Max: Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes by kicking the opponent into the air.
Max2: Zero Kyori Hou'ou Kyaku
LP + HP + LK + HK
Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes with a backflip kick.
Chang Koehan
Chang is a massive criminal who fights with a ball and chain.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Kaiten
PPPPP
Chang swings his ball by its chain over his head, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He swings the ball for a duration or until the player presses LP + HP + LK + HK , and he can move with or while doing this.
Tekkyuu Funsai Geki
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Chang flings his ball by its chain in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He winds up the ball by swinging it and slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HP .
Tekkyuu Taiko Uchi
K
Chang picks his nose. If he is hit while doing this, he sneezes, knocking his opponent away.
Dai Hakai Nage
P (close)
Chang grabs and slams his opponent back and forth multiple times.
Haki Kyaku
K
Chang stomps the ground, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. This move can neutralize ground projectiles.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hiki Nige
+ LP
Chang slides along the ground, holding his ball out in front of him, which sweeps his opponent. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tekkyuu Dai Bousou
P
Chang charges forward with a series of strikes, then swings his ball by its chain over his head and finishes with one of several moves chosen at random.
Tekkyuu Dai Assatsu
P
Chang flies diagonally upward, then falls with a body attack. He moves forward a short distance before jumping when the move is performed with HP .
Tekkyuu Dai Bokusatsu
K
Chang bashes his ball downward repeatedly while moving forward, then knocks the opponent into the air with the last hit.
Max: Tekkyuu Dai Sekai
LK LP HP LP
Chang holds his ball over his head and dances, then leaps onto his opponent with a body attack. Chang is invulerable during his dance, and the opponent is stunned during the body attack.
Choi Bounge
Choi is a tiny criminal who fights with dual leather-gloved claws.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Hien Zan
K
Choi flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move can hit twice when it is performed with HK .
Kaiten Hien Zan
P
Choi curls into a ball and rolls along the ground. If he hits his opponent, he rolls up the opponent. He can follow up by lunging forward with his claws (Kishuu Hien Zuki) by pressing P.
Tatsumaki Shippuu Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi spirals upward in a tornado while slashing around him with his claws, knocking down the opponent on impact. He slides forward a short distance and ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Hishou Kuuretsu Zan
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Choi jumps to the back edge of the screen. He can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing instead of . If the player continues to hold K after performing the move, Choi immediately does a spinning attack with his claws after hitting the wall. He spins diagonally downwards with LK or straight ahead with HK .
Hishou Kyaku
K in midair
Choi dives diagonally downward, then stomps repeatedly on his opponent.
Senpuu Hien Shitotsu
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Choi flies ahead head-first while spinning like a drill with his claws in front of him. He flies faster and further when the move is performed with HK . He can follow up with another drill spin (Shitotsu Bunki) by holding the D-Pad in any direction while pressing any attack button, which can be done up to two times.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Choi can jump off the edges of the screen.
Toorima Geri
+ LK or + LK
Choi somersaults forward with a kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shin! Chouzetsu Tatsumaki Shinkuu Zan
P
Choi spins on one leg, producing a large tornado that covers the full height of the screen. He can move with or while doing this.
Hou'ou Kyaku
K
Choi slides forward with a series of claw slashes, ending with a somersault kick.
Max: Hou'ou Kyaku
LK + HK
Choi slides forward with a series of attacks, ending with two somersault kicks.
Max2: Shakushi
LP + HP in midair
Choi vanishes, then slashes multiple times in random locations before reappearing.
Iori is Kyo's rival and heir to the Yagami clan, thought to have died sealing away the snake demon Orochi.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai
P
Iori throws fiery purple sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
127 Shiki: Aoi Hana
P (up to 3 times)
Iori advances with an uppercut. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case he follows up with an additional uppercut, then jumps and comes down with a double axe-handle punch. The first or second strike can be linked into any of Iori's other special moves.
100 Shiki: Oniyaki
P
Iori twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of purple fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
212 Shiki: Kototsuki In
K
Iori runs forward and tries to grab his opponent by the head. If he succeeds, he takes the opponent down, then causes an explosion of purple fire. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Kuzukaze
P (close)
Iori grabs and shoves his opponent away. This move does no damage but switches sides with the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Yumebiki
HOLD LP LP
Iori claws with an open hand, then swings it back in a fist.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu In Shinigami
+ LK
Iori pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ge Shiki: Yuri Ori
+ LK in midair
Iori kicks behind him.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Kin 1211 Shiki: Ya Otome
P
Iori dashes forward and performs a series of hand strikes, ending by grabbing the opponent and creating an explosion of purple fire. He can follow up by clawing the opponent into the air, then summoning a pillar of purple fire (Kin S1407 Shiki: Yami Barai) that blasts the opponent back into the air by pressing LP + HP .
Max: Kin 1211 Shiki: Ya Otome
LP + HP
Iori, under the effects of the Riot of the Blood, grabs and takes down the opponent, then turns around and slashes them repeatedly. He pauses, then pounds the opponent repeatedly with both hands.
Max2: Ura 1029 Shiki: Homura Hotogi
LP + HP
Iori leans back, then leaps forward. If he reaches his opponent, he grabs them by the face, pushing them to the ground and causing a pillar of purple fire to explode.
Mature
A member of the Hakkesshu brotherhood. She fights with her sharp nails.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Despair
P
Mature flips forward while slashing the air with her nails, which knocks down her opponent on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HP .
Sacrilege
P
Mature spins diagonally into the air with one hand up and one down. She ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Death Row
P (up to 3 times)
Mature advances with an upward hand swipe. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case she follows up with two lateral swipes, with the last hit knocking the opponent over.
Metal Massacre
K
Mature runs forward, then does a lateral hand swipe when she is near her opponent. She runs slightly further when the move is performed with HK .
Deicide
K
Mature swipes her hand out, which stretches to reach. If it connects, she grabs and throws her opponent back. She slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HK .
Ebony Tears
P
Mature slashes her nails in a circle around her, sending a large, arc-shaped projectile flying across the screen. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Heaven's Gate
K
Mature charges across the screen, tackling the opponent into the wall, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Nocturnal Lights
P
Mature advances forward while slashing with her nails, finishing by slashing through the air in a large circle.
Max: Heaven's Gate
LK + HK
Mature charges across the screen, tackling the opponent into the wall, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Max: Nocturnal Lights
LP + HP
Mature advances forward while slashing with her nails, finishing by slashing through the air in a large circle.
Max2: Ecstasy 816
HK HP LK
Mature flips through the air. If she reaches her opponent, she creates a duplicate of herself, and they both slash at the opponent with their nails. The duplicate leaves, and Mature blows a kiss, causing an explosion under the opponent.
Vice
A member of the Hakkesshu brotherhood. She fights with her monstrous strength.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Mayhem
P
Vice charges forward with a shoulder ram that knocks her opponent into the air. She can follow up by jumping into the air to catch the opponent and slam them into the ground again (Misanthrope) by pressing P when the opponent is tossed into the air.
Outrage
K
Vice kicks rapidly in front of her. She hops forward first when the move is performed with HK .
Ravenous
K in midair
Vice kicks rapidly in front of her while falling.
Blackened
P (close)
Vice grabs her opponent, lifts them over her head, and slams the opponent into the ground, then tosses them into the air. She can follow up by jumping into the air to catch the opponent and slam them into the ground again (Misanthrope) by pressing P when the opponent is tossed into the air.
Deicide
K
Vice swipes her hand out, which stretches to reach. If it connects, she grabs and throws her opponent back. She slides forward slightly when the move is performed with HK .
Gore Fest
P (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the head, slides forward while dragging the opponent against the ground, then throws them into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Monstrosity
+ LP
Vice slams her fist downward. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Negative Gain
K (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the neck with her legs, then slams them to the ground three times.
Withering Surface
P (close)
Vice grabs her opponent, then lifts them over her head and slams them opponent into the ground multiple times. Then she jumps into the air with them and slams them into the ground again, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Max: Negative Gain
LK + HK (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the neck with her legs, then slams them to the ground five times.
Max: Withering Surface
LP + HP (close)
Vice grabs her opponent, then lifts them over her head and slams them opponent into the ground multiple times. Then she jumps into the air with them and slams them into the ground again, tosses the opponent into the air an additional time, and jumps into the air to catch them and slam them into the ground a final time, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Max2: Overkill
P in midair (close)
Vice grabs her opponent by the face and slams them into the ground, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
An insane Japanese gangster who fights with one hand in his pocket.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Sabaki no Aikuchi
P
Yamazaki slides forward and slashes the knife that he conceals in his pocketed hand, knocking his opponent over on impact. He slashes two times when the move is performed with LP and four times when the move is performed with HP .
Hebi Tsukai Gedan
, then hold LP
Yamazaki charges his arm. When LP is released, he performs a fast punch diagonally upwards. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing HK .
Hebi Tsukai Uwadan
, then hold HP
Yamazaki charges his arm. When HP is released, he performs a fast punch diagonally downwards. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing HK .
Hebi Tsukai Chuudan
, then hold LK
Yamazaki charges his arm. When LK is released, he performs a fast punch straight ahead. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing HK .
Bai Gaeshi Kyuushuu
LP
Yamazaki swings his arm up, which can damage a nearby opponent or absorb a projectile. After a projectile has been absorbed, he can throw a projectile back by pressing P again.
Bai Gaeshi Dan Hassha
HP
Yamazaki swings his arm up, which can damage a nearby opponent or grab a projectile out of the air and throw it back toward the caster.
Yakiire
LK
Yamazaki steps forward and does a high kick that hits twice and knocks the opponent down. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Suna Kake
HK
Yamazaki does a high kick that kicks up dust from the ground.
Sadomazo
K
Yamazaki taunts his opponent. If his opponent attacks him while he is doing this, he counters with a charging punch that knocks the opponent over.
Badukan Pachiki
P
Yamazaki grabs and hits his opponent with an explosive headbutt.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Bussashi
+ LP
Yamazaki punches downward, which hits up to two times. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Akumu...Soshite Kyouki
LP + HP + LK + HK
Yamazaki runs toward his opponent and slashes them with his knife. He then stomps the opponent repeatedly and kicks them into the air.
Guillotine
P
Yamazaki leaps forward, coming down with a flaming fist. If it connects, he drags his opponent along the ground with it before throwing them into the air.
Yondan Drill Driller
P (close)
Yamazaki grabs and throws his opponent into the air, then pummels them with multiple strikes upon landing.
Max: Guillotine
LP + HP
Yamazaki leaps forward, coming down with a flaming fist. If it connects, he drags his opponent along the ground with it, stomps the opponent repeatedly, then kicks them into the air.
Max: Yondan Drill Driller
LP + HP (close)
Yamazaki grabs and throws his opponent into the air, then pummels them with multiple strikes upon landing.
Max2: ...!!
LK + HK (close)
Yamazaki tries to grab his opponent. If he succeeds, he throws them to the ground, then whips them repeatedly with his swinging arms. He then lifts and throws the opponent with a bite.
Blue Mary
Blue Mary is an American detective who fights using grappling techniques.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Spin Fall
P
Mary leaps forward and falls with an axe kick. It can be followed up with a neck hold takedown (Mary Spider) by pressing P again during the move.
Vertical Arrow
K
Mary jumps and kicks diagonally upward. It can be interrupted with a scissor takedown (Mary Snatcher) by pressing K again during the move.
Straight Slicer
Hold for 2 seconds, then +K
Mary crouches and slides forward with a sweep kick. She can follow up with a grab, slam, and hold (Mary Crab Clutch) by pressing K during the move.
Real Counter
P
Mary taunts her opponent. Normal attacks pass through her while she is doing this. She can follow up by grabbing the opponent by the waist and performing a suplex (Backdrop Real) by pressing P or by rolling her body around the opponent's head with a takedown (Head Crush) by pressing K.
Mary Reverse Facelock
LK
Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by an attack from an airborne opponent while doing this, she catches the attack and locks the opponent in a hold.
Mary Head Buster
HK
Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by a high or mid attack from a grounded opponent while doing this, she catches the attack, rolls backward, and throws the opponent high into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Hammer Arc
+ LP or + LP
Mary hops forward while swinging her fists down. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Double Rolling
+ LK or + LK
Mary jumps in the air with a spinning back kick, then does a low crouching kick. The second strike hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Mary Splash Rose
P
Mary dashes back and forward in front of her opponent, then does a jumping kick and knocks them into the air with multiple hand swipes.
Mary Dynamite Swing
LP LP LK HP
Mary knocks her opponent into the air with a knee strike, grabs them in midair and drives them back to the ground, then grabs them again after they stand up and swings them around multiple times by the neck before letting go.
Max: Mary Dynamite Swing
LP LP LK HP
Mary knocks her opponent into the air with a knee strike, grabs them in midair and drives them back to the ground, then grabs them again after they stand up, performs two suplexes, and swings them around multiple times by the neck before letting go.
Max2: Mary Typhoon
LK + HK (close)
Mary climbs onto her opponent's shoulders, grabs their head between her feet, and slams them with her legs.
Billy Kane
The right-hand man of Geese Howard, who fights with a long cudgel.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Senpuu Kon
LP LP LP LP LP
Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him rapidly.
Sansetsu Kon Chuudan Uchi
P
Billy whips his cudgel in front of him, and it expands across the screen. He can set the cudgel on fire (Kaen Sansetsu Kon Chuudan Uchi) by pressing P before it is fully extended.
Kyoushuu Hishoukon
K
Billy vaults into the air with his cudgel, then drops back to the ground with a kick.
Suzume Otoshi
P
Billy whips his cudgel diagonally upward, and it expands into the air.
Ka Ryuu Tsuigeki Kon
LK
Billy holds his staff upwards in a defensive stance. If the opponent hits it, Billy responds with a cudgel strike.
Sui Ryuu Tsuigeki Kon
HK
Billy holds his staff forwards in a defensive stance. If the opponent hits it, Billy responds with a cudgel strike.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Dai Kaiten Geri
+ LP
Billy hops forward, striking with his cudgel, then spinning with a kick.
Boukou Tobi Geri
+ LK
Billy vaults on his cudgel and does a side kick that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chou Kaen Senpuukon
P
Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him while the ends are on fire, creating a circle of flame that rolls forward a short distance. It rolls a longer distance when the move is performed with HP .
Dai Senpuu
P
Billy swings his cudgel in a circle around him as it expands, then swings it down like a bat.
Max: Dai Senpuu
LP + HP
Billy swings his cudgel in a circle around him as it expands, then swings it down like a bat.
Max2: Liar's Element
LK + HK
Billy throws his cudgel toward the opponent, then cowers in fear. If he is hit while doing this, he grabs another cudgel and hits the opponent repeatedly with it, then jumps into the air with multiple swinging cudgel strikes that cause it to split into multiple cudgels.
The guitarist for the band C.Y.S., who has a deep hated for Iori. His fighting style is focused on his hard punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Dual Upper
P
Yashiro swings his fist inward. If it hits, he follows up with a jumping uppercut with the other hand that knocks his opponent into the air. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Sledgehammer
K
Yashiro leaps forward while swinging his fist down to the ground like a hammer, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HK .
Jet Counter
P
Yashiro dashes forward with a punch that knocks his opponent back. When the move is performed with HP , he dashes further and does an overhead punch that hits high and can only be blocked standing. He can follow up with a straight punch by pressing LP or an uppercut that launches the opponent into the air by pressing HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Regret Bash
+ LP
Yashiro smashes his fist down to the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Step Side Kick
+ LK
Yashiro does a side kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Final Impact
, then hold P
Yashiro hits with a powerful punch that sends the opponent flying back. Holding P charges the punch to do more damage.
Max: Final Impact
, then hold LP + HP
Yashiro hits with a powerful punch that sends the opponent flying back. Holding LP + HP charges the punch to do more damage.
Max2: 「ERROR…」Code 2002
LK + HK
Yashiro rushes forward with a series of high-speed strikes, ending with a jumping uppercut that knocks his opponent into the air.
Shermie
A fashion designer and the keyboardist for the band C.Y.S. She fights using an acrobatic grappling style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Axle Spin Kick
K
Shermie does an axle spin through the air, followed by a crescent kick when she lands that knocks the opponent over on impact. She jumps slightly farther when the move is performed with HK .
Diamond Dust
K
Shermie rushes forward, then rolls up the opponent with a grab, then drops to the ground while holding the opponent's head. She runs slightly farther when the move is performed with HK .
Shermie Clutch
K
Shermie jumps into the air with her legs tucked back. If she catches an airborne opponent, she grabs them with her legs and takes them down to the ground. She jumps with an axle spin when the move is performed with HK . She can follow up by running and performing a knee press (Shermie Cute) by pressing K at the end of the move.
Shermie Whip
P (close)
Shermie stands on a hand and rolls backward while kicking through the air in a circle. If it connects, she grabs the opponent with her legs for a takedown, followed by a suplex throw. She can follow up by running and performing a knee press (Shermie Cute) by pressing K (in the opposite direction since Shermie turned around) at the end of the move.
Shermie Spiral
P (close)
Shermie does a handstand on top of her opponent, wraps her legs around their head, then spins their body to the ground. She can follow up by running and performing a knee press (Shermie Cute) by pressing K (in the opposite direction since Shermie turned around) at the end of the move.
Front Captured
P
Shermie leans forward. If she is hit by a high or mid attack while doing this, she grabs the opponent and performs a suplex.
Yoke Dousa
LP + HP + LK
Shermie touches her hair. While she is doing this, low attacks pass through her harmlessly.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Busty Suplex
+ LP (close)
Shermie extends her chest outwards. If it connects, she grabs the opponent and performs a suplex
Shermie Stand
+ LK
Shermie does a front walkover while kicking. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Shermie Flash
P (close)
Shermie does a handstand on top of her opponent, then grabs them for a suplex slam.
Shermie Carnival
P (close)
Shermie tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she performs two suplexes in alternating directions, then falls on her back while tossing the opponent away.
Max: Shermie Flash
P (close)
Shermie does a handstand on top of her opponent, then grabs them for a suplex slam.
Max: Shermie Carnival
P (close)
Shermie tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she performs four suplexes in alternating directions. She then tosses the opponent into the air, jumps to catch them, and falls to the ground with a spinning slam.
Max2: Lightning Leg Lariat
LK + HK (close)
Shermie tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she shoves the opponent with an Irish whip, then jumps at the opponent with an electrified knee strike.
Chris
The lead vocalist for the band C.Y.S. His fighting style is centered around his incredible speed.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Slide Touch
P
Chris slides forward with a punch that knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides further when the move is performed with HP .
Scramble Dash
K
Chris dashes forward at high speed. He can pass through his opponent while dashing. He dashes further when the move is performed with HK .
Glider Stomp
K in midair
Chris zooms downward with a dive kick that knocks his opponent over on impact.
Direction Change
P
Chris flips through the air. If he passes over his opponent, he grabs the opponent's head. He covers more horizontal distance when the move is performed with HP .
Hunting Air
K
Chris spins into the air with a backflip kick. The move knocks the opponent over when it is performed with LK and ascends higher when it is performed with HK .
Shooting Dancer Thrust
P
Chris dashes forward with an elbow strike, then slides to the ground with a low kick when the move is performed with LP or follows up with a punch when the move is performed with HP . The sliding kick hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Shooting Dancer Step
K
Chris dashes forward with an elbow strike, then leaps into the air and comes down with a stomping kick. The stomp hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Leading High
+ HK , LK
Chris evades an attack, then immediately counters with a reverse roundhouse kick.
Leading Low
+ HK , LK
Chris evades an attack, then immediately counters with a crouching kick.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Spinning Array
+ LP
Chris lunges forward with a punch that spins his body around.
Reverse Anchor Kick
+ LK
Chris does a back walkover while kicking. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Carry Off Kick
+ LK
Chris slides forward with a sweep kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Chain Slide Touch
P
Chris produces multiple advancing duplicates that hold their hands out for palm strikes that knock the opponent back.
Twister Drive
K
Chris jumps into the air with multiple backflip kicks.
Max: Chain Slide Touch
LP + HP
Chris produces multiple advancing duplicates that hold their hands out for palm strikes that knock the opponent back.
Max: Twister Drive
LK + HK
Chris jumps into the air with multiple backflip kicks, then jumps back into the air for more backflip kicks after landing.
Max2: Honoo no Sadame no Chris
LP + HP
Chris transforms into his Orochi Chris form for the rest of the round.
Vanessa is a housewife and mother in her thirties who secretly works as a mercenary agent. She fights with an agile boxing style that rarely incorporates kicks.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Dash Puncher
Hold for 2 seconds, then +P
Vanessa dashes forward with an uppercut that knocks her opponent into the air. She dashes further when the move is performed with HP .
Machine Gun Puncher
PPPPP
Vanessa slides forward while punching, ending with an uppercut that knocks the opponent back. This move hits more times if the player presses P rapidly.
Forward Puncher Vision
K
Vanessa rushes forward in a blur, which passes through attacks. She rushes further when the move is performed with HK . She can follow up with a downward punch and an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air (Puncher Upper) by pressing + LP or an uppercut and a straight punch that knocks the opponent back (Puncher Straight) by pressing + HP . Or she can lean forward and weave her body to dodge attacks (Puncher Weaving) by holding +P (which lasts until P is released).
Backward Puncher Vision
K
Vanessa retreats backward in a blur, which passes through attacks. She rushes further when the move is performed with HK . She can follow up with a downward punch and an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air (Puncher Upper) by pressing + LP or an uppercut and a straight punch that knocks the opponent back (Puncher Straight) by pressing + HP . Or she can lean forward and weave her body to dodge attacks (Puncher Weaving) by holding +P (which lasts until P is released).
Puncher Weaving
, then hold P
Vanessa leans forward and weaves her body to dodge attacks (which lasts until P is released). She can follow up with a downward punch that knocks her opponent to the ground (Parrying Puncher) by pressing +P or an upward punch that knocks her opponent back (Dash Puncher) by pressing +P. Or she can rush backward (Backward Puncher Vision) by pressing +K or rush forward (Forward Puncher Vision) by pressing +K.
Parrying Puncher
P
Vanessa does a fierce punch. She does a downward punch followed by an uppercut that knocks her opponent into the air with LP or an upward punch that knocks her opponent back with HP . This move can negate projectiles.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One-Two Puncher
+ LP
Vanessa punches downward, then does an uppercut that knocks her opponent over. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Slide Punch
+ LK
Vanessa slides along the ground while prone and holding her fist out. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Crazy Puncher
P
Vanessa rushes forward and pummels her opponent with a series of rapid punches, ending with a punch that sends her opponent flying away. She rushes further when the move is performed with HP .
Champion Puncher
P (close)
Vanessa does a downward punch, an upward punch, and a straight punch, then weaves and finishes with an uppercut that knocks her opponent into the air.
Max: Crazy Puncher
LP + HP
Vanessa rushes forward, then zooms to each side of her opponent with numerous punches, ending with a punch that sends her opponent flying into the air.
Max2: Gaia Gear
LP + HP
Vanessa weaves, then does an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air and a straight punch that sends the opponent flying back and creates a vortex that moves across the screen. If she misses with the punches, the vortex can still harm the opponent.
Seth
Seth is a middle-aged mercenary agent who fights with a defensive style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Sho-Yoh
P
Seth swings his arm into the air, kicking up dust from the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact. He swings his leading arm with LP or his following arm with HP .
Raku-Getsu
LK in midair
Seth falls while stomping with both feet, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ei-Getsu
HK in midair
Seth drops down with a dive kick.
Kyu-Getsu
K
Seth charges forward with a knee strike. He charges further when the move is performed with HK . He can follow up with a jumping kick that knocks the opponent back (Ya-Getsu) by pressing +K or a grounded scissor kick that knocks the opponent into the air (Gen-Getsu) by pressing +K.
Doh-Kuzushi
K
Seth holds a defensive posture. If he is hit by an attack, he blocks the attack and shoves the opponent behind him. He counters a high attack when the move is performed with LK or a mid attack when the move is performed with HK .
Ashi-Tori
P
Seth holds a defensive posture. If he is hit by a low attack, he blocks the attack and knocks the opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Mae Age Geri
+ LK
Seth does a step kick forward.
Back Blow
+ LP
Seth spins around with a backfist.
Tackle
+ LP
Seth leans forward with a shoulder tackle that knocks the opponent back.
Rolling Sobat
+ LK
Seth hops forward with a jumping kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Sliding Kick
+ LK
Seth slides along the ground with a kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Morote Sho Yoh
P
Seth swings each arm into the air, kicking up dust from the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact.
Irimi-Nadazuki
K
Seth dashes forward, then does a sweep kick and multiple stomp kicks while leaning on his back, finishing with a kick that knocks the opponent over. He dashes further when the move is performed with HK .
Max: Doh-Tori-Shichimonsatsu
LP + HP
Seth holds his arm out defensively. If he is hit while doing this, he knocks the opponent to the ground and punches them repeatedly, then throws them behind him.
Max2: Sigure-Rangiku
LP + HP (close)
Seth dashes forwards, then jumps over the opponent. The opponent tries to attack Seth, then he counters with a dashing attack.
Ramón
Ramón is a special agent and a luchador (a Mexican wrestler) who fights with professional wrestling techniques.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Rolling Sobat
K
Ramón hops into the air with a back heel kick that knocks his opponent back on impact. He can follow up by jumping on his knocked down opponent with a body press (Flying Body Attack) by pressing K, then he can quickly stand the opponent back up for another hit (Recovery) by pressing P.
Somersault
K
Ramón runs forward, then steps onto his opponent and kicks himself off with a backflip, knocking his opponent over. He runs further when the move is performed with HK . The move can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK .
Feint Step
, then hold P
Ramón paces back and forth, evading the opponent's attacks, three times or until the button is released. He finishes with a dropkick when the move is performed with LP .
Bird of Paradise
LP , HP
Ramón turns around and rolls backward with a knee press that knocks the opponent to the ground.
Tiger Road
K
Ramón runs to the back wall, then jumps off of it and dives onto his opponent. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing. He can dive further with his arms crossed (Cross Chop) by pressing HK when hitting the wall. The run can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK .
Tiger Road 2
K
Ramón runs to the back wall, then jumps off of it and dives onto his opponent. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing. He can dive with a flying crossbody followed by a takedown grab (Force of Will) by pressing LP when hitting the wall. The run can be canceled by pressing LP + HP + LK .
Tiger Neck Chancery
P (close)
Ramón grabs his opponent by the neck, then falls backward to the ground with a slam.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Stealth Dropkick
+ LK
Ramón plunges forward with a dropkick from a crouched position. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tiger Spin
P (close)
Ramón grabs and slams his opponent to the ground.
El Diablo Amarillo Ramón
K
Ramón runs forward. If he reaches his opponent, he performs a long series of kicks, ending by feint stepping back and doing a dropkick. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Savage Fire Cat
K
Ramón runs to the back wall, then jumps off of it and dives onto his opponent. He then performs a barrage of attacks in midair.
Max: Tiger Spin
LP + HP (close)
Ramón grabs and slams his opponent to the ground three times.
Max2: Hypnotic Tiger
LP + HP
Ramón runs forward. If he reaches his opponent, he performs a long series of kicks, ending by shoving the opponent with an Irish whip, stepping onto the opponent, and diving with a body attack.
Kula is a young girl who had been kidnapped and experimented upon by NESTS as part of their "Anti-K'" project. She was created by NESTS to hunt and kill the fugitive K', with cryokinetic abilities specifically designed to counter his pyrokinetic powers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Diamond Breath
P
Kula blows a stream of icy breath toward the ground. The breath knocks her opponent over on impact when the move is performed with LP . It travels further but only knocks the opponent back when the move is performed with HP .
Crow Bite
P
Kula leaps forward in an arc with a spiraling uppercut while trailed by icy sparkles, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She ascends higher and leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Counter Shell
P
Kula swipes a hand downward, which knocks down the opponent on impact. This move can reflect projectiles.
Ray Spin
K
Kula leaps forward while kicking with a pirouette spin like a ballerina. She can follow up with a high kick that shoots a bolt of ice (Stand) by pressing + LK or by sliding forward on a sheet of ice while sweeping with both legs (Sit) by pressing + HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
One Inch Punch
+ LP
Kula reaches forward and clenches her fist, delivering a concentrated strike that knocks her opponent over.
Critical Ice
+ HP
Kula shoots a blast of ice from her hand that knocks her opponent over.
Slider Shoot
+ LK
Kula slides forward on a sheet of ice while sweeping with both legs. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Diamond Edge
P
Kula thrusts her hands down, causing a giant ice spike to pop out of the ground.
La ✩ Cachora
K in midair
Kula drops on top of her opponent. Foxy, Diana, and Candy surround the opponent and Kula cheers, then the opponent explodes.
Max: Freeze Execution
LP + HP
Diana rushes across the screen, knocking the opponent over on impact, then Kula holds her arms out and freezes everything.
Max2: Freeze Completion
LP + HP , LK + HK , LP + HP + LK (close)
Kula reaches forward and clenches her fist. If it connects, Diana appears behind the opponent and slashes them with her rapier, Foxy flies across with a rapier stab, Kula leans back and freezes the opponent in a large block of ice, and Candy appears to bombard the opponent.
K9999
K9999 is the 9,999th clone of Kyo Kusanagi created by NESTS. He has been sent by the organization on a mission to hunt down and destroy the NESTS creations that have gone rogue, primarily K'. His design is heavily influenced by the character Tetsuo from the anime Akira.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Acchi e Itteroo!
P
K9999 swipes the air with his hand, causing dust to burst in front of him. This move can negate projectiles.
Wareroo!
P
K9999 leans back while swinging his arms, creating a trail of fire in an upward arc in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Kudake!
K
K9999 leaps forward while spreading his arms, creating a trail of fire in an upward arc in front of him. The move knocks down his opponent on impact when it is performed with LK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Urusee!
+ LP
K9999 slides forward while spinning his hand into a long drill, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Tsuki...
P
K9999 leans forward while swinging his arms, creating a large sphere of psychic energy that rolls around him.
Temee mo Oucchimae!
K
K9999 turns his arm into a long gun and fires it five times across the screen. The move normally hits five times, but it can hit nine times when done between a half and a full screen away from the opponent.
Max: Chikara ga... Katte ni... Uwaaaa!!
LP + HP + LK + HK
K9999 grows his arm into a huge, mutated tentacle that covers the full width of the screen.
Max2: Kore wa marude...
in midair
K9999 hovers in the air, and the screen turns white as the opponent is hit multiple times.
Ángel
Ángel is a Mexican wrestler who was given enhanced strength by NESTS. She was sent to monitor Kula and Foxy.
Most of her special moves are part of a mechanic that is unique to her called an "Unchain" series. This allows her to link three moves together into a chain: an Unchain Starter (the first move), an Unchain Circle (the second move), and an Unchain Finish (the last move).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Red Sky of Japonesia
K
Ángel dashes across the screen. If she reaches the opponent, she grabs them with her legs and throws them into the air.
Mad Murder Roulette
K
Ángel tries to grab her opponent. If she succeeds, she launches them into the air with a high kick.
Unchain Starter: Formalist Blue
+ LK
Ángel steps forward with a low kick.
Unchain Starter: Citizen of the World
+ HK
Ángel swings her leg into a heel drop.
Unchain Starter: Repun Kamui
P
Ángel stomps the ground while punching, which knocks down her opponent on impact.
Unchain Starter: Beyond Flames
K
Ángel runs across the screen.
Unchain Circle: Bye Bye Rogue
+P
Ángel does an upward punch.
Unchain Circle: Shelter from the Storm
+K
Ángel does a high kick.
Unchain Circle: Buggy and Coffin
+P
Ángel does a downward punch. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Unchain Circle: With a Lamp for the Pathway
+K
Ángel leaps forward and falls with a kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Unchain Circle: A Train to See Cherry Blossoms
+P
Ángel slides forward and does a low punch. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Unchain Circle: Impotent Symptom
+K
Ángel leaps forward and does a low kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Unchain Special: Oomagatoki
HP + LK + HK or /+ HP + LK + HK
Ángel spins around. She spins backward when is held, forward when is held, or in place when no direction is held. This move is used to reposition Ángel or delay the next move without dropping the combo, since some of the moves can knock the opponent out of position for the next move. It can be followed by an Unchain Finish move.
Unchain Finish: Crown Under the Sky
LP
Ángel does an uppercut that knocks her opponent into the air. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Unchain Finish: A Full Moon Evening
HP
Ángel throws a haymaker that knocks her opponent over. This move is unblockable.
Unchain Finish: State of Heat Haze
K
Ángel turns around and rolls backward with a kick that knocks her opponent down. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Unchain Finish: Cosmic Futen Swing
LP
Ángel hops on her opponent's back and does a choke.
Unchain Finish: Lost Homeland
HP
Ángel hops on her opponent's back and does a choke.
Unchain Finish: A Garden to Play with Ghost
K
Ángel grabs her opponent and kicks them away with a dropkick.
Unchain Finish: Beyond Flames
K
Ángel runs across the screen.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Senseless Chatter
+ LK
Ángel does a spinning back kick.
At the Wasteland
+ HK in midair
Ángel falls with a knee strike. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Loyalty Test for the Liberalists
P as Unchain Finish
Ángel does a long combo that ends with an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air.
Max: Winds Fairground
LK + HK against ground attack
Ángel holds her leg up in a defensive posture. If she is hit by a grounded opponent while doing this, she retaliates with a short combo.
Max: Blue Monday Parade
LK + HK against air attack
Ángel holds her leg up in a defensive posture. If she is hit by an airborne opponent while doing this, she grabs and slams the opponent to the ground.
Max: Loyalty Test for the Rebels
LP + HP as Unchain Finish
Ángel does a long combo that ends with hopping on her opponent's back and doing a choke, turning around and rolling backward with a kick, knocking the opponent into the air with an uppercut, and hitting the opponent with a haymaker as they land.
Max2: Survivors Banquette
HP + LK + HK during Blue Monday Parade
Ángel lifts and slams the opponent. While the opponent is downed, she dashes back and forth, then falls onto the opponent with an elbow drop.
Awakened Orochi Team
The Orochi versions of the New Faces Team can be selected by holding START when highlighting them on the character select screen.
Orochi Yashiro
The true form of Yashiro. He was designed to be a darker counterpart to Goro Daimon and fights with a similar grappling style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Odoru Daichi
K
Yashiro runs forward and grabs his opponent, then flips backward through the air with a slam. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Kujiku Daichi
P
Yashiro leaps through the air with a grab, then does a handstand on the opponent's head and rolls over to the other side of the opponent. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Niragu Daichi
P (close)
Yashiro does a handstand on top of his opponent, then rolls over and throws the opponent through the air.
Musebu Daichi
P (close)
Yashiro lifts his opponent up by the neck, then slams them back and forth on the ground. He then jumps into the air with the opponent and slams them into the ground.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Saku
+ LP
Yashiro smashes his fist down to the ground, which knocks down the opponent on impact. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Bu
+ LK
Yashiro does a side kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ankoku Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
P (close)
Yashiro lifts his opponent up by the neck, then drops and kicks them. He then picks them up by the neck and slams them back and forth on the ground, ending by tossing them into the air.
Araburu Daichi
K
Yashiro leaps forward and tries to grab his opponent's head. If he succeeds, he rolls over to the other side of the opponent, then grabs them by the neck, jumps into the air, and slams them into the ground, then jumps higher into the air and throws them into the ground again, following up with a ground smash.
Max: Ankoku Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi
LP + HP (close)
Yashiro lifts his opponent up by the neck, then drops and kicks them. He then picks them up by the neck, slams them back and forth on the ground, and tosses them into the air as a pillar of dark energy explodes from the ground.
Max: Araburu Daichi
LK + HK
Yashiro leaps forward and tries to grab his opponent's head. If he succeeds, he rolls over to the other side of the opponent, then grabs them by the neck, jumps into the air, and slams them into the ground, then jumps higher into the air and throws them into the ground again, following up with a ground smash.
Max2: ХАРУМАГЭДОН (Armageddon)
LK HK LP LP + HP + LK
Yashiro rears away and lunges forward with a hard punch that knocks the opponent into the air.
Orochi Shermie
The true form of Shermie. She is meant to be a darker counterpart to Benimaru Nikaido and possesses similar electrokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Mugetsu no Raiun
P or K
Shermie blows an explosive ball of lightning in front of her. The distance the ball is blown depends on the button used, with LP being closest to Shermie, LK being halfway across the screen, HP being three-quarters across the screen, and HK being completely across the screen.
Yatanagi no Muchi
P
Shermie slashes the air in front of her, causing a wave of lightning to travel from her. This move knocks down the opponent on impact. The projectile travels further when the move is performed with HP .
Shajitsu no Odori
K
Shermie does a lightning-infused axle spin through the air. She jumps farther when the move is performed with HK .
Raijin no Tsue
K in midair
Shermie spins higher in the air, then unrolls her body with a lightning-infused downward kick, which knocks the opponent to the ground on impact.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Kourai
+ LK
Shermie does a front walkover while kicking. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ankoku Raikou Ken
P
Shermie pulls her fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of her with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times.
Shukumei, Genei, Shinshi
K
Shermie shoots her body forward with an axle spin kick while her body courses with electricity.
Max: Ankoku Raikou Ken
P
Shermie pulls her fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of her with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times.
Max: Shukumei, Genei, Shinshi
K
Shermie shoots her body forward with an axle spin kick while her body courses with electricity.
Max2: УНМЭЙ НО Я (Unmei no Ya)
LK LP LP , then P or K
Shermie blows a lightning ball as a kiss. If it connects, a lightning strike hits a random part of the stage. If it hits Shermie, she is instantly knocked out by it.
Orochi Chris
The true form of Chris. He was designed to be a darker counterpart to Kyo Kusanagi and can control fire like him.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Taiyou o Iru Honoo
P
Chris lunges forward and swings his clasped hands, which causes purple explosions to ripple through the air in front of him. The projectiles travel further when the move is performed with HP .
Kagami o Hofuru Honoo
P
Chris leaps forward while slashing his hand downward as it burns with purple fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps farther when the move is performed with HP .
Tsuki o Tsumu Honoo
P
Chris twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of purple fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He twirls an additional time on the ground and ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
Shishi o Kamu Honoo
K (close)
Chris does an uppercut, then he hits his opponent with alternating burning body blows, finishing with a high kick that knocks the opponent away. The initial uppercut breaks his opponent's guard if they are blocking, which makes the rest of the move unblockable.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Muyou no Ono
+ LP
Chris lunges forward with a punch that spins his body around.
Jukei no Oni
+ LK
Chris does a back walkover while kicking. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Setsudan no Koto
+ LK
Chris slides forward with a sweep kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ankoku Orochi Nagi
, then hold P
Chris holds a finger into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max: Ankoku Orochi Nagi
, then hold LP + HP
Chris holds a finger into the air and foments a flame while LP + HP is held. When the buttons are released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max2: Sanagi o Yaburi
HK HP HP HK
Chris transforms into Orochi and raises his hand, causing a shockwave to batter the opponent.
Hidden
Shingo and King were absent from the original Neo Geo game but return as unlockable characters in the Dreamcast version.
Kusanagi
Kusanagi is a bad-tempered clone of Kyo who uses his old look and moveset. He can be unlocked by beating mission 20 in the Time Attack mode (or playing the Time Attack mode 50 times), then selected by holding START when highlighting Kyo on the character select screen.
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
108 Shiki: Yami Barai
P
Kusanagi throws fiery red sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki
P
Kusanagi twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma
K
Kusanagi flies through the air with a spinning back kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He kicks once when the move is performed with LK and three times when the move is performed with HK .
910 Shiki: Nue Tsumi
P
Kusanagi slides forward with an elbow strike. If he hits his opponent, he launches the opponent into the air with a fiery uppercut.
75 Shiki: Kai
K
Kusanagi hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. He hops further when the move is performed with HK . The move can be followed up with an additional kick by pressing K again after kicking the opponent into the air.
202 Shiki: Koto Tsuki You
K
Kusanagi runs into his opponent with an elbow strike, then lifts the opponent into the air with his hand and causes an explosion of red fire. He runs further when the move is performed with HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi
+ HP in midair
Kusanagi clasps his hands together and swings them down like a hammer. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Ge Shiki: Gou Fu You
+ LK
Kusanagi pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second strike hits high and can only be blocked standing.
88 Shiki
+ HK
Kusanagi kicks twice while crouched.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
, then hold P
Kusanagi holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max: Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi
, then hold LP + HP
Kusanagi holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while LP + HP is held. When the buttons are released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Max2: Saishu Kessen Ougi Zero Shiki
LP + HP
Kusanagi ignites his hand and throws a burst of fire onto the ground. He runs through the fire, setting himself ablaze, and performs several rapid punches.
Shingo Yabuki
Shingo is a Japanese high school student who idolizes Kyo and imitated his fighting style. He can be unlocked as a playable character by beating the Single Attack mode (or playing it 20 times).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
104 Shiki: Aragami Mikansei
LP
Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm.
105 Shiki: Dokugami Mikansei
HP
Shingo turns around with a hook punch using his leading arm that knocks the opponent over.
100 Shiki: Oniyaki Mikansei
P
Shingo does an elbow strike, then twirls into the air while holding his arms out, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with HP .
101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma Mikansei
K
Shingo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. When the move is performed with HK , he follows up with an additional kick and sometimes face plants to the ground (which can hit an additional time while he falls).
202 Shiki: Kototsuki Mikansei
K
Shingo runs forward with a hook punch, then jumps with a double-fisted bash that knocks the opponent to the ground. He runs farther when the move is performed with HK .
Shingo Kick
K
Shingo does a jumping turnaround kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with HK .
Shingo Kinsei Ore Shiki: Nie Togi
K (close)
Shingo turns around with two elbow strikes, then jumps into the air with a back attack.
Shingo Kinsei Ore Shiki: Gecchuu
P
Shingo does an elbow smash that knocks his opponent to the ground.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Goufu Kakkodake
+ LK
Shingo pulls his leg up high, then does an axe kick.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Ge Shiki: Kake Hourin
P
Shingo steps forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent back.
Max: Ge Shiki: Kake Hourin
LP + HP
Shingo steps forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent back.
Max2: Shingo Kinsei Ore Mu Shiki
LP + HP
Shingo advances with a series of hard hook punches and elbow strikes, finishing by twirling into the air while holding his arms out before face planting.
King
King is a French Muay Thai expert and restaurateuse. She can be unlocked by beating mission 40 in the Time Attack mode (or playing the Time Attack mode 150 times).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Venom Strike
LK
King performs a jumping kick, lobbing a fireball through the air.
Double Strike
HK
King performs two jumping kicks in quick succession, lobbing two fireballs through the air.
Trap Shot
K
King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a barrage of fast kicks, ending by kicking her opponent away.
Tornado Kick
K
King leaps ahead while kicking up, which knocks her opponent over. She follows up with a second kick when the move is performed with HK .
Mirage Kick
P
King runs forward, then hits her opponent with alternating high and low kicks. She runs slightly further when the move is performed with HP .
Mirage Dance
P (close)
King kicks her opponent multiple times, ending with a sweep kick.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Trap Kick
+ LK
King hops forward with a downward kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Slide Kick
+ HK
King slides forward with a sweep kick. This move hits low and can only be blocked crouching.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Illusion Dance
K
King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and multiple midair kicks.
Max: Illusion Dance
LK + HK
King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and multiple midair kicks.
Max2: Surprise Rose
LK + HK
King rolls into the air, then comes down with multiple stomping kicks.
Bosses
Omega Rugal
Omega Rugal is a version of Rugal that was revived with a small parcel of Orochi's blood. He is the final boss of the game. He can be unlocked as a playable character by beating the Team Attack mode (or playing it 20 times).
Move list (Special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Reppu Ken
P
Rugal sends a violent shockwave across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Kaiser Wave
P
Rugal holds his hands back, then throws a tall fireball across the screen that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with HP .
Genocide Cutter
K
Rugal jumps in the air with a crescent kick that knocks his opponent into the air, then kicks with his other leg while in the air. When the move is performed with HK , he jumps higher and finishes with an additional circular kick with both heels.
Dark Barrier
K
Rugal holds his hand out and generates a shield of dark energy. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles.
Beads Destruction
P
Rugal hops forward with a rolling sobat, then two high kicks that launch the opponent into the air. When the move is performed with HK , he finishes with an overhead chop as the opponent falls.
God Press
P
Rugal charges across the screen, grabbing and slamming the opponent against the wall.
Move list (Command normals)
Name
Command
Description
Double Tomahawk
+ LK
Rugal does a shin kick, then an overhead kick. This move hits high and can only be blocked standing.
Move list (Super special moves)
Name
Command
Description
Gigantic Pressure
P
Rugal charges across the screen, tackling the opponent into the wall, which causes a pillar of dark energy to explode.
Destruction Omega
K (close)
Rugal grabs and pummels his opponent with a series of strikes, ending with a jumping crescent kick.
Max: Gigantic Pressure
P
Rugal charges across the screen and tackles the opponent into the wall, causing a pillar of dark energy to explode, then tackles the opponent into the opposite wall, causing another pillar of dark energy to explode.
Max: Destruction Omega
K (close)
Rugal grabs and pummels his opponent with a series of strikes, ending with a jumping crescent kick.
Max2: Kaiser Phoenix
LP + HP
Rugal leans back and shoots barrages of Kaiser Waves and Gravity Smashes from his hands.
Stages
In the single-player modes, the stages are chosen randomly for each match, except the mid-boss fight against the NESTS Team is always fought in the NESTS stage and the final boss Omega Rugal is always fought in the Unknown Airship stage. The stage can be manually chosen in the Practice mode; in the other modes, the stage is chosen randomly.
Japan
Korea
China
Holland
Cambodia
Mexico
Italy
NESTS
Unknown Airship
History
Legacy
The game received a remake entitled The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match, featuring additional characters, stages, music, and artwork and balancing changes. It was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2009 and the Xbox 360 in 2010, then later released on Steam in 2015 and the PlayStation 4 in 2021.
Versions
The Dreamcast version of the game adds back Shingo Yabuki and King, two characters that were omitted from the original arcade version.
and 
and crouch with 
. They backstep or run with 
and jump behind and ahead with 
or 
. They can perform short hops by pressing 
, a strong punch with 
, a weak kick with 
, or a strong kick with 
. Each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves that can be performed by the player with a specific series of button inputs. Characters have knockdown attacks, which knock the opponent over, that are performed with 
). This causes the character to glow for a duration and do reduced damage, but special moves can be canceled into other moves (at the cost of reducing the time remaining in Max mode), allowing for longer and more damaging combos. While in Max mode, Super Special moves can be done without costing an additional stock of the gauge, Max Super Special moves can be done for one additional stock of the gauge, and Max2 Super Special moves can be done for one additional stock of the gauge but can only be done when the character's health is low and flashing. Performing any Super Special move ends Max mode.
, which is a short animation during which the character is vulnerable to attack.
