Is this original KOF ’98 or ’98 UM/FE?
This is the original 1998 Neo Geo arcade game, with ADVANCED and EXTRA systems.
ArcadeGame Rerun guide
The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo Arcade)
KOF ’98 brings together fighters from ’94 through ’97 for a Dream Match built around three-character teams. The 1998 Neo Geo arcade game offers ADVANCED and EXTRA systems with different movement, defence and meter options.
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Game Rerun guide
Overview
SNK released the original MVS arcade game on July 23, 1998, drawing on the ’94 to ’97 roster and systems. This version uses the English subtitle The Slugfest.
Each side chooses three fighters and sets their order. They fight one at a time: the loser is replaced by the next teammate, while the winner stays on. A side loses when all three fighters are defeated.
ADVANCED uses power stocks and moving evasions; spending one stock activates MAX mode. EXTRA offers manual power charging, a stationary dodge and a forward hop, giving it a different rhythm in attack and defence.
Some fighters have alternate move sets, including EX Kyo and the awakened Orochi Team. The selection method and eligible fighters are listed below.
Cheat Codes
1998 Neo Geo arcade original: alternate fighters
At character selection, highlight a normal portrait below, hold Start and confirm with any original A/B/C/D attack button.
- Kyo: select EX Kyo.
- Terry, Andy, Joe, Mai, Billy, Ryo, Robert or Yuri: select that fighter’s alternate version.
- Yashiro, Shermie or Chris: select the corresponding awakened version.
Controls
- Directions
- Original Neo Geo arcade controls: use directions to move, jump and crouch. Hold away from the opponent to guard standing, or down-back to guard low.
- A / B / C / D
- A: light punch. B: light kick. C: heavy punch. D: heavy kick.
- ADVANCED
- A+B rolls. With a power stock available, A+B+C spends one stock to activate MAX. Tap forward twice to run.
- EXTRA
- A+B dodges in place. Hold A+B+C to charge power manually. Tap forward twice for a forward hop.
- C+D
- Performs a blow-away attack in either system.
Before you play
- Learn one system’s evasion and meter controls before working on character combos.
- Give each of your three fighters a simple, reliable combo so you have a familiar option after a teammate loses.
- Under pressure, guard on the ground and look for an opening to evade or counterattack. Repeated jumps are easy to catch with anti-air moves.
Known limitations
- The game text is in English.
FAQ
Should I choose ADVANCED or EXTRA?
Try ADVANCED if you want to run and roll toward opponents. Try EXTRA for manual power charging, stationary dodges and forward hops. Learn one before comparing how the other feels.
Are EX fighters just alternate colours?
No. They have different moves: EX Kyo uses an older move set, and the awakened Orochi Team has its own attacks. Hold Start while selecting an eligible fighter; see the cheat section for the full list.