Introduction
Following the conclusion of the "Orochi" saga (marked by the '97 tournament), SNK decided to release a new "dream match" (meaning the characters in the game are not bound by a storyline; evidenced by the fact that the Orochi team was still alive for this tournament). The gameplay featured the same selectable super meter system as KoF '97. In addition, SNK added the "Advantage" system that allowed the losing team to earn an advantage each round (extra stocks for Advanced mode or a shorter charge bar for Extra mode). Many consider The King of Fighters '98 to be their favorite KoF game due to its play mechanics and large roster.
Notation
Joystick Notation
.- up (u)
|
up+back (ub) - 7 8 9 - up+forward (uf)
back (b) - 4 6 - forward (f)
down+back (db) - 1 2 3 - down+foward (df)
|
`- down (d)
Note: These numbers can be easily referenced by looking at your keyboard "numpad". Think of it as a joystick/controller that is facing to the right. "5" is used to signify "neutral".
Motion Abbreviations
- QCF - 236 - Quarter circle forward/Hadouken/Fireball - Tilt stick downwards, then to downwards and forward, then forward.
- QCB - 214 - Quarter circle backward - Tilt stick downwards, then to downwards and backward, then backward.
- HCF - 41236 - Half circle forward - Tilt stick backwards, then to downwards and backward, then to downward, then to downwards and forward, then forward.
- HCB - 63214 - Half circle backward - Tilt stick forwards, then to downwards and forward, then to downward, then to downwards and backward, then backward.
- DP - 623 - Dragon punch - Tilt stick forwards, then to downward, then to downward and forward.
- RDP - 421 - Reverse Dragon Punch Motion - Tilt stick backwards then to downward, then to downward and backward.
- 360/FC - 62486 - Full circle - Complete a full rotation of the stick.
- 720 - 624862486 - Complete a 720 degree rotation of the stick.
- Charge (Set) - . - Hold a tilt - Hold the stick (~1 second) in either B or D (Depending) then move to F or U respectively.
- TK - 2369 - Tiger Knee Motion - QCF, then move to forward and upward.
Four Button Notation
- A - LP - Light Punch
- B - LK - Light Kick
- C - HP - Hard Punch
- D - HK - Hard Kick
Game Mechanics
KOF98 has two basic modes of play. Both are explained below.
Advanced Mode
Basic Commands
Block - hold 4 (air)
Backstep - 4,4
Dash - 6,6 (hold second 6 to run)
Short Hop - Tap 7 / 8 / 9
Jump - Press 7 / 8 / 9
Super Jump - Tap 2, 7 / Tap 2, 9 / Dash, 9
Emergency Evade (forward) - A + B
Emergency Evade (backward) - 4 + A + B
Down Evade - A + B as you land
Throw Escape - 4 / 6 + P / K as you're thrown
Guard Cancel Emergency Evade - Block, A + B
Guard Cancel Strike Attack - Block, C + D
Strike Attack - C + D (air)
Activate Power Gauge - A + B + C (1 point)
Taunt - Press Start
Extra Mode
Basic Strategy
Advanced Strategy
Game Versions
The Characters
Japan Team
Fatal Fury Team
Psycho Soldier Team
Art of Fighting/Kyokugenryu Team
Ikari Warriors Team
Orochi Team
Women's Team
'97 Special Team
Korea Team
'98 "Father" Team
Yagami Team
US Sports Team
Orochi Unleashed Team (Secret Team)
Edit Characters
EX Characters
- Kyo Kusanagi (KoF '95-Era)
- Terry Bogard (Real Bout 2-Era)
- Andy Bogard (Real Bout 2-Era)
- Joe Higashi (KoF '94-Era)
- Ryo Sakazaki (KoF '94-Era)
- Robert Garcia (KoF '94-Era)
- Yuri Sakazaki (KoF '94-Era)
- Billy Kane (Real Bout 2-Era)
- Mai Shiranui (Real Bout 2-Era)
KoF '98 Final Boss